Tips and Guidelines for Writing Strong Body Paragraphs This template can be used as a starter file for a photo album. Tips and Guidelines for Writing Strong Body Paragraphs

Introduction of Evidence Topic Sentence Transition Textual Evidence Introduction of Evidence Analysis Closing Sentence

Writer’s Position (or purpose) The Topic Sentence The Topic Sentence: This sentence will create a guideline for the rest of the paragraph. It should consist of: Writer’s Position (or purpose) Main Point (Should be directly connected to the thesis) NOT: Plot Summary IS: straight to the point (For practice purposes, you may restate your position and main point word-for-word.)

The Introduction to Evidence The Introduction of Evidence: The quote or textual evidence you choose must directly support your topic sentence. First provide the reader with context, a frame of reference, for the evidence you are going to provide. In other words, lead into the evidence so that it blends into the paragraph. (The quote should NOT look like it dropped out of the sky into your paragraph!) Lead-in should indicate: Who is involved in or with the quote? Why this happened? What is going on in general? When this is all happening? Where this is all taking place? Pick and choose what you think is necessary to create a smooth flow for your readers.

Textual Evidence Textual Evidence: Choose quotes that expand upon your main points (topic sentence) Pick quotes you have something to say about Pick quotes you can dissect to prove your points Avoid quotes that simply repeat what has already been said Avoid quotes that are too complex to support one idea Avoid quotes that have parts removed to make your point Avoid quotes that have nothing to do with the topic sentence. Avoid quotes that simply further plot. (You can do this in your own words by paraphrasing.

Analysis Analysis: This is where your argument should reveal itself. This part is where you show the reader how/why your quote proves your main point or topic sentence. It should answer the WHY? Clearly explain the connections that you see. Assume the reader has no idea what you are trying to prove. DO NOT: restate the quote in your own words (that is plot summary) AVOID: “this quote shows” and “this proves that” Think of yourself as a psychologist. Ask yourself: Why is the character acting this way? What’s going on under the surface?

Closing Sentence Closing Sentence: Be sure to tie all your ideas together for the reader with your closing sentence. DO NOT simply restate the topic sentence

INTRODUCTION: (BROAD OPENING) During the Holocaust, the Jews imprisoned in concentration camps faced times of great desperation. For some, these times brought out their best qualities such as compassion and unselfishness. For others, the challenges of the camps brought out a survival instinct that overshadowed their ability to be kind or compassionate. (BRIDGE)Throughout his Holocaust memoir Night, Elie Wiesel depicts the emotions and behaviors caused by the horrific conditions of the concentration camps. (THESIS) Night conveys the message that it is in times of pure desperation that people are compelled to reveal their kindest personality, as shown through Moishe’s loyalty to his friends, the actions of Elie’s father when he fears he is going to die, and Elie’s treatment towards his dying father.

BODY PARAGRAPH (TOPIC SENTENCE) Wiesel demonstrates in Night that in times of pure desperation, one’s kindest personality reveals itself, as shown by Moishe’s unwavering loyalty to his fellow Jews. (INTRO TO EVIDENCE) Moishe is one of the first Jews of Sighet to experience the concentration camps. Even though he is not treated particularly well in Sighet, he still returns after his time in a camp to warn his neighbors. His kind personality is visible (SIGNAL PHRASE) when he states, (EVIDENCE) “To live? I don’t attach any importance to my life anymore. I’m alone. No, I wanted to come back, and to warn you.” (CITATION) (Wiesel 5) (ANALYSIS) Because of his suffering in a concentration camp, Moishe gains knowledge of the reality of the Holocaust that the residents of Sighet are still denying. His time in the camp leaves him with a sense of despair and loss, as shown by his questioning the importance of his own life. Still, Moishe’s compelling need to return to Sighet and warn his neighbors, even in this despair, and even though he is not well treated by his neighbors in Sighet, proves his strong will and compassion to help save his friends. (CLOSING) Although Moishe no longer sees a purpose in his own life, he unselfishly continues living in order to warn, and possibly save others from the horror.

Introduction to Evidence (with signal phrase) Textual Evidence Review Topic Sentence Introduction to Evidence (with signal phrase) Textual Evidence Analysis Closing Sentence