Bodacious Body Paragraphs

Elements of a Bodacious Body Paragraph Begins with a clear topic sentence Blends two quotations/paraphrases to support the argument (introduce, insert, cite, explain thoroughly) Returns back to the thesis and explains how this point supports your side of the argument and connects this paragraph to the next

Structure of a Body Paragraph Topic Sentence (1 sentence) Give context/background (1-2 sentences) Integrated Quotation from Text Draw Inferences Connect to Topic Sentence Analyze Quotation (2-3) Transition to next point; Context Quotation Analysis Concluding Sentence/Transition (1 sentence – connects back to your topic sentence)

MLA Style Write in present tense 3rd person (Not I/me/we/us/you) If typed Correct headers Double spaced Times New Roman size 12 font

A Clear Topic Sentence The topic sentence should state the one idea that the paragraph is about and what you are proving. In chapter 5, Eddie is at fault for his problems because he is surrounded by negativity.

Blending Quotations Step 1: Give context Step 2: Integrate quotation Think of it like a sandwich… Step 1: Give context Step 2: Integrate quotation Step 3: Analyze the quotation

Embedding Quotations Step One: Introduce the quotation Ways to introduce the quotation: Tell when it occurs At the end of the chapter... Tell what is happening during this time … Eddie takes Queenie to the vet.

Embedding Quotations Step Two: Write out the quotation and blend Example: Eddie wants “…to sprint straight into the future” (Soto 69). Cite the quotation at the end (Author’s Last Name Page Number). Punctuation goes after the citation

Embedding Quotations Step Three: Explain the quotation The woman is surprised and yells to her husband who “…disappeared into the house, and [Eddie] knew he was either getting his gun or calling the police” (Soto 73). Here, Eddie is running for his life from a bunch of young punks who are chasing him with knives. He knows the police will be called since he has a pattern of creating trouble.

Brackets [ ] are used when you change any of the words in the quotation. Ellipses: . . . are used when you omit (take out completely) any words in the direct quotation. Example: Original Quote: “I wanted to sprint straight into the future, but I kept going in circles.” Brackets and Ellipses: Eddie wants “…to sprint straight into the future, but [he keeps] going in circles” (Soto 69).

Explaining Quotations GOOD phrases to use to start explaining a quotation: Here… At this point… During this conversation… Millicent’s statement here indicates… According to this statement by the little girl…

Explaining Quotations NOT SO GOOD phrases to start explaining a quotation… This quotation says… This quotation indicates… According to this quotation… This shows… Stay away from these! They are not as professional as the other ways I just showed you.

Transition to next point Transitions provide a smooth change to another idea: Additionally Eddie is at fault because… Another way Eddie could avoid trouble… Despite this event…

Transitions Agreement Additionally Comparatively Correspondingly Equally important Furthermore In addition In the same way Moreover Similarly Together with Opposition After all Besides Despite Conversely Different from Even so/Even though In contrast Nevertheless On the other hand Then again Cause Due to Even if For the purpose of In the hope that Effect As a result Consequently For this reason Therefore

Concluding Sentence At the end of every body paragraph, YOU MUST return to your thesis Tell me why and how this supporting point actually is relevant to your argument

Concluding Sentence Eddie could avoid these problems by taking responsibility for his actions. Clearly, Eddie faces many problems during this chapter that only he can solve. He can help himself and avoid this situation by separating himself from negative influences.

Putting it all together… A Bodacious Body Paragraph: Begins with a clear topic sentence Blends in two quotations/paraphrases (introduce, insert, cite, explain thoroughly) Returns back to the thesis and explains how this point supports your body paragraph. It also connects this paragraph to the next.

(Topic Sentence) In chapter 5, Eddie goes through many problems that are his own fault. (Background) In the beginning of the chapter, Eddie is angry after finding out Angel may have killed Jesus. (Evidence) Eddie wants “…to sprint straight into the future, but [he keeps] going in circles” (Soto 69). (Explanation) In this situation Eddie is trying to stay out of trouble. He is so filled with rage that he heads straight to the gangsters hangout to look for Angel without thinking of the repercussions first. This proves to be a poor decision because it will only cause more trouble for Eddie. (Transition) Additionally, Eddie finds more trouble when he leaves the playground. (Background) As he leaves the homies chase him with knives and he hides in a neighboring yard. (Evidence) The woman is surprised and yells to her husband who “…disappeared into the house, and [Eddie] knew he was either getting his gun or calling the police” (Soto 73). (Explanation) Here, Eddie is running for his life from a bunch of young punks who are chasing him with knives. He knows the police will be called since he has a pattern of creating trouble. (Closing) Eddie can help himself and avoid this situation by separating himself from negative influences.