The Open Response Format & Sample

Introduction & Body Paragraph I Introduction – One sentence thesis Body Paragraph I: Definition &/or Background – Define a key term &/or give background about the reading Topic Sentence – Main idea of the body paragraph summarized in one sentence Lead in – Transition into textual evidence from the reading Textual Evidence – Quote, properly cited, from the reading Explication – Explain textual evidence from the reading Wrap up – Summarize your body paragraph by relating your findings back to the thesis

Body Paragraph II & Conclusion Topic Sentence – Main idea of the body paragraph summarized in one sentence Lead in – Transition into textual evidence from the reading Textual Evidence – Quote, properly cited, from the reading Explication – Explain textual evidence from the reading Wrap up – Summarize your body paragraph by relating your findings back to the thesis Conclusion – Transition (Unquestionably, all in all, in essence…) and restated thesis