Point, Proof, Explanation, Link Paragraphs

Topic Sentence Title of work (story, novel, play) Author of work Overall argument Three points Example: In the novel Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda is a complex character because she is lonely, self-conscious, yet creative.

Point Present your points in the same order as they appear in your topic sentence Include a transition word Example: First, Melinda is a lonely character.

Proof Include a specific example from the work as proof This can be paraphrased or a direct quotation ALWAYS include a citation (page number)

Context Give CONTEXT for the quotation: Who? What? Where? When? Why? What is happening at the time? Which of the above 5Ws are important to include? 15-3-8

Example of Proof with Context When Melinda enters the auditorium on her first day of school, she says, “I stand in the center aisle of the auditorium, a wounded zebra in a National Geographic special, looking for someone, anyone, to sit next to” (p.5). 15-3-8

Explanation HOW or WHY is the quotation important to the point you are making? How does the quotation prove the point you are making? What do I need to explain about the quotation before commenting on its significance to my point?

Example of Explanation Melinda describes herself as one who no one wants to socialize with. 15-3-8

Link You must link your explanation to your point and overall argument/idea Perhaps restate a word or words from your original point Example: Because Melinda is looking for friends to sit with, she is a lonely character. 15-3-8

Now add two more points, proofs, explanations and links This is all ONE paragraph (it might seem long) Remember formal writing rules

Concluding Sentence Title and author Overall argument and three points stated in a fresh, new way Example: In conclusion, the character Melinda, in Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel Speak, is complicated because she is lonely and self- conscious, yet also creative.