1. MEL-Con Paragraph Writing Strategy
M = Main Idea
"Answers" the question
Sets up the paragraph
The first sentence of the paragraph

2. MEL-Con Paragraph Writing Strategy
E = Evidence or Examples
Information from sources such as books, lectures, readings, etc. that support your main idea
The "stuff " you learned or found out about the topic
Evidence can be quotes, statistics, facts
Evidence is something that is common --anyone can find it or use it

3. MEL-Con Paragraph Writing Strategy
L = Link
Links the evidence you used to the key idea in your topic sentence
Explains how the evidence supports your topic
The link is what you think or how you relate the evidence to the topic
Your link is unique --- it shows your thought process and why you chose the evidence you chose

4. MEL-Con Paragraph Writing Strategy
Con = Concluding statement
The last sentence of your paragraph which summarizes your answer, your evidence
Mentions your pieces of evidence again in a new, short way

5. MEL-Con Paragraph Writing Strategy
Don't forget to use TRANSITIONS!
Separates each of your pieces of evidence
Organizes your paragraph and makes it easy for the reader to follow
We will focus on transitional phrases in the next unit---do the best you can.

6. Step 1: answer the question with a statement (Main Idea)
MEL-Con Step-by-Step: Identify two loaded words or phrases that you believe are emotionally charged. Discuss Edward’s intended effect on the audience. How do you think Edward’s choice of words affects his overall message?
Step 1: answer the question with a statement (Main Idea)
do not start with "I think" or "I feel" or "I believe"
do not start with YES or NO
Example: Jonathan Edwards uses words and phrases to emotionally appeal to his audience.

7. MEL-Con Step-by-Step
Step 2: Identify the evidence that fits into your key, or main, idea 
Example: Two emotionally charged examples of this are when Edwards uses the phrases “loathsome insect” and “worthy of nothing else”.

8. Link your example back to your key idea
MEL-Con Step-by-Step
Link your example back to your key idea
Example: These words emphasize the lowliness of humans and the torments of hell.

9. MEL-Con Step-by-Step
End your paragraph with a concluding statement to wrap up your ideas (Con)
Example: Edwards chooses his words carefully to make his message more powerful.

10. MEL-Con Step-by-Step
M: Jonathan Edwards uses words and phrases to emotionally appeal to his audience.
E: Two emotionally charged examples of this are when Edwards uses the phrases “loathsome insect” and “worthy of nothing else”.
L: These words emphasize the lowliness of humans and the torments of hell.
Con: Edwards chooses his words carefully to make his message more powerful.

11. MEL-Con Step-by-Step Finished Paragraph
Jonathan Edwards uses words and phrases to emotionally appeal to his audience. Two emotionally charged examples of this are when Edwards uses the phrases “loathsome insect” and “worthy of nothing else”. These words emphasize the lowliness of humans and the torments of hell. Edwards chooses his words carefully to make his message more powerful.