1. HOW TO WRITE YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS
MEL - CON
HOW TO WRITE YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS

2. Main Idea, Evidence, Link CON Concluding Statement
MEL
Main Idea, Evidence, Link
CON
Concluding Statement
The writing process involves prewriting, composing, evaluating, revising, and finally editing.
Mel-Con is simply an EASY way for you to remember the important steps of writing a strong BODY PARAGRAPH – on any topic!!

3. Main Idea – your argument or claim
This is what you intend to prove in your paragraph stated in a very direct and concise way. (Keep it simple!!)
Should answer question posed in one sentence.
Should NOT start with “yes” or “no” even though you are answering a question!
Sets up the paragraph.

4. Evidence - example
This is how you will prove your Main Idea. Use “One time” examples, facts, reasons or quotes to prove the point you have stated you will prove. In other words, be specific! Be complete! Stick to your point! You must also make certain that this information moves along smoothly with …TRANSITIONS
Evidence:
Should always be prefaced by a transition.
Should prove only the main idea – nothing else
Should use information observed or measured (by your or someone else.) ** QUOTES would fit in this category!
The “stuff” you learned about the topic.
Should not be choppy.
Should not ignore important evidence which could disprove main idea.
Should define words that are not clear.
Is something that is common. Anyone can find and use it.

5. Link - explanation
This explains what your evidence has proven about your MAIN IDEA in one or two concise sentences.
Explains how the evidence supports your topic.
The link is what you think or how you relate the evidence to the topic.
Should move the reader beyond the main idea.
Your link is unique. It shows your thought processes and why you chose the evidence you chose.
The link SHOULD NOT ever start with: This quote means or This quote is saying…

6. Conclusion – wrap it up
The last sentence of the paragraph should be a conclusion; a sentence that wraps everything up and gives your paragraph closure. This should once again stress (but reword) your first claim or main idea.
The last sentence of your paragraph that summarizes your answer, your evidence.
Mentions your three pieces of evidence again in a new, short way.

7. Answer the Question with a statement
HINTS:
Do NOT start with “I think” or “I feel” or “I believe”
If you are not sure, why should your audience believe you?
Do NOT start with YES or NO.
Example:
PROMPT: Are kids of the 90’s smarter than kids of the 1950’s?
RESPONSE: The kids of the 1990’s are definitely smarter than the kids of the 1950’s
Looking Ahead:
THIS BECOMES YOUR MAIN IDEA: THE “M” IN YOUR MEL-CON

8. Sula – 1st Mel-Con
Sometimes love makes individuals selfish. In Sula Eva shows her selfishness, a discovery I have found within myself. To begin, “Eva leaves her children behind for 18 months with a neighbor” (Sula 45). Though her abandonment helps her provide for her children, she never shares her plans with her children or the neighbor. She, instead, claims to be back in a couple of hours, leaving her children in the hands of stranger not knowing if they would be okay. Just like Eva, I have had to leave my daughter behind for a school year to provide for us, even if it appeared to be selfish to her or others. Furthermore, Eva’s love for Plum reflects pure selfishness. The author states, “he smells a familiar smell…she lights a match then closes the door and proceeds upstairs” (81). No mother wants to see their child hurting themselves, or in this case, killing themselves slowly. Eva would rather selfishly take her son out of his misery, than watch the effects of the drugs kill the son she had once saved. As a mother, I’ve learned that I love hard like Eva. I’m hard on my daughter because I don’t want anyone or anything else to hurt her. If I am hard on her, she will know it’s because I love her. Though love is flawless, the people who love are not. At times love makes individuals do selfish things out of the ordinary. Eva has displayed a selfish love, but through Sula I have discovered a sense of acceptance.

11. Your 5 Paragraph Essay Your Entire Essay Should Look Like This:
ACTS - Intro
3 Mel-Con Body Paragraphs (or 2 depending on assignment)
STAC - Conclusion