1. Mel-CON
Hey, I’m Mel!

2. What is Mel-CON? A logical, easy way to organize writing
A format to follow when writing a paragraph
A paragraph is
a group of complete sentences that discuss one main topic or argument
composed of a main idea/topic sentence, supporting details, and closing sentence

3. Mel-CON stands for…
M =Main Idea (Topic Sentence) E =Evidence/Examples (Support/Proof) L =Link (Explains how evidence proves main idea) Con =Concluding sentence (Sums up paragraph)

4. M=Main Idea The first sentence of the paragraph
Previews what the paragraph will be about
Identifies the topic or argument

5. E=Evidence/Examples
Information that directly proves the main idea or argument
Can come from sources such as experience, books, articles, online databases, etc.
Can be quotes, statistics, facts

6. L=Link Connects the evidence to the main idea
Explains how the evidence supports your topic
Also known as analysis
The most important part of an argument

7. CON=Concluding sentence
Summarizes the main points of the paragraph
Wraps up/adds closure to the argument

8. Transitions Words or phrases used to separate each piece of evidence
Used to add organization to your paragraph and to make it easy for the reader to follow
Examples:
first in addition furthermore
finally in conclusion next