1. Formal Paragraph
Structure Formula:
T.E.A.S.

2. Formula: T: Topic Sentence E: Evidence / Examples A: Analysis
S: Summarizing Sentence

3. Step 1: “T” Topic Sentence Addresses main point or idea
First sentence of paragraph
Example topic sentence: Throughout Cynthia Rylant’s “Papa’s Parrot,” Harry takes his father for granted and eventually realizes the error of his ways.

4. Step 2: “E” Examples/Evidence
Use a quotation if you are analyzing a novel / story / play, etc.
Examples/Evidence: In the story, Harry begins to grow older and loses interest in visiting his father at the candy and nut shop. When Harry’s father becomes sick, Harry steps up and promises to take care of the shop. While Harry is cleaning up the store, he hears Mr. Tillian’s parrot and makes a shocking discovery. In the story, Rocky, the parrot, says, “’Miss him! Miss him! Where’s Harry’” (Rylant 3)? At this point, Harry realizes that his father has missed him and his company.

5. Step 3: “A” Analysis Explain the purpose in including this example.
How does this example help solidify the argument in your topic sentence?
Example analysis of first example: Harry learns a valuable lesson, which is that family is important and should come first in one’s life. He recognizes that he has almost lost his father. After cleaning the rest of the shop, Harry leaves to go visit him.

6. Step 4: “S” Summarizing Sentence
Links main point back to your topic sentence
Example summarizing statement: Overall, Harry learns an important lesson about family, and with the help of Mr. Tillian’s parrot, he begins to mend his relationship with his father.