1. Literature Circle Paragraph
Using Point,
(Context) Proof,
Explanation,
Link

2. A paragraph must include:
Topic sentence (outlines topic of paragraph)
Body (states points, gives proof, provides explanation)
Concluding sentence (restates topic sentence in a fresh way)

3. Your topic
Using your literature circle novel, choose ONE of the following topics:
Choose three conflicts the main character faces. What do these conflicts teach the character and/or the reader?
Choose a character who changes throughout the novel. What are three stages they go through? Why or how do they change?
How are the young characters in your novel faced with adult situations? How do they deal with these situations? Do they mature faster than most people their age? What does this reveal?
What are three ways a theme(s) is revealed throughout the novel?
From what point of view is your novel told (who is the narrator)? How does this narration choice impact the story? What are the positives and negatives of this narration choice? What does the point of view reveal about the narrator and other characters?
Choose a symbol and demonstrate what it represents throughout the novel. Choose three ways this is shown.
You can alter these topics to suit your novel and argument
Have Westra check your topic sentence and organization before starting

4. Example of topic sentence
Your topic sentence should include the following:
The title of the novel (the title should be in italics)
The author of the novel
An overall argument (NEW!)
Your three points
In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, Katniss represents an attitude of rebellion towards the government of Panem, which is evident in her cynical outlook on the government, her lifestyle choices in District 12, and her attitude toward the Hunger Games themselves.

5. Point, (CONTEXT) proof, explanation, LINK (NEW!)
We have already been introduced to point, proof, explanation structure
Now, we will add in link…this is a connection back to the overall argument you are creating in your topic sentence

6. First: Make a point
Use a transition word to show you are starting a new point.
Include your overall argument
Example:
To start, Katniss represents rebellion through her cynical outlook on the government.

7. Second: Give proof (with context)
Use a quotation as proof
Make sure you use your “Using Quotations” note(s) to incorporate quotations properly
Include some context (who is speaking, what is happening) in your quotation introduction
Example:
Katniss makes it clear that she has always thought about her society’s situation and the fear her family experiences: “When I was younger, I scared my mother to death, the things I would blurt out about District 12, about the people who rule our country, Panem, from the far-off city called the Capitol” (6).

8. Third: explain
Does anything about the proof need to be explained/clarified?
Example:
Even at a young age, Katniss starts to think about her poor way of life and her controlling government.

9. Fourth: link (NEW!) Why is this proof important? So what?
How does it help prove your point?
How does it help support your overall argument?
Example:
These thoughts of hers start to show her rebellious nature.

10. Add two more points, proofs, explanations & links
Transition, Point #1
Context and Proof
Explanation
Link
Transition, Point #2
Transition, Point#3

11. Concluding sentence
Sum up your topic in a fresh, new way (for example, use different wording for your argument and points)
Example:
Katniss is a symbol for resistance, noticeable in her sceptical attitude toward the government, her defiant lifestyle, and her hatred of the Hunger games themselves.