1. A refresher course in Writing
Writing with purpose 101

2. Main Idea/MAIN CLAIM
The main idea of an essay is also called the THESIS. This is a debatable claim that requires relevant evidence to support. In other words, it is what you are trying to prove in your writing. Example: Sandra Cisnero’s purpose in writing “Barbie-Q” is to show that as people grow up, they begin to care what others think of them.

3. Evidence
After the main idea is stated, relevant evidence must be provided to support the claim. The primary tools of evidence in literary analysis are specific examples and quotes from the text you are analyzing. Evidence should be relevant and directly support the writer’s thesis statement. Example: At the beginning of the story, the narrator states her Barbie “is the one with bubble hair. Red swimsuit, stilettos, pearl earrings, and a wire stand. But that’s all we can afford” (1).

4. Analysis
Analysis is the writer’s evaluation, interpretation, judgment, or conclusion of how the evidence supports the main idea or thesis. Example: This shows that the narrator was innocent and was only interested in playing with her Barbie dolls. She could care less about their price and made do with what she had. However, this changes by the end of the story.

5. LINK/LAST
The last sentence of the paragraph should wrap up your thesis and the evidence and analysis you presented. Example: The narrator would rather play with real Barbie's that are damaged than the cheaper versions, which shows that people often feel the need to fit in as they grow older.