The Body Paragraph Point Information Explanation The Paragraphs

The Body Paragraph Point, Information, Explanation

The Paragraphs have specific, complicated goals to accomplish; they have to be specific, separate ideas, yet still relate to each other and to thesis; they have to stay on topic but not be repetitive; they have to use examples but avoid simple plot summary; they have to contain a main point and analyze that main point. How is it possible to do this? And is there some easy way to organize a paragraph? Maybe.

The Paragraph Sandwich Here is an analogy that some students have found useful. Think of a sandwich—to be a sandwich, you have to have two pieces of bread, whatever kind, and stuff in between them, right? So here’s what you would put in a paragraph sandwich:

The Paragraph Sandwich Point (Topic Sentence): 1 - 2 Sentences telling the reader what the main point of the paragraph. Information (Evidence): Use quotes and examples from readings, specific events or stories from your life to support your main point. Explanation (Analysis): Explain why, what, and how your Information reflects your point. Spend time telling us what it means, how it works, or why you’re right.

What’s missing? Some sexist commercials include those for Giggle Wiggle, Shark Attack, and Frog Soccer. For instance, in the Giggle Wiggle commercial, four people play the game—two boys and two girls. During the game, only the boys move the game pieces, shouting enthusiastically when they’ve made the right moves, while the girls, basically motionless, smile vacantly and watch the boys. At the end of the game, one of the boys wins and gleefully shouts, “I win!” while clapping his hands. Only then does a girl jump up and speak her one line, “Oh wow!”

Questions What is the writer’s argument? What is the writer trying to prove? What does the writer think about the commercial? What is the writer’s reaction? What is the point of sharing the commercial with the reader?

Find P. I. E Can you find P. I. E in the following paragraph? Revised PIE Example

An Example PIE Example How does this writer connect with Alexie? Why is it important for him to choose between friends and an education? What did he learn from the experience?

Explanation/Analysis How did the author from the previous example “explain” how he related to Alexie? Using the example as a guide, explain to the reader how, what, and why your experience connect with Alexie’s?