WRITING ARGUMENT BODY PARAGRAPHS Argument body paragraphs contain

WRITING ARGUMENT BODY PARAGRAPHS

Argument body paragraphs contain… 1. A topic sentence that reveals the specific topic for that paragraph 1. 2. Your topic sentence should be a CLAIM or REASON from your thesis statement! Evidence that develops this topic, proves your claim, and/or supports your thesis 1. Make sure that you INTRODUCE and INTEGRATE this evidence!!! 2. Use as many pieces of evidence as you need to prove your thesis fully. 3. Analysis 1. Connect the evidence that you have provided back to your argument/thesis. Consider: how does your evidence prove what you are saying? 2. Each piece of evidence needs its own analysis to follow! 4. Conclusion/Transition 1. Conclude the paragraph by restating the topic sentence/claim in new words and transition into the next paragraph.

Integrating evidence from sources…. • • QUOTATION Words come directly from the article/source – hence, they need to be quoted. Quotes from articles can be used when quotes are shorter or the word choice from the author is very important to its meaning. As reported in her findings, Dr. Snow found that “there was very little evidence to suggest plagiarism” (Snow, 2001, 18). • • • INDIRECT QUOTATION The information comes from a source, but the words are your own. This can be used when you are summarizing an entire article or section of a source. Because the information is not your own, it still needs a citation (but no quotes). In 2001, Dr. Snow and her team collected information from hundreds of high schools all over the country (Snow, 2001, 18).

Label the sections… In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J. K. Rowling suggests through her portrayal of Hagrid that appearance can be misleading. Although he is one of the most loved characters in the Harry Potter universe, his initial confrontation with Harry strikes intimidation in the young boy’s heart. The narrator notes that Hagrid’s face is “almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard, ” and his eyes, “glint[ing] like black beetles, ” peer down at Harry (Rowling 46). Harry’s anxiety seeps through the page as he is confronted by an intimidating figure, and because this description paints such a scary picture, the reader might expect Hagrid to be a rather frightening person as the book progresses. [Significance] This initial description, however, is contrasted by Hagrid’s true character. Besides serving as a trusted informant to Dumbledore and a crucial ally to Harry and his friends, Hagrid displays an immense compassion for animals, an affection so powerful it sometimes reduces the giant to tears. Hagrid’s humble actions and earnest compassion show that appearances can be misleading, a theme that many characters mirror in the book.