AL

essay 2 concept.

Component Parts of a Body Paragraph in an Academic Essay

Introduction to Body Paragraph Structure

  • Focus on body paragraphs in academic essays.

  • Paragraph development must follow a specific structure.

  • Utilize different analogies for understanding paragraph structure.

    • Analogy Used: Paragraphs have an "outside frame" and an "inside frame".

Outside Frame of the Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence: The first sentence of the paragraph plays several roles:

    • Acts as the claim sentence.

    • Serves as a transition to maintain flow into the paragraph.

      • Key Point: Transitioning topics at the last sentence of the preceding paragraph is incorrect.

      • Paragraphs should remain unified and coherent.

      • Introducing a new topic in a body paragraph leads to incoherence.

Elements of the Outside Frame

  • Claim Sentence:

    • A strong claim is essential.

    • Example Structure: "Malcolm X’s initial decision to bring a dictionary into his jail cell contributed significantly to…"

  • Analytical Argumentative Conclusion: Each body paragraph must end with a statement of analysis.

    • This ties the paragraph claim back to the thesis.

      • Example Structure: "In conclusion, the multiplicity that Tan adopted strengthened her identity and others’ perception of her…"

    • Reinforces the thesis throughout the essay.

Importance of Audience Awareness

  • Readers naturally pause at the end of each paragraph.

    • This is a strategic place to remind them of the thesis and the analysis.

  • By reinforcing the connection between the claim and the thesis, coherence and focus are maintained throughout the essay.

  • Encourage maintaining track of the argument to avoid logical fallacies.

Inside Frame of the Paragraph

  • Integration of Support: Every body paragraph requires support.

    • Support can consist of quotes, facts, or data relevant to the claim.

      • No body paragraph can exist without support; otherwise, it lacks substance.

  • Rule of Thumb: Aim for approximately one quote per paragraph.

    • Excessive quotes can dilute the writer's voice.

    • Insufficient use of quotes renders the argument merely opinion.

Movement within Paragraphs

  • Incorporate a balance of general claims followed by specific evidence.

    • It creates movement akin to the ups and downs of a roller coaster.

      • Aim for a dynamic style to keep the reader engaged.

  • The integration of quotes adds weight to the paragraphs, grounding the argument and reinforcing the writer's voice.

Quote Integration: The "Quote Sandwich"

  • Utilize the quote sandwich metaphor for integrating support:

    • Top Slice of Bread: Signal Phrase

      • Introduces the quote with the author's name and an action verb (e.g., "Amy Tan argues…").

    • Filling: The Quote with In-text Citation

      • Ensure proper citation format (MLA or APA).

    • Bottom Slice of Bread: Commentary following the quote.

      • Analyzes the significance of the quote in relation to the argument.

Example and Structure of Quote Integration

  • The signal phrase can vary, incorporating the voice of the original speaker paired with an active verb:

    • Example: "Tan reveals that…"

  • The commentary part of the quote sandwich crucially ties the quote back to the main thesis.

Conclusion of the Writing Process

  • Drafting Strategy: Begin with body paragraphs, using quotes to stimulate ideas and structure.

    • Embrace the process of writing, even if it feels disorganized at first (shitty first draft).

      • Example Exploration: Start crafting thoughts through quotes to develop commentary and connections.

  • Subsequent assignments will reinforce the practice of this structure in upcoming drafts.