Thesis Statement Takes a position Answers prompt Answers how and why
Bodacious Body Paragraphs
Elements of a Bodacious Body Paragraph Begins with a clear topic sentence Embeds evidence to support the argument (introduce, insert, cite, explain thoroughly) Returns back to the thesis and explains how this point supports your side of the argument and connects this paragraph to the next
Structure of a Body Paragraph Topic Sentence (1 sentence) Embed evidence: -Give context -Integrate quotations -Commentary/analysis Transition Embed evidence There is no specific amount you need, but you need to transition between each piece Concluding Sentence/Transition (1 sentence connects back to your topic sentence)
A Clear Topic Sentence The topic sentence should state the one idea that the paragraph is about. Burton uses a series of camera movements to show the viewers the characters and the settings. Tim Burton manipulates lighting to create a feeling of fear and suspense in the audience.
Text Evidence Tell where in the movie it occurs Describe the scene Describe the situation surrounding the evidence Use a transition For example, for instance, etc.
Blending Quotations Think of it like a sandwich Step 1: Give context Step 2: Integrate quotation Step 3: Analyze the quotation
Embedding Quotations Step One: Introduce the quotation Ways to introduce the quotation: Tell when it occurs in the novel At the beginning of the story, Millicent is already planning to rebel by not joining the sorority. Tell what is happening during this time After getting a lesson on life from Miss Jones, Roger learns he must deal with growing up or he will fail.
Embedding Quotations Step Two: Write out the quotation and blend Example: Millicent unhappily explains the hazing process when she tells readers, Worse than a loyalty test, this grilling over the coals. What s it to prove anyway (Plath 141)? Cite the quotation at the end (Author s Last Name Page Number). Punctuation goes after the citation
Embedding Quotations Step Three: Explain the quotation Feeling overconfident for the recital, she tells readers, I dawdled over it, playing a few bars and then cheating, looking up to see what notes followed (Tan 37 38). Here, Jing-mei displays her laziness by not practicing the piano on purpose. She feels her mother pushes her too hard and has unrealistic dreams for her future. Jing-mei thwarts her mother s ambitions, but in the end fails in both piano and her relationship with her mom.
Reflective Commentary GOOD phrases to use to start explaining a quotation: Here At this point During this conversation Burton s choice here indicates According to this effect by Burton
Reflective Commentary Use inferences Describe WHY Burton made that choice Explain the effect that choice has on the characters and audience (Is mood or tone influenced?)
Transitions to Second Example Agreement Additionally Comparatively Correspondingly Equally important Furthermore In addition In the same way Moreover Similarly Together with Opposition After all Besides Despite Conversely Different from Even so/even though In contrast Nevertheless On the other hand Then again Cause Due to Even if For the purpose of In the hope that Effect As a result Consequently For this reason Therefore
Closure Statement At the end of every body paragraph, YOU MUST return to your thesis Tell me why and how this supporting point actually is relevant to your argument and thesis statement
Example Body Paragraph (Topic Sentence) One cinematic technique Burton uses to create his movies is low key lighting. We see this being used in Corpse Bride multiple times. (Evidence) One of the biggest scenes that he used this in was when Victor is being chased by Emily after slipping the ring on her finger in the woods. (Commentary) With low key lighting, it creates the intensity of the scene and the darkness with the moon light creates eerie shadows. These shadows help the audience identify the setting as spooky and creepy. (Transition to next) Burton also uses this in The Nightmare Before Christmas. (Evidence) As the scene opens up, low key lighting is used in the graveyard, illuminating the ghosts and skeletons. (Commentary) The lighting adds to the already seemingly dark movie with creepy characters and creatures. (Concluding sentence)the way Burton uses lighting in the film creates mysterious shadows and glowing effects, adding to the depth of the movie and characters.
Word Choice Eliminate: Shows Says You/I/me/we/us/our Use 3 rd person