Paragraph Structure
The MEAL Plan is the easiest way to explain how to structure a paragraph.
Main assertion: an arguable claim that relates to or expands upon the thesis (i.e., Topic Sentence)
Evidence: in the form of examples, reasons, illustrations, observations—use the most salient examples to support the thesis; think of examples as a springboard into substantial analytical inquiry (i.e., Quotation)
Analysis: probing “so what;” drawing compelling conclusions; interpreting significance and relevance of ideas; unpacking meanings (i.e., figurative vs. literal; connotative vs. denotative); addressing “how” and “why” questions; arguments, assumptions, assertions, deductions, etc.
Link between a paragraph and the paper’s thesis while as linking to the next paragraph
In the following example, we are taking the revised topic sentence from above and breaking down how the podcast strategically develops the Haitian association with the zombie mythos. We are going to demonstrate Kaplan-Levenson's argument through paraphrase with the outline format, because her historical exploration is quite lengthy. (Note: Topics can exceed a single paragraph. Transitional phrases help maintain the structural integrity of the argument for the reader.)
Example
II. The original zombie from Haitian culture – a death-like state or a body without a soul – demonstrates the destructive nature of the institution of slavery, which lead to the creation of the myth of the living dead.
A brief historical overview of slavery on the island of Haiti by the French.
The two types of zombies – the broken and the revolutionary – and the duality of fear associated with the enslaved and the enslavers.
The linguistic history of the word zombie and how it became synonymous with enslavement and death.
The historical relevance of the Haitian revolution, and how despite earning independence, France maintained a strangle-hold over the economic prosperity of the island's people, thus continuing the elements of slavery through subjugation.
The 20th century US occupation of Haiti created a propaganda campaign to demonize people resisting social and political oppression, which birthed the introduction of cannibalism into the zombie zeitgeist as well as began the popular culture's fascination with the zombie mythos as metaphor.
Transitional Expressions or Phrases
Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.
Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase1.
Argumentation
222963_justice_wg_web.pdfThe information below is moderately adapted from Writing in Ethical Reasoning 22: Justice by Professor Michael Sandel from Harvard University. (The entirety of the information can be found in the pdf to the left.)
In the body of your paper, you will provide reasons and evidence that support your thesis and acknowledge counterarguments to your position.
Break your argument down into parts. If you have trouble with the organization of your papers, then you may want to break down the argument to be presented in the rest of the paper in your introductory paragraph.
Make sure you provide support for your argument. Do not write a paper that focuses too much on the practical problems of an issue without defending a broader claim. While some students have a problem with being too general or vague, others have a problem with being too focused and narrow.
Acknowledge counterarguments. You can strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments, even if you cannot conclusively refute them. Entertaining counterarguments shows that you are aware of alternative explanations and demonstrates your knowledge and fairness. When selecting counterarguments try to find a balance between which are the strongest and which highlight some aspect of your argument.
Organize your argument so that it has a logical flow. It is important that the different stages of your argument are easy for the reader to identify and understand and that the later stages of your argument follow directly from the earlier stages. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates what point that paragraph will cover. Topic sentences should also help the flow of the paper by connecting the ideas covered in each paragraph. Using transition words can help you connect your ideas (however, therefore, on the other hand, moreover, furthermore). Clear transitions will also help to avoid a laundry list style paper that lists seemingly unconnected points about an issue.
Additional Resources
- "Transitions." The Writing Center, UNC at Chapel Hill, https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/. Accessed 13 May 2020.
MEAL_PLAN Accessible.pdfThe MEAL plan
Transitioning: Beware of Velcro
Transitions
