Paragraph Structure
We've been doing it all year with our One Page Papers. Now you just have to do it 2-3 times, depending on your paper. Below is generally how you should structure your paragraphs:
- Sub-Claim (1 Sentence): In your One-Page Papers, this was your thesis. Basically, what's the focus of the next paragraph we're reading.
- Context (1-2 Sentences): Essentially, what information is needed so the reader understands the evidence. More information about how to do this can be found here.
- Evidence (1 Sentence): Either a quote from the text or a description of an image. Make sure you're able to analyze your evidence – it should show, not tell. Be sure to correctly cite your evidence. More information about how to do this can be found here.
- Analysis (2-3 Sentences): In your analysis you should be moving from a more granular analysis to a broader connection back to your idea for the paragraph and larger thesis. More information about how to do this can be found here.
- Repeat Context, Evidence, and Analysis. Each paragraph should do this twice.
- Conclusion/Bridge (1 Sentence): In this final sentence of your paragraph, you should work to wrap up the ideas you've made and move us towards the next paragraph. If you can't make that bridge in this concluding sentence, you can work it into the beginning of your next paragraph.
Want to look at an exemplar essay? Here's one.