Elements of a Body Paragraph:

1.  Begin the paragraph by stating your main idea of analysis - an "observation" about the essay - this "observation" might be one that we made as a group in class discussions or it might be an idea you got from reading the secondary research sources you gathered on your chosen writer.

• Example: K.C. Cole often gives two or more examples to support an idea which subtly leads her readers to compare the examples.

2.  Give evidence (examples) to support your main idea.

• Example: Summarize, describe, paraphrase, or quote 2-3 places in Cole's essay which illustrate the way Cole uses examples and comparisons in her essay.

3.  Offer reasons, explanations, reflections on your main analytical idea and the evidence you've offered -- offer your own explanations about the significance and/or meaning and/or relevance of your observation.  Answer the question: SO WHAT?  You also might "get help" here from your research sources -- maybe one of the sources offers an explanation you can include (using a quotation?) and then either agree with or disagree with.

• Example: Explain, speculate, hypothesize, theorize about why Cole presents examples which force the reader to compare the examples.  What might be her reason(s) for doing so?  How does it affect you as a reader?  How might other readers react?  How does this technique apply to Cole's intended audience and purpose for writing her essay?