ANALYSIS STRUCTUREPoint

Proof (with context)

Explanation

Link

Thesis• Let’s say you are trying to prove that Atticus is a good

parent…

• Your thesis might look like this:• Thesis: Atticus Finch is a good father to Jem and

Scout because he is a wise and compassionate teacher.

Topic Sentence• State the topic for the paragraph• It should be a supporting argument for your thesis.

• Atticus helps his children understand that sometimes people act poorly out of ignorance.

Point• Make a claim• Make a statement that is a part of the argument to support

your thesis

• Example:• For example, Scout’s first reaction to insults at school

is to fight, but Atticus instructs her not to react with violence.

Proof• You can provide any of the following:

• a quotation from the source• a paraphrase of the quotation (put it into your own words)• a summary of the information

• Example:• “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school,

but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat” (76).

Context• Be clear about the timing/people/events that surround the

evidence• Who? What? Where? When?• Example:• When Cecil Jacobs teases Scout about her father

defending a black man, she wants to fight him, but she later asks Atticus about it. He responds by telling her that he is defending Tom Robinson, but reminds Scout, “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat” (76).

Explanation• What does the evidence mean?• Do I need to explain anything about it so my audience

understands it before I comment about its importance?

• Example:• Scout deals with her aggravation by fighting, but

Atticus explains to her that fighting is not a proper way to solve problems.

Link• I ask myself, “so what?”• How is my evidence important to my point and thesis?• Why is my evidence important to my point and thesis?• Link back to your main argument (of the paragraph and of

the thesis)

• Example:• Though Scout makes a poor choice at school out of

ignorance, Atticus turns it into a positive learning opportunity where he can teach his daughter how to better respond with an alternative to violence.