The Formal Paragraph The formal paragraph is a

persuasive piece of writing wherein the author is trying to prove a point or make an argument.

In order to successfully prove one’s point, evidence is needed to support the stated idea.

Evidence is proof from the text that supports the stated idea. This evidence is always presented as a direct quote form the text.

Ideas and opinions are great, but they do not stand on their own; they need proof in order to be validated.

Formal Paragraph StyleWhat to do!

Indent at the start of the paragraph

Write out numbers less than two words long

Double space Use standard font

(Times New Roman or Arial for example) in size 12

Use correct MLA citation

What NOT to do! Do not use the 1st

person in formal writing Do not use slang

expressions or informal terms

Do not use contractions

The Formal Paragraph StructureSentence

OneTopic

Sentence

Start with your topic sentence / general statement.

Introduce your ideas but do not reveal too much information.

This is also an ideal time to introduce the title of the work and the author.

Sentence Two

Point #1

The first point in your argument.

Sentence Three

Proof #1

The proof / evidence for your first point.

This is a direct quote from the text.

You must remember to cite quotes.

Be sure you are choosing the best quote to support your ideas!

Sentence Four

Explanation #1

The explanation / link / comment on your first point.

This is your opportunity to explain WHY the quote supports your point.

It is possible for your explanation to be more then one sentence.

Sentence Five

Point #2

The second point in your argument

Sentence SixProof #2

The proof / evidence for your second point.

Again, this is a direct quote from the text.

All of your quotes must be different. You cannot use the same quote to prove two different points.

Sentence Seven

Explanation #2

The explanation / link / comment on your second point.

Again be sure to explain WHY the quote proves your point.

Sentence Eight

Point #3

The third point in your argument

You will want to consider the order of your three points.

Sentence Nine

Proof #3

The proof / evidence for your third point.

This means that you will need to find three different direct quotes to be included in the paragraph.

Sentence TenExplanation

#3

The explanation / link / comment on your third point.

Sentence Eleven

Concluding Statement

The closing statement(s).

This is your opportunity to briefly restate your argument and your points that prove it.

You must never introduce any new information.

Your Assignment The formal paragraph is a way for you to

answer a more complex question using specific evidence from the text to support your ideas and opinions, and is the building block for your future essay writing.

Topic Select any one of the three main

characters in the novel Pay It Forward, and determine which one specific characteristic best defines or describes that character. Defend your decision using evidence from the text.

Specifications Use any appropriate part of the novel

from chapters 1-20 for support of your ideas

Use direct quotes from the text as “proofs”

Proper title page and works cited page 250 words minimum

Structure Topic Sentence Point 1, Proof 1, Explanation 1 Point 2, Proof 2, Explanation 2 Point 3, Proof 3, Explanation 3 Conclusion

Evaluation See rubric Knowledge Thinking Communication Application

Total = 100

Now it’s time to...

Brainstorm Expectations In your group, you will use your

character chart to brainstorm specific characteristics of the character that you have been assigned.

Your group is responsible for writing these characteristics on the white board or chart paper

You have 10 minutes to brainstorm!

Brainstorm GroupsGroup One – ArleneGroup Two – TrevorGroup Three – ReubenGroup Four – ArleneGroup Five – TrevorGroup Six - Reuben