How to Write a Literary Paragraph

1. How to Write a Literary Paragraph

2. What is a literary paragraph? • It makes a statement about a theme, literary device, characterization, etc. It provides examples and illustrations directly from the document to support the argument. • Written in response to questions or instructions such as: “What is the theme in this story” “How did the main character’s actions influence the outcome of the story” “Describe the changes that a character went through”.

3. Structure of a literary paragraph • Will have at least 5 main structural sentences, and 3 proof, evidence or illustration sentences.

4. Topic/Thesis Sentence (Introductory sentence) • The main idea. Answers the question the paragraph is supposed to respond to. • Include name of the book/story/poem/play and author • Do NOT use think..”, “I chose…”, “I am going to talk about…” Examples: The protagonist, Mike, in the story “Bearing up” by Matt Hughes, learns how to identify and face his fears, and this contributes to his development as a person. • The characters Wendy and Peter In “the Veldt” by Ray Bradbury, are allusions of the characters Peter and Wendy from the story Peter Pan, who represent the notions of fantasy and not wanting to grow up. • One of the key themes of the story “Bearing Up” by Matt Hughes, is overcoming fears as illustrated by the protagonist, Mike’s experiences.

5. Supporting Sentences: • Make and prove your point: Use direct quotations or paraphrases to further support it. • This technique can be called Point, Proof, Analysis, or in History it is called Lead, Quotation, Comment. • Give examples: both direct quotations or paraphrasesthat support or prove your main idea. • Be specific. Eg) If describing a character : A self character: character is selfish, then use examples from the story (the character’s actions, words, or thoughts) that prove that he is selfish. • If explaining the theme of the story: examples should be phrases or paraphrases of the story that demonstrate to the reader what the theme is. • Always make sure to show how your examples connect to your main idea. Eg. Mike comes to the realization that his dreams may actually represent his fears after approaching his guidance counsellor about his recurring nightmare. She states” __________”. With this knowledge he then approaches his mom about his current fear.

6. Concluding Sentence (last sentence): • Restates main idea and concludes the paragraph. • Point out that supporting details do prove main idea. • Can start the sentence with phrases like: “In conclusion…” or “As demonstrated…” Do not include new information or your opinion (unless the question asks for your opinion).

7. Step 1: Understand the question or instructions for the paragraph. • Step 2: Answer the question briefly and then consider three ways in which you might support this.This answer will be the topic sentence/main idea of the paragraph and it will demonstrate simple supporting arguments. • Step 3: Brainstorm examples from the story that will support your main idea. • Step 4: Choose the 3 detailed examples from the story that best support or prove your main idea; paraphrased or direct quotations. These will be the supporting details that you include in your supporting sentences. • Step 5: Draft the paragraph. Make sure it has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. • Step 6: Revise your paragraph. Did you answer the question? Is your main idea clear? Do your examples support your main idea? Does your concluding sentence restate your main idea?

8. Step 7: Proofread your paragraph. Look for and correct: • fragments, run-ons, and stringy sentences • punctuation and capitalization • incorrect spelling • use of “I”, “me”, “my”, “we”, “our”, “you”, “your” • overly general or ambiguous pronouns • verbs in the wrong tense 7 STEPS Success!!!

9. Do’s & Don’ts of The Literary Paragraph • Do write the verbs in the present tense.   Example: In The Tale of Despereaux the mouse saves the princess. • Do use specific language. Avoid overly general words such as “nice”,“good”, “bad”, “weird”, “etc.” • Do not use the pronouns “I”, “me”, “my”, “we”, and “our”. Treat your ideas about the story as facts. You should not introduce your ideas with“I think…” or “In my opinion…” • Do not use the general “you.” Use words like “one”, “a person”,or “someone” • Do not use informal and SMS language such as “like”, “guy”, “u”,“gonna”, “cuz”, “till”, “wanna”, and other slang. • Do not write as if you are talking to someone. This is formal writing. • Do not use abbreviations like “Ex:”. Write “An example of this is…” or“ For example…”