THESIS

1. THESIS • -Thesis: Topic (point, subject) + position (claim, feeling) Ralph shows all of the characteristics of an excellent leader despite the fact that he is not followed.

2. The Body Paragraph Topic Sentence (can be 2 sentences) containing: a segue-- connective element linking topic sentence to thesis. Includes a “how” or a “why.” Should contain a key idea from thesis. Ralph clearly shows that he is a leader by taking control of situations.

3. THE “QUOTE SANDWICH” All subsequent development proves the topic: • Set it up— argumentation, claim • Say it—evidence, quote—embeded • Analyze—connect quote – about two sentences • In a complete paragraph, this should be completed at least two times.

4. Set it up At the opening of the novel, Ralph demonstrates an early example of his leadership as he calls the first meeting and sets up a code of order.

5. Say it At the opening of the novel, Ralph demonstrates an early example of his leadership as he calls the first meeting and sets up a code of order. Ralph formulates rules such as “everybody can’t talk at once, so we will have hands up like at school. Then I’ll give them the conch” (33).

6. Analyze it At the opening of the novel, Ralph demonstrates an early example of his leadership as he calls the first meeting and sets up a code of order. Ralph formulates rules such as that “everybody can’t talk at once, so we will have hands up like at school. Then I’ll give them the conch” (33).Ralph takes control of the meeting by setting up a system of order based around the conch shell, a symbol of democracy that not only ensures order, but also that all of the boys’ voices can be heard. In this way, Ralph establishes both order and fair communication.

7. Do it again! Ralph also deals with the practical situation of being on the island by establishing individual responsibilities at this meeting.He instructs individuals to hunt, build shelters, and build and watch the fire, and explore to “decide if this is an island…Three of us – if we take more we’d get all mixed and lose each other – three of us will go on an expedition and find out” (23-4).Ralph has the foresight to understand that important tasks must be carefully addressed for the boys to have the food, shelter and safety needed to survive.

8. Closing Sentence • After two “quote sandwiches” add the • Clincher: Circles back to topic sentence; connects all ideas back to thesis. Despite the newness and chaos of the plane crash, Ralph is the leader who ably calls the boys together and establishes progress and stability.

9. Putting it all together At the opening of the novel, Ralph demonstrates an early example of his leadership as he calls the first meeting and sets up code for order. Ralph formulates rules such as that “everybody can’t talk at once, so we will have hands up like at school. Then I’ll give them the conch” (33).Ralph takes control of the meeting by setting up a system of rules based around the conch shell, a symbol of democracy that ensures not only order, but also that all of the boys’ voices can be heard. In this way, Ralph establishes both order and fair communication. Ralph also deals with the practical situation of being on the island by establishing individual responsibilities at this meeting. He instructs individuals to hunt, build shelters, and build and watch the fire, and explore to “decide if this is an island…Three of us – if we take more we’d get all mixed and lose each other – three of us will go on an expedition and find out” (23-4). Ralph has the foresight to understand that important tasks must be carefully addressed for the boys to have the food, shelter and safety needed to survive. Ralph also proves adept at smoothing over personality differences so that the boys can get along with stability. When he and Jack almost clash over the ‘election,’ Ralph “Look[s] at him, eager to offer something” (23). Ralph seems to understand the need for give-and-take in his relationship with Jack, and he is quick and “eager” to keep their friendship on track. Despite the newness and chaos of the plane crash, Ralph is the leader who ably calls the boys together and establishes progress and stability.