Body Paragraphs

Where writing gets analytical =)

 When writing an analysis, it is To help you move
crucial that you work chronologically through the text,
chronologically through the there are transition words you
text. This means that you start at can use.
the beginning of the text and
work your way through it by Begins
discussing what the writer is
saying and the effectiveness of opens
the strategies he/she is using at
the beginning, middle, and end closes
of the text.
contrasts
Sometimes this means that you
will discuss each paragraph Shifts to
(one at a time), and sometimes
this means that you will divide juxtaposes
the text into sections and discuss
the beginning, middle, and end ends
of the text. Whether you discuss
each paragraph or each moves to
section depends on the length
and organization of the text
itself.
Each Paragraph Should
Identify the part of the text you
are analyzing by using transition
words and strong verbs to
explain what is being said.
Identify the strongest rhetorical
strategies used in that particular
section. This includes
incorporating specific text
examples (exact words from the
text see last page of this
handout for proper format) into
your own words.
Clearly and specifically explain
how the rhetorical strategies are
used to help the writer achieve
his purpose and reach his
audience.
The above items must be woven
together seamlessly into one
sophisticated paragraph of the
body of your analysis essay.
Do NOT try to discuss every
strategy the writer uses; pick the
strongest!
Topic Sentences
1. They predict the content of
the paragraph.
2. They link that content to
the thesis statement.
Topic sentences [act] as . . .
[signposts] pointing in two
directions: backward toward
the thesis of the essay and
forward toward the body of
the paragraph (Hacker).
Topic sentences guide your
reader through your thought
process.
Lets see that in action
The first sentence identifies which section of the text you are
discussing and the main idea of that section.
(Writers last name) (transition word) his/her (type of text) by
(strong verb) that (main idea of this section of the text).
Reagan begins his tribute to the Challenger astronauts by acknowledging
that the shuttle accident has appropriately postponed his planned State
of the Union address and by expressing the depth of his and his wifes
personal grief.
 The second sentence conveys the writers support for the main
idea by identifying and providing a specific example for one
rhetorical strategy used by the writer. [This sentence is repeated
if you want to discuss more than one rhetorical strategy.]
He appeals to the mournful emotions of the audience by admitting that
he and Nancy are pained to the core (3), that today is rightfully a day
for mourning and remembering (2-3), and that the accident is truly a
national loss (4).
The third sentence explains how the rhetorical strategies you
discussed in the previous sentences help the writer achieve his
purpose by using an in order to statement.
He joins in this time of mourning in order to unify the nation and humbly
admit that we share this pain with all of the people of our country (4)
The fourth sentence identifies the effect of the writers use of these
rhetorical strategies on the audience.
This outpouring of emotion from the president conveys a calming tone that
reassures the Nation that their grief is both understandable and proper.
All together now
Reagan begins his tribute to the Challenger astronauts by
acknowledging that the shuttle accident has appropriately
postponed his planned State of the Union address and by
expressing the depth of his and his wifes personal grief. He
appeals to the mournful emotions of the audience by admitting
that he and Nancy are pained to the core (3), that today is
rightfully a day for mourning and remembering (2-3), and that
the accident is truly a national loss (4). He joins in this time of
mourning in order to unify the nation and humbly admit that we
share this pain with all of the people of our country (4). This
outpouring of emotion from the president conveys a calming
tone that reassures the Nation that their grief is both
understandable and proper.
Tips from AP Readers
Use paragraphs and topic sentences.

Although it may seem like a small matter, students should indent

paragraphs clearly. A paper without indentation or with unclear
indentation often confuses a Reader. Paragraphs create the
fundamental structure of the essay, and without them good
ideas can get muddled. Essays that do not use paragraphs tend
to be full of confused and rambling thoughts.
Many writers find topic sentences a useful tool both for
organizing paragraphs and also for helping Readers navigate
through the essay.
Use Quotations & Explain them!
To score at least a 3, make pertinent references from the text.
Use specific quotations to back up your claims.
Embed quotes in your thoughts.
Include line/ page numbers.

Remember to explain and quotes clearly and demonstrate how

they are relevant to the question.
Long quotes without explanation bogs down your essay and can
give the undesirable impression that youre just trying to fill up
space rather than answer the prompt! (even when you think
youre not).
Variety is the spice of life
Short, choppy sentences without variety indicate a writer who
has little background in grammar and style, perhaps someone
who has read and written minimally.
Connect ideas with transitional wording, participial phrases,
appositives, subordinate clauses, etc.
Use the RIGHT WORD.
An arsenal of appropriate vocabulary and analytical wording reveals a
brilliant mind at work, but writers should make certain that the words fit.
Sticking in big words just to sound scholarly, ironically often score only a 2
because they lack clarity and sometimes say nothing of relevance to the
prompt.
Avoid weak diction (A lot, really, very, good).
In Conclusion
The conclusion is probably the easiest Dont begin with In Conclusion (or
part. Be brief. In one-two sentences, its synonyms).
simply remind your reader of the
things you said in the introduction. Dont restate your introduction.
Surprisingly, Poe demonstrates many Dont begin a critic and review the
characteristics of American romantic passage.
writers. His stories constantly
challenge classic authority, a Steinbeck does a really good job using
imagery to illustrate Lennys feelings of
cornerstone of the American isolation.
Romantic Movement. His eerie
idealism and uncertain description of Miller is the best playwright Ive read all
time and space also tag him as a year, and you should read him too- if
you havent before.
prime example of a romantic
American author. For these reasons,
Edgar Allan Poe will forever be
remembered as a leader of the
American Romantic Movement.
Epilogue
In a rhetorical analysis avoid
personal pronouns ( I, me, we,
you, it).
Write about literature in the
present tense.
Miller suggests a sense of hysteria
as the yellow bird changes the
calm courtroom into a scene of
chaos.
Look beyond the obvious
Punctuation
Stylistic changes added by an
editor
If a reader cant read your
writing they wont.
While readers make every
attempt to read your writing, if
they cannot crack the code, your
essay will be N/S (not score able).
Yes, spelling counts. While the
reader wont deduct points for
each misspelled word, an essay
overflowing with errors distracts
the reader and takes away from
your credibility as a writer.