Today we reviewed paragraph structure.  Your paragraphs should initially be organized in the following way.

1st sentence:  Topic sentence (sometimes called a body thesis).  It should contain the subject of your paragraph.  It is the answer to the question.  It is the statement that clarifies what you will provide textual support for in the sentences that follow.

2nd sentence:  Embedded textual evidence that supports your topic sentence.  It is also called concrete detail.  It is an example, an illustration, or proof to validate the claim you've made in your topic sentence.

3rd sentence:  Elaborate or explain how your textual evidence supports your topic sentence.  It is also called commentary because you should be commenting about the preceding detail.

4th sentence:  Embedded textual evidence.

5th sentence:  Elaboration.

6th sentence:  Embedded textual evidence.

7th sentence:  Elaboration.

This type of paragraph structure is very basic and should be used every time you plan your paragraph.  As you get better at including each of the components, then you can work on refining your syntax so that you seamlessly weave your details with your commentary.  Getting to that point requires work.

We went through pages 1048-49 of Act One and reviewed the ensuing argument among the dominant players:  Putnam, Proctor, and Parris.

Vocabulary Quiz List 16 tomorrow.  Here are the flashcards.