Writing Strong Body Paragraphs

English I Honors

Prompt

Is Harrison Bergeron a heroic character?

Thesis StatementAlthough the main character makes seemingly reckless decisions in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron,” he is ultimately a hero as evidenced through his revolutionary spirit, his courageous actions, and his extraordinary abilities.

T.S. Topic Sentence (1 sentence)OIntroduces the main idea and

argument. OThis main idea should

chronologically correspond to one of the three prongs previewed in the thesis statement.

OThis sentence focuses your entire paragraph.

Topic Sentence Example:

Harrison Bergeron’s heroism is displayed through his many courageous actions.

MAIN IDEA

CORRESPONDING

PRONG

P.S.1 Primary Support/Context (1-2 sentences)OIdentifies a relevant example that

supports the argument of the topic sentence.

OEstablishes context for a specific textual reference.

Primary Support 1/Context Example:

When Harrison storms into the state-run television studio, he bravely sheds his handicaps and elects a ballerina to be his

empress.

THIS EXAMPLE WILL INTRODUCE THE TEXTUAL

REFERENCE THAT FOLLOWS…IT PREVIEWS THE QUOTE!

S.S.1 Secondary Support 1/Quote (1 sentence)OA piece of text that clearly

reinforces the example utilized as the primary support.

OInclude only what is necessary for the topic.

OUse “quotations marks” around the words from the quote.

OInclude a proper citation.

Quote Example:

“And then, neutralizing gravity with love and pure will, they remained suspended in air inches below the ceiling, and they kissed each other for a long, long time” (Vonnegut 5).AUTHOR AND PAGE NUMBER

FOR FIRST CITATION. PAGE NUMBER ONLY FOR

SUBSEQUENT QUOTES.

S.S.2 Secondary Support 2/Analysis (2-3 sentences)OThis section of the paragraph

develops the writer’s original ideas.

OThe analysis creates a link between the quote and the argument of the topic sentence.

OThe analysis explicitly (use of the 3 Is) states how the quote proves the argument of the paragraph.

Analysis Example:

Harrison’s actions demonstrate that he heroically rebels against the conventions of his oppressive society and follows his own heart. Through Harrison’s rebellion, Vonnegut implies the noblest hero is one who is willing to sacrifice his own safety in the fight for personal freedom.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE BOLDED WORDS. NOTICE HOW THEY SUPPORT THE ARGUMENT AND OFFER ORIGINAL

ANALYTICAL THOUGHT!

C.S. Concluding Sentence (1 sentence)

OReiterates the argument of the paragraph.

OExemplifies what has been proven in the paragraph.

Concluding Sentence Example:

By making such a brave, fearless statement through the kissing of the ballerina, Harrison clearly establishes himself as the hero of Vonnegut’s dystopic story.

EXEMPLIFIES WHAT HAS BEEN PROVEN IN THE

PARAGRAPHREITERATES THE

ARGUMENT