english

M ain point: Each paragraph should have a main idea (a main point) that is connected to your larger claim for the essay.

E xplain, Examples, Evidence: You need to explain and reason this main idea. You need to provide examples that explain the main idea and Evidence that supports the argument.

A nalysis: The analysis is your interpretation of what is being said about an idea, evidence, or examples. You can explain how one idea compares to another idea. You can show if an author is being persuasive, or you can show the strengths and/or weaknesses of an argument. In the analysis you build your argument and demonstrate how the evidence (quotes, examples) is important to your argument and supports your argument.

L ink: It links the paragraph back to the main idea. It closes the paragraph and helps the reader understand the logic of the argument and the main idea.

Example of a student paragraph using MEAL:

The impact of fast food is far reaching beyond the obvious risk to our health. In fact, if we act as unconscious consumers, we might only think of health or convenience and not realize our food choices impact every aspect of our life. In his book Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser warns consumers about the far-reaching influence of fast food beyond the restaurant doors. He points out, “The fast food industry has helped to transform not only the American diet, but also our landscape, economy, workforce, and popular culture. Fast food and its consequences have become inescapable, regardless of whether you eat it twice a day, try to avoid it, or have never taken a single bite” (4). Because these fast food companies have such vast purchasing power, they have an effect on how food is produced, what kind of food is produced, and how much it costs. This impacts everybody and all aspects of society, whether we participate in the system or not. People seek the convenience and affordability of certain foods, and forget that their choices tell producers what will sell, and then these companies will cut corners to make profits. Since these multinational companies are so big, so powerful, and so ubiquitous, it affects the diversity of the food supply, the quality of our food, and the price we pay. As responsible consumers, we need to not only be concerned with our individual health or convenience, but also how our food choices may have an impact on the world around us.

Here is a list of verbs and verbal phrases you can use to cite an author and reflect an author’s purpose or point of view:

The author…

admits brings to light conveys

advises cautions declares

affirms claims discusses

argues concludes emphasizes

asks confesses establishes

asserts contends examines

believes maintain s says

explains notes shows

feels observes suggests

finds points out supports

focuses on proposes uncovers

gives evidence to questions underlines

identifies reasons voices

illustrates recommends warns

implies remarks writes

indicates reveals

insists