Research Project

Paragraph Structure with Use of Text

(P) Topic Sentence-

(I) Follow-Up Development-

(E) Use of Text-

1. Attribution Tag (optional)

2. Paraphrase/Quote USE OF TEXT IN MIDDLE 1/3

3. Address or analyze quote

(S) Connect Back to Main Point/Further Insight-

Rules for Paraphrase/Quoting – English 102

· Functions as support

· Centrally located – middle 1/3 of paragraph

· Mainly use short quotations and/or paraphrases – 4 lines of text or less

· Use proper long quotation format for quotes of 5 lines or more – review ‘Page’ on Canvas

· Citation and/or attribution required – when attributing, provide ‘credentials’

Example Approach to a paragraph with a quote/paraphrase:

1. Identify a passage that includes a key idea from the text to quote/paraphrase:

“Virtually any news article about weight that is posted online garners a slew of comments from readers expressing disgust that people let their weight get so out of control”

2. Create a topic sentence that connects to or sets up the text support:

By criticizing the overweight, whether it be face to face or through various media outlets, we are only worsening the problem of obesity in America.

3. Follow up and develop the idea with your analysis breaking down the point.

4. Optional - Set up the use of text by attributing the author (sometimes title) of the source.

In the article “America’s War on the Overweight”, authors Kate Dailey and Abby Ellin question why Americans fail to see the bigger picture on obesity.

5. Add in text citation after the quote – (550).

6. Close out paragraph by addressing the source use and returning back to your main idea for further analysis.

Put it all Together:

By criticizing the overweight, whether it be face to face or through various media outlets, we are only worsening the problem of obesity in America. Obese people, or even those who are merely plus size, are constantly bombarded with spiteful messages of hatred and disgust, shaming them for what they are. Americans are being advertised to everywhere they go by magazines and tabloids instructing them to “lose 5 pounds fast” because skinny is acceptable and anything else is not. This makes the overweight an easy target on the internet. Dailey and Ellin point out, “Virtually any news article about weight that is posted online garners a slew of comments from readers expressing disgust that people let their weight get so out of control” (550). However, most people criticizing the overweight online have their own set of insecurities backing their rage. Many lash out even at those who provide positive feedback for those choosing not to shame themselves based on their weight. Unfortunately, by targeting and criticizing the overweight, society’s view on obesity worsens as does the actual problem at hand which isn’t targeting the obese, but obesity itself.

Remember the “Rule of Thirds” – Keep source use to about 1/3 of the paragraph

Top 1/3 – your analysis of an idea stated through a clear topic sentence and a group of follow up sentences.

-main point of paragraph

-follow up and explain the idea

-why is the idea important?

-how does it connect to your readers or the target audience of your analysis

Middle 1/3 – Use of text support – quote/paraphrase to support or further the idea you introduced. This may include an attribution sentence/tag, the quote/paraphrase itself, and some analysis of the quote.

Final 1/3 – Returning to your analysis – you may continuing to address quote in this final 1/3 but should return back to your main idea, restate it or analyze it in a new way.