Week 2

MEAL plan

Main idea: Topic sentence stating the focus of the paragraph (no citation).

Evidence: Paraphrase from source(s) to support the topic sentence.

Analysis: Explanation and evaluation of the evidence cited and its relevance in the student’s own words.

Lead out: Wrap-up for the paragraph, leading the reader to transition to the next paragraph (and the next point/topic sentence).

MEAL plan: Example I Researchers have studied the effectiveness of a variety of leadership theories in different contexts. Transformational leadership has been shown to be more effective than transactional leadership (Bass & Riggio, 2012). Supervision, a form of transactional leadership, is a also successful leadership practice (Kai, 2012). Executives from Citibank and Target to local mom- and-pop hardware stores use transformational leadership in their executive models (B. Rye, personal communication, May 1, 2010). Both the leadership style and the organizational context can affect which leadership style is the best choice for each organization.

MEAL plan: Example II Supervision, one practice in transactional leadership theory, is effective for small business owners. The form of reward and punishment associated with this practice increases employee retention rates (Duffy, 2011). Improved retention not only contributes to an efficient workplace, but it promotes local commercial stability and cultural unity (Smith, 2012). Other management styles that are informed by transactional theory can also benefit communities.