THE PERFECT PARAGRAPH REVISION
The Perfect Paragraph is a revision assignment designed to help you catch and understand your own writing mistakes. For this revision you will work on:
· Mastering MLA formatting (see the directions document on the homework page)
· Clarifying your thesis statement
· Writing one solid body paragraph with a topic sentence, textual evidence/quote with citations in the quote sandwich method, and a transition sentence
· Editing all spelling and grammar mistakes
Look at the tips below for help. You may also use my notes on your essay, the essay outline, editing software, and/or other people to assist you in finding and fixing your errors.
You will have as many times as you need to submit an improved piece. Once it is perfect and error free you will earn a 100% on the assignment. If it needs more edits I will make lines in the margins to let you know how many mistakes are still present, but I will not tell you what those mistakes are. If you fail to turn it in, you will receive a zero. Please staple the revision on top of your original essay when submitting.
TIPS //
WRITING PROMPT
In your reading of various short stories and novels, we have generally defined theme as the author’s central message or lesson. The theme may be directly stated or implied.
Write a four-paragraph essay describing how one theme develops by providing evidence from the text. In Roald Dahl’s short story, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” it shows how the main characters transform as they learn about the gift of “sight”. Pick a character and explain how this person changes throughout the story. Use textual evidence to clarify the thematic lesson or insight the character learns. In the conclusion, discuss why the theme is still relevant to the reader/audience today.
SIMPLE THESIS STATEMENT // (1-2 sentences)
The character ______in the short story, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” by Roald Dahl, learns ______and this changes ______so he ______.
BODY PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE // (6-10 sentences)
1. The Topic Sentence introduces the argument you will make in the paragraph (1 sentence).
2. Include Textual Quote/Evidence with Quote Sandwich that shows how your chosen character changes. Include the speaker, page number, and quotes around anything you use from the story (4-6 sentences minimum for one quote sandwich—top slice, quote, bottom slice).
· Analysis (bottom slice) // Explain why the evidence matters to the characters and/or theme. This should connect directly back to your thesis (3-4 sentences).
3. The Transition Sentence bridges your ideas to the next paragraph (1 sentence).