NamePer

Planning Box:
Lit Device 1: Quote:
Lit Device 2: Quote:
Lit Device 3: Quote:

Introduction Paragraph:

Introductory/ TOPIC Sentences:(Make reader WANT to read your paper. Introduce the author, historical background, the time period, the piece of writing)… ADD SOME DEPTH to your introduction!

Thesis Statement:Everything in your essay should tie back to this statement. Include the pain and suffering of African Americans in the post-Civil War era and theliterary devices you’ll discuss; look at the PROMPT to make sure you are covering it thoroughly.

2nd Paragraph:

Introductory/TOPIC Sentence (1st Main Point = 1st literary device)

Explanation of topic sentence;should add development to this paragraph’s point.

Set the context of the quote (1-2 sentences telling what is happening in history to African Americans during the time period the author write about?)

Introduction of quote:

Quote:

EXPLANATION of quotation (What does it mean? How is thisa good example? How does this quotation help PROVE your point?) Should be 3-4 sentences.

TIE TO THESIS – How does this main point/topic develop your thesis? You may have included this when you explained your quotes, but you MUST make sure it is clear in your paragraph before transitioning!

3rdParagraph:

Introductory/TOPIC Sentence (2nd Main Point = 2nd literary device)

Explanation of topic sentence; should add development to this paragraph’s point.

Set the context of the quote (1-2 sentences telling what is happening in history to African Americans during the time period the author write about?)

Introduction of quote:

Quote:

EXPLANATION of quotation (What does it mean? How is this a good example? How does this quotation help PROVE your point?) Should be 3-4 sentences.

TIE TO THESIS – How does this main point/topic develop your thesis? You may have included this when you explained your quotes, but you MUST make sure it is clear in your paragraph before transitioning!

4thParagraph:

Introductory/TOPIC Sentence (3rd Main Point = 3rd literary device)

Explanation of topic sentence; should add development to this paragraph’s point.

Set the context of the quote (1-2 sentences telling what is happening in history to African Americans during the time period the author write about?)

Introduction of quote:

Quote:

EXPLANATION of quotation (What does it mean? How is this a good example? How does this quotation help PROVE your point?) Should be 3-4 sentences.

TIE TO THESIS – How does this main point/topic develop your thesis? You may have included this when you explained your quotes, but you MUST make sure it is clear in your paragraph before transitioning!

<A CHALLENGE LEVEL PARAGRAPH WHOULD GO HERE. FOLLOW THE SAME FORMATS AS PREVIOUS PARAGRAPHS>

Conclusion Paragraph:

Synthesize -- take your individual ideas and demonstrate how your ideas work together to create a new picture.

Further elaborate on how your main points intentionally fit together PROVE your thesis.Include a restatement of thesis in new language. Don't repeat themain points.

Final thoughts… Give your reader a connection to the "real" world in the 21st century. Think. Has America achieved all the Dunbar would have wanted? How has America progressed toward racism? What remains for the nation to do? What should this paper make the reader think about that he or she might not have consideredbefore? End with a profound thought that makes the reader say “Wow!”

Reminders:

  • ELABORATE, EXPLAIN, ELABORATE, EXPLAIN, AND ELABORATE!
  • Use the author’s full name in the intro and conclusion; in the body paragraphs just use the last name.
  • Remember, the more textual evidence, explanation and elaboration, the better your grade!
  • Quotes cannot stand alone! They must be INTEGRATED into sentences with your words.