Aim: How can we deconstruct paragraphs to
better understand the writing process?
Objectives: Dissect the components of a body
paragraph
Do Now: Pick a social criticism and create a
topic sentence based on the prompt in you
packet.
Homework: Complete body paragraphs
“The Veldt” Model Paragraph
- TOPs (Topic Sentence) is the main
idea of the paragraph (not a detail)
- The TOPs is one sentence in length
- It is the first sentence of a body
paragraph
***It is the interpretation or argument that
the entire paragraph will focus on***
In Ray Bradbury’s short story, “The Veldt,”
he illustrates how the overuse of technology
leads to disconnection and isolation, ultimately
destroying familial bonds.
Developing Idea
The TOPs is followed by a developing idea.
The developing idea develops the TOPs. It
further expands on the idea in the TOPs
The developing idea is 1-3 sentences
immediately following the TOPs.
Traditional parental roles, which typically
strengthen relationships amongst family
members, such as nursing and clothing their
children, are done by machines. Instead of
connecting with parents during their childhood,
children are alone with machines.
Example from story- The example illustrates
the TOPs in 1-2 sentences.
Quotation- Quotations are taken from the
text and cited properly.
They are integrated into the example.
Quotations provide PROOF of the
argument or interpretation.
1-3 sentences
In allowing the technology to substitute for
them in their duties as parents, the children
view the room as “their mother and father, far
more important in their lives than their real
parents” (6).
Inference or Analysis of the Quotation- An
analysis of the quote in relation to the
TOPs.
It is NOT a summary, it is an analysis.
1-3 sentences
The parents’ emphasis on providing their
children with the latest technology, and everexpanding consumption of goods, creates an
environment where they are no longer wanted
or needed. When the time comes when they
realize their mistakes and try to intervene,
there is already too much of a disconnect. The
children no longer recognize them as a parent
or an authority.
The conclusion is the final sentence of the
body paragraph.
It is NOT a recap of the paragraph.
The conclusion interconnects the main idea
of the paragraph with the “so
whatness”?
The conclusion illustrates the significance
and consequences of your idea.
Technology divides and conquers the
family, isolating them from one another, and
serving as the only companionship they desire.
Complete paragraph
“The Veldt” Model Paragraph
In Ray Bradbury’s short story, “The Veldt,”
he illustrates how the overuse of technology
leads to disconnection and isolation, ultimately
destroying familial bonds. Traditional parental
roles, which typically strengthen relationships
amongst family members, such as nursing and
clothing their children, are done in isolation- the
family members replaced with machinery. In
allowing the technology to substitute for them
in their duties as parents, the children view the
room as “their mother and father, far more
important in their lives than their real parents”
(6). The parents’ emphasis on providing their
children with the latest technology, and everexpanding consumption of goods, creates an
environment where they are no longer wanted
or needed. When the time comes when they
realize their mistakes and try to intervene,
there is already too much of a disconnect. The
children no longer recognize them as a parent
or an authority. Technology divides and
conquers the family, isolating them from one
another, and serving as the only companionship
they desire.