Middle Paragraphs
The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.
~Anaïs Nin
Point:
Begin with a statement of argument. Tell me in one sentence, what you want to argue
in this paragraph. Avoid plot summary or background details. Let me know what I can
expect to see in the rest of the paragraph.
Proof #1:
This can come in the form of a reason, an example, a statistic, etc. It needs to be the
second strongest piece of proof you can possibly find (in the whole world) to help you
to prove what you said you would argue in the POINT. Sometimes teachers will require
a quotation here to strengthen your proof.
Explanation #1:
In this section, you provide a commentary about HOW or WHY (or BOTH) the proof you
have offered helps you to prove your POINT for the paragraph. A very common error is
to write the explanation without ever discussing the proof you have provided. It makes
English teachers wonder why you bothered finding the second best piece of proof in the
whole entire world if you are not even going to talk about it. ARGHHH!!!
Proof #2:
As above - except this one is the absolute strongest piece of proof you can possibly
find (again - in the whole world) to help you to prove what you said you would argue in
the POINT. Why do you think that is?? Sometimes teachers will require a quotation
here to strengthen your proof.
Explanation #2:
Same as above.
Summary:
Remind me what this paragraph was about. Use different words than what you used
in the POINT.
Middle Paragraphs
Essay Question:
In Diary of a Young Girl, the reader meets several characters, who become isolated from the rest of the
world. In a formal essay, select three of the characters and argue how their experience of isolation
affects them.
Thesis:
Clearly, in the text, Diary of a Young Girl, Mr. Dussel, Mrs. Van Daan and Peter Van Daan are each
impacted significantly by the isolation and cramped living conditions of the secret annex.
Sample Middle Paragraph:
Firstly, Mr. Dussel reacts to the isolation of his living conditions by becoming territorial about
particular items and space in the Annex. For example, he refuses to let Anne use the desk, in the room
they share, for a short time each day. He believes that his work is more important than her work. Mr.
Dussel says, “I have work to do too, and if I can't work in the afternoons, then there is no time left for me
at all...I am at the table and shall stay there” (Frank 86). Even though Dussel has access to the room for
most of the day, he refuses to let Anne have any private time of her own. As a single man, Dussel would
be used to doing as he pleases, when and where he pleases. Being confined to the annex is a new
experience for him. In order to feel as though he has some control left over his life, he stakes his claim
for the room in an unfair manner. Being isolated with seven other people is challenging for Dussel as he
is used to having his own space. A second example of how Mr. Dussel reacts to the isolation in a
territorial manner occurs on Sundays, when he turns on the light early to do his exercises while Anne is
still sleeping. Anne writes, "It seems to take simply hours, while I, poor tormented creature, feel the
chairs, which are placed at the head of my bed to lengthen it, slide backwards and forwards continually
under my sleepy head" (Frank 62). Evidently, Mr. Dussel feels that he is entitled to behave in whatever
way he likes. He appears to be carrying out routines from his previous home in a place that he must now
share with seven other people. Since so many parts of his life have changed, he tries to maintain some of
his old habits. He has had to give up his freedom. He does not want to give up his exercises as well.
Clearly, Mr. Dussel's desire for a place of his own is his way of responding to the isolation caused by
hiding in the annex.