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M.E.A.L. Plan

Paragraphing Strategy

Diving Below the Surface and Writing with Purposeful Meaning

The M.E.A.L. Plan is a paragraphing strategy that will help you write analytical, text-based essays.

A

M

Analysis

Main Point

All paragraphs should have a main idea/point. Typically, this main idea is expressed in a topic sentence—a sort of mini-thesis statement for your paragraph. Often, a topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph. This first sentence argues and begins to "serve up" the claim of your paragraph.

Once the main idea has been stated and developed, it is time to break those ideas down and analyze them. In other words, this is the section of the paragraph where the HOW? WHY?

or WHO CARES? of the main idea is explained. This is the largest portion of the paragraph, the "meat" of the MEAL.

Katniss' revelation stands sharply juxtaposed to the negative description of her district within Panem "where you can starve to death in safety" (6). Much like the Romantic hero, Katniss' contrasting description points to her valuing time spent in nature over time spent within a corrupted society.

Katniss Everdeen portrays characteristics of the American Romantic hero archetype.

E

Evidence, Explanation, Examples

This next section of the paragraph elaborates on the main idea. This sentence or series of sentences offers evidence that backs up your main point/argument. PLOT IS NOT evidence. Evidence is a specific piece of the text or specific idea about the text, "a select bite," that supports your ideas.

In chapter one of the novel, Katniss reveals she only smiles and feels herself, while venturing into the woods outside of District 12.

L

This is the last sentence, concludes (closes) the paragraph, and links to the next. It links what you have said to what you will say.

Link

NOW LET'S PUT IT ALL TOGETHER...

Not only Katniss demonstrates Romantic hero traits within the novel, but also her friend Peeta illustrates these qualities as well.

Katniss Everdeen portrays characteristics of the American Romantic hero archetype. In chapter one of the novel, Katniss reveals she only smiles and feels herself, while venturing into the woods outside of District 12. Katniss' revelation stands sharply juxtaposed to the negative description of her district within Panem "where you can starve to death in safety" (6). Much like the Romantic hero, Katniss' contrasting description points to her valuing time spent in nature over time spent within a corrupted society. Not only Katniss demonstrates Romantic hero traits within the novel, her friend Peeta also illustrates these qualities as well.

Keep in mind, this is NOT the way to paragraph successfully, but A way. Eventually, your paragraphs may begin to look more like MEEAAL, MEAEAL, MEAAAL, etc.

GOOD LUCK!!!

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