How to Write a MEL-Con paragraph

1. How to Write a MEL-Con paragraph

2. The MEL-Con Paragraph How can I write a good paragraph? M • The first sentence of the paragraph that contains the topic sentence. ain idea • Information (Quotes, statistics, facts) from sources such as books, lectures, readings, songs etc. that support your main idea • The “stuff” you learned or found out about the topic E xample

3. The MEL-Con Paragraph How do I incorporate my evidence E • Support, examples, and proof to back up your main idea. • Use a Transition • An interesting fact is… • Furthermore, Finally…. • Use A.W.E • (Author’s Words Exactly) and place quotation marks “Roots and bruises so deep, found it hard to sleep” • (Common, 2011) • Use parenthetical citationsat the end of your quote. vidence

4. MEL-Con Paragraphs L • Links the evidence you used to the key idea in your topic sentence • Explains how the evidence supports your topic • What you think or howyou relate the evidence to the topic • Shows your thought process and why you chose the evidence you chose Ink

5. MEL-Con Paragraphs Con cluding • The last sentence of your paragraph • Summarizes your evidence • Mentions your evidence in a new, short way • It can be concluded that…. Statement

6. Marvin Gaye sings about violencein his famous song “What’s Going On.” For example, in the beginning of the song, he makes the statement “Don’t punish me with brutality.” ( Gaye, 1971) Gaye is singing about a time when society was at war and brutalitywas used. Unfortunately, violentand brutalacts were part of his life. The artist is expressing non-violence in the message of his powerful song.

7. It can be concluded that Marvin Gaye wanted to make his listeners aware of the issue of peace as a solution to violence.  

8. Exit: Understanding a Mel-Con paragraph • Circle the main idea in the topic sentence • Highlight the evidence • Put a box around parenthetical citation. • Underline the link

9. Injustice is another issue that Marvin Gaye mentions in his famous song. For example, in the middle of the song, Gaye sings, “Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong… Oh, but who are they to judge us.” (1971) Sometimes, injustice occurs when others incorrectly make judgments or come to the wrong conclusions. Injustice is an ongoing problem in society and many talented artists attempt to address this issue in their music. It can be concluded that injustice was an important issue during Marvin Gaye’s time, just as it continues to be today.

10. Prompt • Write a Mel-Con paragraph response about the main idea of peacein “What’s Going On”

11. Sample • Finally, this talented musician sends a powerful message about how to live in peace in a world of conflict. Toward the end of the song, Gaye expresses himself by saying, “You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today.” (1971). Marvin Gaye mentions that everyone must find a way to bring peace and love by mentioning “we” in his song. It is obvious that when everyone comes together positively, this can greatly benefit society. It can be concluded that peace can only be accomplished when everyone collectively does their part to ensure that there are no conflicts, which can lead to violence.

12. Exit: Understanding a Mel-Con paragraph • Circle the main idea in the topic sentence • Highlight the evidence • Put a box around parenthetical citation. • Underline the link