Five Paragraph Essay

1. Five Paragraph Essay “The Lottery” Model Paragraph

2. Topic Sentence • 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

3. Model TOPs • In Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery,” people are not concerned about injustices in society until they are directly affected; at which point, it is already too late.

4. 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 2-3 sentences immediately following the TOPs.

5. Model Developing Idea • Society has a tendency to turn a blind eye to people in need. Instead of sympathy for those who are being suppressed, people prefer to overpower them as if the victims are somehow lesser than the rest of the population. Tessie shows no signs of resistance to the outdated barbaric tradition before the Hutchinsons are selected.

6. Quotations • 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

7. Model Quotations • Only after her husband exposes that he drew the paper sealing their fate does she come to the realization that “it isn’t fair” and “isn’t right” (17).

8. Analysis of Quotation • 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. • 2-4 sentences

9. Analysis of Quotation • Tessie never speaks up until she is the victim. No one speaks up for her, as she never spoke up for anyone in years past. On this day, Tessie is not the only victim.