MEL-Con Paragraphs Introduction

1. MEL-Con ParagraphsIntroduction

2. What is a MEL-Con ¶? • An EASY way for you to remember the important steps of writing a strong body paragraph—on any topic! 

3. What does MEL-Con stand for? • Main idea • Evidence • Link • CON = concluding statement

4. M = Main Idea • This is your argument or claim. This is what you intend to prove in your paragraphand is very direct and concise.

5. 3 Guidelines for M • Should answer question posed in one sentence. • Should NOT start with “yes” or “no” even though you are answering a question! • Should set up the paragraph. Check out our example of a strong MEL-Con Paragraph!

6. E = Evidence • These are your examples. This is how you will prove your main idea.

7. How do I show my evidence? • Use examples, facts, reasons, or quotations. Be sure that you are specific and complete. Stick to the point! Focus! 

8. 8 Guidelines for Evidence • Should always be prefaced by a transition. • Should prove only the main idea… nothing else! • Should use information observed or measured by you or someone else… Quotes would fit this category! • The “stuff” you learned about the topic.

9. 5) Should not be choppy. 6) Should not ignore important evidencewhich could disprove the main idea. 7) Should define words that are not clear. 8) Is something that is common. Anyone can find and use it. Check out our example of a strong MEL-Con Paragraph!

10. L = Link • This is your explanation. This explains what your evidence has proven about your main idea in 1 or 2 concise sentences.

11. 4 Guidelines forLink • Explains how the evidence supports your topic. • The link is what you think or how you relate the evidence to the topic. • Should move the reader beyond the main idea. • Your link is unique. It shows your thought processes and why you chose the evidence you chose. Check out our example of a strong MEL-Con Paragraph!

12. Con = Conclusion • This is the wrap-up! It is the last sentence of the paragraph and should give the paragraph closure.

13. 2 Guidelines for the Conclusion • The last sentenceof your paragraph that summarizes your answer, your evidence. • Mentions your three pieces of evidence again in a new, short way. Check out our example of a strong MEL-Con Paragraph!

14. Example of a Strong MEL-Con ParagraphRead below to find out how each part of MEL-Con fits into an effective, full paragraph! Click on the appropriate letter below to head back to the slide you were just on! MELCon

15. Now take a look at your own writing… • Please take out your MEL-Con graphic organizer. • Look at the different statements you’ve written in your graphic organizer sections. Then, compare them to the descriptions in the PowerPoint (see the guidelines and the sample paragraph). • Revise your statements on your graphic organizer so that they reflect your best work in completing each step of your MEL-Con paragraph. Make sure to pay attention to specifics when describing your examples. • When you’ve completed Steps 1-3, let Mrs. Schumacher or Ms. Dahlby know you’re done so that we may come and check it out. If there is time, you may start looking at how to create transitions. Information is on the next slide…

16. Transitions • Transitions are used to separate examples within paragraphs as well as to separate paragraphs. Transitions are not considered completed sentences; rather, they are simply the beginning of your sentencein explaining your examples/links. • On the back of your graphic organizer, you’ll find first, second, and third step transitions that you may find useful in completing your own MEL-Con paragraphs. • Remember, you can customize your own transitions by adding in information about your topic. • EXAMPLE: You are writing a paper on the “NO HAT POLICY” You can “CUSTOMIZE” your transitions like this: A good first example of the hat policy in action was when…

17. WORK TIME • If you finish early, you may read silently while your peers finish their work. If you need something else to work on, here’s a list of things you can complete during your work time: • Insult PP • Make-up work you’re missing • FakeBook Profile