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 paragraphon 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 paragraph and is very
  direct and concise.

5
3 Guidelines for M

1. Should answer question posed in one sentence.
2. Should NOT start with yes or no even though
   you are answering a question!
3. Should set up the 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

1. Should always be prefaced by a transition.
2. Should prove only the main idea nothing else!
3. Should use information observed or measured by
   you or someone else Quotes would fit this
   category!
4. The stuff you learned about the topic.

9

• 5) Should not be choppy.
• 6) Should not ignore important evidence which
  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.

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 for Link

1. Explains how the evidence supports your topic.
2. The link is what you think or how you relate the
   evidence to the topic.
3. Should move the reader beyond the main idea.
4. Your link is unique. It shows your thought
   processes and why you chose the evidence you
   chose.

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 sentence of your paragraph that
  summarizes your answer, your evidence.
• Mentions your three pieces of evidence again in a
  new, short way.