137Transition from 1st body paragraph to 2nd body paragraph:
- We look not only to flesh and blood characters to
inspire a positive outlook, but also to familiar story
book characters, such as Cinderella, to motivate a
fresh perspective.
Here, the author acknowledges
the previous example (I would
imagine an example of someone
from history) and relates it
back to her thesis.Transitions to her second
example, Cinderella, and again
relates it back to her thesis.- The second element of your body paragraphs should be detailing your example.
This is perhaps the trickiest part. Either students don’t go into enough detail, or they
go into too much detail.
Tips:
Assume the reader knows nothing of your example. If you are writing about Huck Finn, do not assume the
reader has read the book. The reader has no idea who Huck or Jim is, so you had better let him/her know. You
should start with a simple synopsis of plot, and an introduction of the characters your example refers to. Follow
with specific details from the novel that help to prove your thesis. It is not enough to say that Huck escapes the
racist viewpoints of his neighbors through his friendship with Jim; you must SHOW a specific example of their
friendship that causes Huck to deny the racist impulses of the South.
If you are using Martin Luther King, Jr. as your example, do not assume the reader has any idea who Martin
Luther King, Jr. is. While you do not need to tell us King’s whole life story, you do need to tell us that he was a
civil rights leader. You should not merely say that he greatly influenced the civil rights movement; you have to
show us specifically HOW he did so. Check out the difference:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. was a famous speaker who
influenced the civil rights movement and helped end
segregation.
Vs.- Through non-violent protests, boycotts, and marches
on Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr. used his
oratory skills and fervent belief in equality to lead the
civil rights movement in America, helping to end
segregation and battle discrimination against minorities.
Do you see how much more specific and effective the second option is?