Writing Strong
Body Paragraphs
Thesis example:
Although Clarisse plays a
pivotal role in, Ray Bradbury’s
Fahrenheit 451, Montag is the
most important character
because he undergoes rebirth,
he rids society of destructive
forces, and he is a catalyst for
change.
Topic Sentence
O Tell the reader what your paragraph
is about! Each topic sentence should
connect back to a prong you
mentioned earlier in your thesis
statement.
Example:
Guy Montag is a key character due to his
rebirth.
One of my 3 prongs
mentioned in my
thesis statement
CONTEXT SENTENCE:
Introduce your quotation
OGive the reader a glimpse
of what is happening in the
novel (plot summary)
shortly before your
quotation.
Example:
The initial introduction to Guy Montag in the
novel portrays him as a man who is possessed by
his profession. As the novel progresses, Guy
Montag begins to reflect on his life, and starts
to realize his own unhappiness. On account of
his new self-awareness, Montag begins to make
changes in his life.
Plot summary
Cite your quotation
OProvide your quotation from
the novel. This is your
evidence! We are trying to
prove that Montag is the
most important character!
Example:
When Montag starts to utilize his
stolen books, he says to Mildred,
“We’ll start over again at the
beginning”(Bradbury 68).
Direct quotation with page
number in parentheses.
Analyze your quotation
O Explain to the reader the importance
of the quotation and how it supports
your topic sentence. Analyze how
this quotation displays Montag’s
importance.
Example:
Montag wants to “start over again” in regard to
both his books and his life. He wants to rid
himself of the self-absorbed and superficial
lifestyle that has consumed all those members
of the dystopic society. Guy is ready to use
books to give him a greater understanding of
life.
Shows rebirth.
Importance of quotation and
supports topic sentence.
Concluding Sentence
OWrap up the main idea of
your paragraph (bring
everything together).
Example:
Montag’s desire to begin anew, and
search for a life unlike his present
one, clearly shows how Guy Montag
is the most pivotal character.
What it looks like!
Although Clarisse plays a pivotal role in Ray Bradbury’s
Fahrenheit 451, Montag is the most important character because he
undergoes rebirth, he rids society of destructive forces, and he is a
catalyst for change.
Guy Montag is a key character due to his rebirth. The initial
introduction to Guy Montag in the novel portrays him as a man who is
possessed by his profession. As the novel progresses, Guy Montag
begins to reflect on his life, and starts to realize his own unhappiness.
On account of his new self-awareness, Montag begins to make changes
in his life. When Montag starts to utilize his stolen books, he says to
Mildred, “We’ll start over again at the beginning” (Bradbury 68).
Montag wants to “start over again”, in regard to both his books and his
life. He wants to rid himself of the self-absorbed and superficial lifestyle
that has consumed all those members of the dystopic society. Guy is
ready to use books to give him a greater understanding of life.
Montag’s desire to begin anew, and search for a life unlike his present
one, clearly shows how Guy Montag is the most pivotal character.