English 10
Writing
Name _________________________________________________________
Date ________
ICE(E)
You may be familiar with the “ICEEE” method for incorporating citation (quote) analysis into writing. It is important
that you utilize this method each time you are asked to cite textual information in any type of response. Not
familiar with ICEEE???? NO PROBLEM! It is outlined below:
First things first – you must have a claim, a point, a purpose, A THESIS! You cannot begin “ICING” anything
without a clear thesis and focus for the response.
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“ICE” is not meant to begin a paragraph! “ICE” is a way to analyze a line which you intend to use to SUPPORT
THE THESIS!
Always begin a paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis and follow it with relevant plot
and background before beginning to “ICE”.
Here’s how it works:
1. Generate a clear, strong thesis for your response.
2. Find a line from the text that you believe will be helpful in proving the thesis.
3. ICE!
I – introduce a concept that helps prove the thesis and can be seen in the citation you plan to use.
C – Cite the direct line that conveys the concept introduced. This can be a full line, phrase (s), or words.
E – Explain the citation in your own words. AVOID repeating the citation; instead, explain how it is meaningful
in relation to the concept. Overall, how does this line show the concept introduced in the “I”?
E – Elaborate as to how this citation proves the thesis. Get specific. Pick out parts of the citation and discuss
their importance to the thesis, (which should also relate to the “I”).
E – Evaluate - Show the importance of the citation with respect to your argument and your thesis. Explain
the significance...Tell the reader why they bothered to read your essay. This is where you tie your thoughts together
in a nice bow.
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The last 2 “Es” may seem new to you. The idea is to be sure to properly analyze the citation by offering SEVERAL
lines of discussion. Do your best to ALWAYS include the THREE Es!
SAMPLE ICE(E)
Thesis: In the novel, The Chocolate War, Jerry becomes a victim of The Vigils, his classmates, and even of some teachers.
(If I were writing an entire paper, this would fall in the introduction and the paper would work to prove the statement)
Topic Sentence: After his refusal to accept the chocolates once the assignment is complete, Jerry is ostracized and
tormented by The Vigils.
(Since I am not writing an entire paper, the topic sentence of the paragraph becomes my “thesis” for this ICE(E))
Relevant Plot and Background Information: … (Sometimes we need this; sometimes we don’t - it depends on the depth
of the topic sentence)
I – Archie and The Vigils intend to make Jerry’s life at Trinity a living hell in response to his disrespect.
C – One day he is taunted by Emile Janza for being a “queer.” Janza antagonizes that Jerry is “a fairy” as he puckers his
lips and says, “kiss me.”
E – In this instance it is clear that Janza is purposely provoking Jerry to retaliate so that he can fight him. He knows that
he will get under his skin as he accuses him of being a homosexual.
E – By puckering up and asking for a kiss, he pushes Jerry over the edge and he begins to react, cursing at Janza and
becoming eager for a fight.
E – In the next moment, many other boys emerge from the bushes and jump Jerry, beating him to a pulp. The Vigil’s plan
had worked. Emile provoked Jerry enough for him to retaliate, giving everyone a reason to want to physically hurt him.
Once Jerry decided to disobey The Vigils, he became a target of appalling victimization.
Full Text: Put it all together
After his refusal to accept the chocolates once the assignment is complete, Jerry is ostracized and tormented by The
Vigils. Archie and The Vigils intend to make Jerry’s life at Trinity a living hell in response to his disrespect. One day he is
taunted by Emile Janza for being a “queer.” Janza antagonizes that Jerry is “a fairy” as he puckers his lips and says, “kiss
me.” In this instance it is clear that Janza is purposely provoking Jerry to retaliate so that he can fight him. He knows that
he will get under his skin as he accuses him of being a homosexual. By puckering up and asking for a kiss, he pushes Jerry
over the edge and he begins to react, cursing at Janza and becoming eager for a fight. In the next moment, many other
boys emerge from the bushes and jump Jerry, beating him to a pulp. The Vigil’s plan had worked. Emile provoked Jerry
enough for him to retaliate, giving everyone a reason to want to physically hurt him. Once Jerry decided to disobey The
Vigils, he became a target of appalling victimization.
Mrs. Lein
English 10
Writing
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Date_______
Practicing ICE(E)
Directions:
Do your best to apply the ICE(E) method we learned today to TWO of the citations below. DO NOT DO THEM
ALL! Each citation has been linked to a few topics or themes in order to help you. Refer to today’s sample for
help. Refer also to your novel for background of the scene.
Theme: Peer Pressure, Manipulation
I
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C ________________________________________“ ‘You may pick up your chocolates in the gym,
Use the above space to lead into the citation fluidly
gentlemen’ Brother Leon said. … ‘Those of you who are true sons of Trinity, that is. I pity anyone who
is not’ ” (86).
E
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E
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E
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Theme: Bullying, Blackmailing
I
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C________________________________________“ ‘I’ll make it clear, Archie. If the sale goes down the drain,
Use the above space to lead into the citation fluidly
you and The Vigils also go down the drain. Believe me…’ ”(165).
E
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E
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E
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Theme: Individualism, Identity
I
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C________________________________________“ ‘It’s not The Vigils, Goob. They’re not in it anymore.
Use the above space to lead into the citation fluidly
It’s me’ ”(128).
E
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E
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E
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