MEL-Con
Paragraphs
Introduction
What is a MEL-Con ¶?
• An EASY way for you to
remember the important steps of
writing a strong body paragraph—
on any topic! 
What does MEL-Con stand for?
• Main idea
• Evidence
• Link
• CON = concluding statement
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.
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.
Check out our example of a strong
MEL-Con Paragraph!
E = Evidence
• These are your examples.
This is how you will prove
your main idea.
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 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.
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.
Check out our example of a strong
MEL-Con Paragraph!
L = Link
• This is your explanation. This
explains what your evidence has
proven about your main idea in 1
or 2 concise sentences.
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.
Check out our example of a strong
MEL-Con Paragraph!
Con = Conclusion
• This is the wrap-up! It is the
last sentence of the paragraph
and should give the paragraph
closure.
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.
Check out our example of a strong
MEL-Con Paragraph!
•
Example of a Strong MEL-Con Paragraph
Read 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!
M
E
L
Con
Now take a look at your
own writing…
1.
Please take out your MEL-Con graphic organizer.
2. 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).
3. Revise your statements on your graphic organizer so that they
reflect your best work in completing each step of your MELCon paragraph. Make sure to pay attention to specifics when
describing your examples.
4. 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…
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 sentence in 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…
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