The Try SLEE/SLEEC Formula for Writing Analytical Paragraphs
S1-Topic
Sentence (TopS)
– One sentence restating and answering the prompt. Every other sentence
in the paragraph must support this statement. Introduce title and author;
NO personal pronouns (I, you, me, we, our, etc.)
Statement – One sentence to develop, expand, explain, or define terms in the TopS. This is an
S2-
opportunity to show a bit of background on the subject matter and develop your voice.
Lead-in – A partial or full sentence introduction of the up-coming supporting evidence. Lead-ins prepare
S3-
the reader as to who is speaking in the evidence/who is being spoken to, provide information
regarding the setting, briefly explain what just happened in the plot, etc.
Evidence/quotation – This is word-for-word textual evidence that supports the argument in your TopS.
S4-
End your quote with a parenthetical citation: “This is your evidence” (45).
S5&6-
Explanation – In your words, explain how your chosen evidence supports TopS (minimum of two
sentences). This is where you show your voice and develop an analysis of the prompt.
Statement – Uses a transitional word or phrase and bridges previous evidence/explanation to the next
S7-
example and elaborates on the message you are trying to convey in the TopS.
Lead-in – partial or full sentence introduction of the up-coming supporting evidence. Lead-ins prepare
S8-
the reader as to who is speaking in the evidence/who is being spoken to, provide information
regarding the setting, briefly explain what just happened in the plot, etc.
Evidence/quotation – This is word-for-word textual evidence that supports the argument in your TopS.
S9-
End your quote with a parenthetical citation: “This is your evidence” (45).
Explanation – In your words, explain how your chosen evidence supports TopS (minimum of
S10&11-
two sentences). This is where you show your voice and develop an analysis of the
prompt.
S12-
Clincher – One sentence summarizing your argument leaving reader with something to think about.
Here is a sample showing “Try SLEE/SLEEC” in action.
Prompt: Name a character trait for the main character and include two quotes to explain your thinking.
T.S-In W.D. Wetherell’s short story “The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant” the main
character shows that he is courageous. S-He is not intimidated by the fact that he has a crush
on an older girl that nearly every other older boy also seems to have a crush on. L-Although he
realizes his chances of winning her heart are slim, he shows courage by following his heart
despite the fact that he has so much competition: E-“I think all eight of them must have been
in love with her at various times during the summer” (200). E-The narrator has been admiring
Sheila Mant all summer, and also notices the others who are admiring along with him. While
most teenagers may be intimidated by these circumstances, the narrator builds his nerve to put
aside his fears of rejection and risks a broken heart and humiliation. S#2-In addition to
competing with the other boys, the narrator really shows his bravery when he finally gets up
the nerve to ask Sheila out on a date. L#2-While she is relaxing by the lake, the narrator
boldly asks, E#2-“There’s a band in Dixford tomorrow night at nine. Want to go?” (200).
Ex#2-The narrator’s courage continues to build throughout the entire summer when he finally
has the nerve and proves his determination to ask her out. Despite the possibility of refusal,
his risk is rewarded as Sheila agrees to accompany him to the dance. C-Through competing with
the other boys as well as building the nerve to ask out his dream girl, the narrator definitely
proves himself to be courageous.
In the paragraph above, highlight as follows:

TopS and Clincher: pink

Statements: yellow

Lead-ins: green

Evidence: orange

Explanations: blue