Emerson ICE Paragraph
Review of “ICE” method
Topic Sentence
 Not too broad (vague), narrow, or dull
 The topic sentence should show your insight into the literary passage and should draw some conclusion
that is not a fact or an obvious truth. “Emerson likes nature” is an obvious truth.
 Try to look at what we can learn or apply from the passage, a “universal truth” if there is one.
 All the ideas in your paragraph should relate to your topic sentence.
Example: Ralph Waldo Emerson demonstrates the transcendental belief in the spiritual relationship between
man and nature.
I = Introduce, Install
C= Cite
 Tell us whom you are quoting and if needed, when or where the line was originally written or spoken.
 Provide a reference to the author and page number using parenthetical citations after the quotation. The
punctuation comes after the citation.
In his essay “Nature” Emerson says, “I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the
Universal Being circulate through me” (Emerson, 161).
Emerson also says, “all mean egotism vanishes” (Emerson, 161).
(Note that here we have two quotes stated near each other. For the second sequential quote you do not need to
repeat the full context information.)
E= Explain
 Explain your quotation as it relates to your topic sentence.
 Don’t just repeat your topic sentence.
 Build upon the general idea in your topic sentence with specific details and insights that support it.
 Paraphrase ideas that relate to this quote and put it into a broader perspective.
 If possible make a specific reference to the words in the quote.
In this quote, Emerson is not simply referring to how we literally see nature with our eyes. He is explaining how
he as an individual sees life more clearly when he is separate from society and able to live in the moment. He
says he becomes “transparent” because he is a part of nature when he is alone in it. The “Universal Being” refers
to God and his sense of connectedness to God when he is in this pure environment, free and unhindered by life’s
distractions.
Closing Sentence
Emerson reminds his readers today as he did in the nineteenth century that nature is an amazing force that can
inspire powerful reflection.
Homework:
Have a parent, tutor, or Writing Center teacher review your paragraph and check:
 Unity
 Organization (especially topic sentence)
 Fluency and grammar
 Use of the “ICE” method
Write a second draft of your paragraph. Show me evidence of editing in the form of a signature on this sheet.