Theme paragraph for “The Veldt,” “The Gift of the Magi,” or
“Marigolds” (60 pts.)
Directions: Write a paragraph in which you discuss the theme in one short story.
Sample topic sentences (you may use one of these to begin your paragraph):
“The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury tells a cautionary tale of technology and
human relationships.
In “The Gift of the Magi” O. Henry writes about a young couple who learn
the true meaning of love.
In “Marigolds,” Eugenia W. Collier tells the story of a young girl who learns
the true meaning of compassion.
Remember to follow each topic sentence with plenty of evidence/details and
commentary/analysis that fully explain the theme. End your paragraph with closure that
ties up your ideas and refers again to the topic sentence idea.
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Topic sentence: sets up the paragraph
Concrete detail: evidence from the story
Commentary: explain how the detail sets up the theme
Concrete detail: evidence from the story
Commentary: explain how the detail sets up the theme
Concrete detail: evidence from the story
Commentary: explain how the detail sets up the theme
Closure: relate the final idea to the topic sentence