(EIGHT SENTENCES – TWO TEXTUAL EVIDENCES)
• Structure to help students format analytical
or synthesis response paragraph.
• Can serve as short responses, or a
paragraph within larger analytical or
research essay.
• Can be used on Short Answer Cross Over
Questions
Sentence 1: Topic Sentence: this is a mini-thesis for your paragraph
 It should tie in to your essay main thesis if this paragraph is part of a larger essay
Sentence 2: Textual Evidence #1: this is a quote or paraphrase, a
direct reference to specific evidence.


Embed Direct Quotation by providing context or introducing quote
Example: In the beginning of the novel, Henry Fleming is described as a “youthful
soldier with temporary but sublime absence of selfishness” (42)
Sentence 3-4: Commentary/Analysis of Evidence: this is your
discussion of the quote, connecting it to your topic sentence.
Elaborate on significance of quote or idea
Sentence 5 Textual Evidence #2: this is a quote or paraphrase, a
direct reference to specific evidence.
Sentence 6 and 7 : Commentary/Analysis of Evidence: this is your
discussion of the quote, connecting it to your topic sentence.
Elaborate on significance of quote or idea
Sentence 8: Closing Statement: Close up your discussion on this
topic and begin transition to next paragraph, if relevant.
Sentence 1: Topic Sentence
Sentence 2: Textual Evidence #1
Sentence 3-4: Commentary/
Analysis of Evidence #1
Sentence 5: Textual Evidence #2
Sentence 6-7: Commentary/
Analysis of Evidence #2
Sentence 8: Closing
Statement
Due to the rising popularity of designer pets, some
geneticists have begun to speculate on the possibility of more
eccentric options in the field of companion animals. Dynamic
Genetics, the leader in the designer pet market feels that “some
of our clients have more discerning tastes, and the introduction
or reintroduction of various species could have both
mainstream and scientific value” (Larson 78). Their argument is
that bringing back species such as the dodo-bird could create
new avenues in scientific research. DG has also speculated that
the personalization of pets might create more responsible pet
owners, a claim many feel is dubious at best. Anna Objektor, a
representative of PETA, extends this argument when she askes,
“Why should we think that someone who can’t take care of a
dog can take care of something the world hasn’t seen in
hundreds or millions of years?”(Miller 89). She and others like
her feel that pet-engineering only increases the risk that animals
will be abandoned. These animals may, after all, be subject to
an environment their species is not biologically equipped to
handle. Despite the initial novelty of using genetic engineering
to create designer pets, the irresponsible use of genetic
research will have lasting repercussions for both pet owners and
scientists in various fields.
Stephen Crane displays his negative image of war
through his character development. In the beginning of
the novel, Henry Fleming is described as a “youthful
soldier with temporary but sublime absence of
selfishness” (42). In this characterization, the author is
focusing on the malice of young soldiers. Fleming,
although youthful, already has a taint of traits that
helps the writer promote his negative view of war.
Furthermore, Crane later describes Jim as “a curious
and profound dignity in the firm lines of his awful face”
(112). Through Jim, the reader can further see the
disgust found in soldiers and war. Once again, the
author is focusing on the negative traits of a character
to convey his true opinion on the Civil War. It is clear,
therefore, that Crane uses characterization to portray
his negative opinion of war, an opinion further
crystalized with his word choice.