· Presents relevant background information: the types of sources, the perspectives

· Ends with the thesis statement: Keep it brief, but include the number of sources and the fact they represent three distinct perspectives on the issue

All body paragraphs should follow—

M-main point of the paragraph

[context] 1-2 sentences that will logically lead the reader to the evidence

E-evidence—reasons to support the main point

A-analysis/tag lines that explain how the source (evidence) supports the topic sentence

L—linking sentence that transitions to the next paragraph

· [Context]—1-2 sentences that narrows the topic sentence and leads logically to the summary of the source. Explains why the source is selected.

· Summary: Include a 2-3 sentence summary. USE A SIGNAL PHRASE TO INTRODUCE THE SOURCE: Include the writer’s full name, a verb, and their thesis statement –of course in your own words. Then include only the main points—these are the reasons the writer uses to support his/her thesis statement. IMPORTANT: CITE THE SUMMARY—when the summary is completed—CITE IT (“shortened title”). Follow this with the analysis/tag line(s) that explains how the source supports the thesis statement and then prepare the reader for your specific example.

· Evidence: After the summary you want to include at least one example from the writer’s article that clearly SHOWS how the writer supports his/her perspective. ALWAYS USE A SIGNAL PHRASE TO INTRODUCE THE SOURCE. Follow the quote with a parenthetical reference ( ). Follow this with a tag line/ANALYSIS that explains how the source supports your claim in the topic sentence: the perspective.

· END WITH A LINKING SENTENCE: DO NOT END WITH THE SOURCE (quote).

6-10 Sentences

· [context]–Explains the importance of the source.

· Summary—2-3 sentences—use correct MLA format for citing

· Analysis of the summary—explains the source’s relevance to the issue as presented in the summary.

· Evidence—incorporate direct quotes using correct MLA format.

· Linking sentence—end with a sentence that prepares the reader for the next source.

6-10 sentences

· CONTINUES THE PROCESS/FORMAT FROM PARAGRAPH 1

· Include the thesis statement—the answer to the issue question—in the topic sentence

· Summarize each source—use 1-2 sentences for each source beginning with the first source and ending with the last source. DO NOT CLUMP THE SOURCES TOGETHER IN ONE SENTENCE.

· Evaluate each source’s relevance to the issue

· End with a final remark that reinforces the relevancy of the sources to the issue.

All handouts on MLA formatting on eCompanion.

ONLY THREE SOURCES

· Works Cited—centered on the page—1” margins,

· Sources must be varied: newspapers, magazines, Web sites, scholarly journals

· Format: alphabetical order, double-spaced within and between.

· Do not include: http://www. for web Sites. Refer to the formatting handout.