The Paragraph

Topic Sentence

• The topic of the paragraph
• Your argument about that topic: 
• (like a mini-thesis)

Each topic sentence should contain one reason in support of your argument

You should have 3 topic sentences total

Argument: In "Jurassic Park," the characters, disconnected from each other, undergo a traumatic experience; therefore,
fear connects them as they fight for survival.

Possible Topics for Paragraphs

• Dr. Grant's change from independant man to family man
• The progression of distaste to fondness for Dr. Malcolm
• Ray Arnold's death as sacrifice for the lives of the others

Possible Topic Sentence: Dr. Grant, a terse man who dislikes children, connects with the children on a paternal level after he saves them from the T-Rex.

Support

Quotes from the text!

• Find good quotes that you can pick apart and analyze!
• Make sure your quote is related to your subject!

Primary Sources: Research You've Done

• Observations
• Interviews
• Surveys
• Literature 
• (Auto) biographies

Secondary Source: Research Others have Done

• Nonfiction books that analyze information
• Articles
• Encyclopedias
• Research Reports

Analysis & Synthesis

Analysis: Breaking Apart

Synthesis: Bringing Together

Explanation of how your support proves your topic sentence(s).

If you quote a text, make sure you both explain what the quote means and explain how it supports your point.

Quotes don't always speak for themselves; the connection may be clear to you, but not to the reader

So therefore, you need to "break apart" your sources and "bring together" details to make new connections.

Example

Ray Arnold declares, "Hold on to your butts" (Spielberg).

"Hold on" can refer to the fact that all the characters need to hold on to their wits, for strength through teamwork is the only way they can survive.

"Butts" here is metonomy; it stands for a part of the whole. The "whole" being the shared consciousness they develop.

Therefore, Arnold is metaphorically warning the characters to have faith as he leads them to survival. Individuals need not apply: trust is difficult to form, but necessary during the possibility of death.

Conclusion Paragraph

Conclusion

• Re-state your thesis
• Discuss why this is important
• Move into your "so what?" - How can you relate what you just argued to the world around you?

Spielberg, Steven, dir. Jurassic Park. Perf. Sam Neill and Laura Dern. Universal, 1993. Film.

It is easy for us to think we live independent lives and do not need help from others. However, Jurassic Park teaches us the importance of community and shared experiences. Hopefully, we can all form communities willing to help us in times of need.