Ideal for essay questions or test questions that require a paragraph answer

THE ONE-IDEA PARAGRAPH

The one-idea paragraph begins with a THESIS which consists of the Tag and General Focus.

Thesis = Tag + General Focus

The TAG includes the following:T = title of workA = author of workG = genre (romance, tragedy, comedy, etc.)

The General Focus is the main idea of the paragraph.

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE!

THESIS

Thesis Example

Charles Dickens illustrates Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy and lonely old man, as a character who exhibits miserly behavior in his classic fantasy A Christmas Story.

Title = A Christmas Story Author = Charles Dickens Genre = fantasy Focus = Scrooge is a miser.

IDEA After giving the thesis, state the idea. The idea will build upon the thesis in a more SPECIFIC way.

EXAMPLE:

Scrooge’s miserly behavior includes his attitude about charity. (IDEA)

Now add the Idea Sentence to the Thesis.

Charles Dickens illustrates Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy and lonely old man, as a character who exhibits miserly behavior in his classic fantasy A Christmas Story. Scrooge’s miserly behavior includes his attitude about charity.

EXAMPLE Next give a specific example which supports the fact that Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser because of his attitude about charity.

Example: Two pleasant gentlemen visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve, asking him for a donation for the poor and the destitute. The gentlemen say that it is that time of year when want is keenly felt, and they ask Scrooge what he would like to donate to the poor. Scrooge’s only reply is “nothing!”

Thesis, Idea, and Example Charles Dickens illustrates Ebenezer

Scrooge, a greedy and lonely old man, as a character who exhibits miserly behavior in his classic fantasy A Christmas Story. Scrooge’s miserly behavior includes his attitude about charity. Two pleasant gentlemen visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve, asking him for a donation for the poor and the destitute. The gentlemen say that it is that time of year when want is keenly felt, and they ask Scrooge what he would like to donate to the poor. Scrooge’s only reply is “nothing!”

COMMENTARY Now give a commentary showing that Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who recoils at giving to the poor at Christmas time.

Scrooge makes it very clear to the two gentlemen that he does not wish to make merry at Christmas. He sees the poor as being idle, unmotivated, and nothing more than a burden upon society. He does not question his own insensitivity toward giving to others in need.

Thesis, Idea, Example, and Commentary

Charles Dickens illustrates Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy and lonely old man, as a character who exhibits miserly behavior in his classic fantasy A Christmas Story. Scrooge’s miserly behavior includes his attitude about charity. Two pleasant gentlemen visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve asking him for a donation for the poor and the destitute. The gentlemen go on to say that it is that time of year when want is keenly felt. Scrooge makes it very clear to the two gentlemen that he does not wish to make merry at Christmas. He sees the poor as being idle, unmotivated, and nothing more than a burden upon society. He does not question his own insensitivity toward giving to others in need.

CONCLUSION

The Conclusion should creatively restate the thesis and sum up the major thoughts of the essay.

Scrooge’s miserly attitude gives him a false sense of self importance. After the two men withdraw from his shop, he resumes his work with an improved opinion of himself.

One-Idea Paragraph Charles Dickens illustrates Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy and lonely old man, as a character who exhibits miserly behavior in his classic fantasy A Christmas Story. Scrooge’s miserly behavior includes his attitude about charity. Two pleasant gentlemen visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve asking him for a donation for the poor and the destitute. The gentlemen go on to say that it is that time of year when want is keenly felt. Scrooge makes it very clear to the two gentlemen that he does not wish to make merry at Christmas. He sees the poor as being idle, unmotivated, and nothing more than a burden upon society. He does not question his own insensitivity toward giving to others in need. Scrooge’s miserly attitude gives him a false sense of self importance. After the two men withdraw from his shop, he resumes his work with an improved opinion of himself.

THESIS (TAG + general focus)

Idea ExampleCommentaryCONCLUSION

One-Idea Paragraph