How to Write a MEL-Con paragraph

The MEL-Con Paragraph

M ain idea

Example

•The first sentence of the paragraph that contains the topic sentence. •Information (Quotes, statistics, facts) from sources such as books, lectures, readings, songs etc. that support your main idea•The “stuff” you learned or found out about the topic

How can I write a good paragraph?

The MEL-Con Paragraph

Evidence•Support, examples, and proof to back up your main idea.•Use a Transition

• An interesting fact is…• Furthermore, Finally….

•Use A.W.E (Author’s Words Exactly) and place quotation marks “Roots and bruises so deep, found it hard to sleep” (Common, 2011)

• Use parenthetical citations at the end of your quote.

How do I incorporate my evidence

MEL-Con Paragraphs

LInk •Links the evidence you used to the key idea in your topic sentence•Explains how the evidence supports your topic•What you think or how you relate the evidence to the topic•Shows your thought process and why you chose the evidence you chose

MEL-Con Paragraphs

ConcludingStatement

•The last sentence of your paragraph •Summarizes your evidence•Mentions your evidence in a new, short way• It can be concluded that….

Marvin Gaye sings about violence in his famous song “What’s Going On.”

Gaye is singing about a time when society was at war and brutality was used. Unfortunately, violent and brutal acts were part of his life. The artist is expressing non-violence in the message of his powerful song.

For example,

in the beginning of the song, he makes the statement “Don’t punish me with brutality.”( Gaye,

1971)

It can be concluded that

Marvin Gaye wanted to make his listeners aware of the issue of peace as a solution to violence.  

Exit: Understanding a Mel-Con paragraph

Circle the main idea in the topic sentence

Highlight the evidence

Put a box around parenthetical citation.

Underline the link

Injustice is another issue that Marvin Gaye mentions in his famous song.

Sometimes, injustice occurs when others incorrectly make judgments or come to the wrong conclusions. Injustice is an ongoing problem in society and many talented artists attempt to address this issue in their music. It can be concluded that injustice was an important issue during Marvin Gaye’s time, just as it continues to be today.

For example,

in the middle of the song, Gaye sings, “Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong… Oh, but who are they to judge us.”

(1971)

Prompt

Write a Mel-Con paragraph response about the main idea of peace in “What’s Going On”

Sample

Finally, this talented musician sends a powerful message about how to live in peace in a world of conflict. Toward the end of the song, Gaye expresses himself by saying, “You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today.” (1971). Marvin Gaye mentions that everyone must find a way to bring peace and love by mentioning “we” in his song. It is obvious that when everyone comes together positively, this can greatly benefit society. It can be concluded that peace can only be accomplished when everyone collectively does their part to ensure that there are no conflicts, which can lead to violence.

 

Exit: Understanding a Mel-Con paragraph

Circle the main idea in the topic sentence

Highlight the evidence

Put a box around parenthetical citation.

Underline the link