AEC Body Paragraph Information
Assertion:
Definition – a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief
v An assertion is simply a topic sentence, in which the main idea can be stated or implied, but the opinion of the writer is inserted into the sentence.
But still, it is just a topic sentence. This TS just happens to be smarter than what we have written in the past.
v The assertion is a broad statement with no literal text background included.
v The idea and the structure of the sentence should be complex, not simple.
v The assertion should be based on the content of the paragraph.
Therefore, an assertion is simply strongly stated topic sentence with a complex idea and structure. We are SMART!
Evidence:
The evidence consists of 3 things: 1. Context 2. Quotation 3. Citation
Definition – the circumstances that form the setting for an event in terms of
which it can be fully understood
1. Context
v This is the literal background in the text
v The WHAT paragraph; what is actually happening in the text at this moment
2. Quotation
v information, or evidence, in the text
v does not have to be actual “dialogue” between characters
v The quotation should be between the levels 2 and 3 of reading (typically with fiction)
and should support/answer the question in other instances.
(Level 1-On the Lines/in the text; Level 2-Between the Lines/depth; Level 3 – Beyond the Lines/analytical)
3. Citation
v A source MUST be included for any information that is used from a text.
Ex. (Zusak p. 236).
Commentary
Definition – a set of explanatory or critical notes on a text; an expression of opinions or
offering of explanations.
v The why in the paragraph.
v This section of the paragraph explains and supports the assertion.
v This is where the writer, YOU, give his/her/YOUR ideas and opinions.
v This section should be analytical and have depth in thought applied to the topic.
I can piece together an effective paragraph.
This is your end goal.