Parts of a PEPSI Paragraph
Point — the main idea or topic sentence. Underline it.
The most exciting movie ever is the Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.
Explanation — one or two sentences saying what you mean by your Point. These sentences should explain your point and only your point.
Put brackets around it.
[It puts ordinary, likeable people into epic situations, so that we care deeply about how those situations turn out.]
Proof—three sentences giving examples, quotations, and illustrations that support your [Explanation]. These sentences should talk about your explanation and only your explanation.
Put squiggly brackets around it.
{For example, the Hobbits are like many Americans. They enjoy parties, big meals, and fireworks. When these Hobbits struggle up the side of a volcano or swordfight with monsters, we can picture ourselves in their places.}
Signal—word or phrase that indicates your paragraph is about to end.
(Examples: clearly, truly, to be sure, so, thus, in the end, undoubtedly.)
Double Underline it.
That’s why
In Other Words—rewording of your Point.
Underline it.
the Lord of the Rings is so exhilarating.
The final product looks like this:
The most exciting movie ever is the Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. [It puts ordinary, likeable people into epic situations, so that we care deeply about how those situations turn out.] {For example, the Hobbits, like many Americans, are people who enjoy parties, big meals, and fireworks. When these Hobbits climb a volcano or swordfight with monsters, we can picture ourselves in their places.} That’s why the Lord of the Rings is so exhilarating.