Structure of a Support Paragraph

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Structure of aSupport Paragraph

• EGL 101

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Function of Support Paragraphs

• To provide support for the thesis of your essay

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Parts of a Support Paragraph

• Topic Sentence
• Support Point
• Details

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Constructing a Support Paragraph

• First, write your topic sentence.

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A Topic Sentence . . .

• expresses your attitude, idea, feeling, opinion,
  or point of view about a paragraphs limited
  topic.

The filmmakers use of light and shadow to
convey a sense of imprisonment is subtle but
effective.
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Constructing a Support Paragraph

• Second, write your support point.

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A Support Point is . . .

• a sentence that previews the detail that follows.

We are introduced to the artistry of this
technique when ushered into Ricks Café Americain
for the first time, about 7 minutes into the
film.
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Constructing a Support Paragraph

• Third, add your details.

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Details . . .

• exemplify or illustrate the point you want to
  make about the limited topic.

It is night, and, for a moment, the camera
focuses on the neon sign above the club it
blazes Ricks Café Americain. Then the camera
pans down to the front entrance as a beam of
light sweeps across a set of double doors. The
light source is from the airport tower about a
quarter-mile from the club. Ostensibly, it is
supposed to serve as a beacon for incoming
aircraft. In fact, it functions as a searchlight
from atop a guard tower. So, instead of scanning
the skies for approaching airplanes, it is
sweeping the streets for anyone who may be trying
to escape the compound known as Casablanca.
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A Constructed Support Paragraph

• The filmmakers use of light and shadow to
  convey a sense of imprisonment is subtle but
  effective. We are introduced to the artistry of
  this technique when ushered into Ricks Café
  Americain for the first time, about 7 minutes
  into the film. It is night, and, for a moment,
  the camera focuses on the neon sign above the
  club it blazes Ricks Café Americain. Then the
  camera pans down to the front entrance as a beam
  of light sweeps across a set of double doors. The
  light source is from the airport tower about a
  quarter-mile from the club. Ostensibly, it is
  supposed to serve as a beacon for incoming
  aircraft. In fact, it functions as a searchlight
  from atop a guard tower. So, instead of scanning
  the skies for approaching airplanes, it sweeps
  the streets for anyone who may be trying to
  escape the compound known as Casablanca.