MEAL Plan Synopsis (body paragraph)

https://youtu.be/svaqvWbndgE?si=3cljdMXk22aAQCAX

https://anchor.fm/benjamin-l-stewart/episodes/Thesis-Seminar-M-E-A-L--Plan-paragraph-development-eq7vdr

Paragraph Types

When writing a thesis paper, there are three different types of paragraphs to consider: an Introductory Paragraph, a body paragraph, a Transitional Paragraph, and a Conclusion Paragraph. When writing a typical five-paragraph essay, the same types of paragraphs apply except for the transitional paragraph. An introductory paragraph, transitional paragraph, and conclusion paragraph all include a thesis statement or the main idea of the entire thesis.

MEAL plan explained

Writing effective evidence sentences within a body paragraph using the MEAL plan (Main idea, Evidence, Analysis, Linking) involves several key steps. The MEAL plan is a structured approach to constructing paragraphs that clearly communicate your arguments and analysis. Let's break down how to write good evidence sentences.

Body Paragraph (BP) Development

Main idea (topic sentence)

• Purpose: Introduces the central idea or argument of the paragraph.
• Tip: Make it clear and direct, setting up what the paragraph will discuss.

Main Idea (Original idea-no citation): When developing a body paragraph (BP), each sentence serves a particular purpose. A BP typically begins with the main idea of the paragraph, called, the topic sentence. A reader should be able to get the gist of the meaning of the paragraph by reading only the topic sentence. It's common for English language learning writers to find it challenging to develop a topic sentence to begin each BP. Sometimes a topic sentence can be determined before developing the BP, while other times, the topic sentence is unclear until the entire BP has been written. Either way, a topic sentence should begin each BP and express clearly the one idea (or A Claim; See Toulmin Method in Organizing an effective argument: Methods and examples.

Copula verbs

Evidence sentence

Purpose: Provide factual details, data, examples, quotations, or paraphrased information to support the main idea.

• How to Write Good Evidence Sentences:
  • Relevance: Ensure that the evidence directly supports the main idea of the paragraph.
  • Credibility: Use evidence from credible and authoritative sources.
  • Specificity: Choose evidence that is specific and detailed to make a strong case.
  • Integration: Introduce evidence in a way that flows naturally from the main idea. Use phrases like "For instance," "According to [source]," or "A study by [researcher] found that..."
  • Balance: Provide enough evidence to be convincing but avoid overloading the paragraph with too many details.
  • Citation: Always give proper credit to the original sources of your evidence, following the appropriate citation style.

Evidence (Not an original idea: citation required): When developing a literature review, the evidence (sentences) will be the citations used to support the writer's original ideas. When developing the results and discussion section of a paper, the evidence will be the findings that result from having analyzed collected data. A good rule of thumb is to present the evidence immediately after the main idea of the paragraph (i.e., the topic sentence); that is, the second sentence of the BP. After presenting the first piece of evidence in a BP, then it's at the discretion of the writer how evidence sentences and analysis sentences are to be stated.

Analysis sentence

• Purpose: Interpret, explain, or analyze the evidence provided.