In academic writing, writers enter the academic conversation in the form of an argument. This argument is typically presented in the form of a thesis statement at the end of the paper’s introduction. Thesis statements are then supported by body paragraphs. To draft focused and well-organized paragraphs, consider following the M.E.A.L. structure.
A strong body paragraph will begin with a topic sentence that also functions as a claim, or the main idea, of a paragraph. Claims must be argumentative and debatable by taking a stance on a specific topic or area of focus. Further, a claim typically introduces and defines the goal and focus of a given paragraph.
Evidence is essential for supporting an argument, especially in academic writing. Typically, the type and scope of your argument will dictate what evidence you should use, but regardless, each paragraph should present evidence in order to support the main idea. To help the reader distinguish between claims, evidence, and analysis, use a signal phrase (e.g., “According to the Environmental Protection Agency…”) to introduce source material. If you opt not to use a signal phrase, always be sure to cite evidence with a parenthetical citation.
After each piece of evidence, there should be analysis. Analysis should explain the significance of the evidence and show how it connects back to the claim for the paragraph. Because readers can interpret evidence in different ways, you as the writer can’t let the evidence speak for itself, no matter how strong the statistics or quotation. When analyzing evidence, it is your responsibility to explain how you interpret the evidence and to draw connections between the main idea and the evidence itself.
At the end of the paragraph, there should be a link that wraps up the paragraph. This aspect of the paragraph could be a link that connects the evidence and analysis back to the main idea. The link could also be a transition to the next paragraph, which can be helpful for showing each paragraph builds on the previous one. Finally, the link can tie back to the thesis statement in order to reinforce the central argument throughout the essay.
Although globalization has fostered severe tensions across the world, it still compels countries to choose the American way of life (M). In his article “Jihad vs. McWorld,” Barber (1992) uses the city of Marx-Engelsplatz in Russia as an example of globalization’s influence, describing it—and its statue of Karl Marx—as now surrounded by chain restaurants and ads for Coca-Cola (E). Despite the country’s Cold War past, Russia has succumbed to the influence of capitalism by welcoming in famous American corporations and their money (A). Even in countries once defined by socialism, globalization has enabled capitalism to win out (L).
In body paragraphs, the evidence and analysis steps can be repeated if you need several pieces of evidence in order to support the paragraph’s main idea. If you are making a complex argument or if you are writing at the graduate level, you might need several pieces of evidence to support a more sophisticated claim. Generally, however, body paragraphs should not exceed one page double-spaced. Keep this in mind when integrating additional evidence into your body paragraphs, and always be sure to follow each additional piece of evidence with more analysis.
Although globalization has fostered severe tensions across the world, it still compels countries to choose the American way of life. In “Jihad vs. McWorld,” Barber (1992) uses the Russian city of Marx-Engelsplatz as an example of globalization’s influence, describing it—and its statue of Karl Marx—as now surrounded by chain restaurants and ads for Coca-Cola. Despite the country’s Cold War past, Russia has succumbed to the influence of capitalism by welcoming in famous American corporations and their money. Similarly, Barber describes how the country’s traditional nesting dolls now bear images of celebrities like Bruce Springsteen or Madonna. It’s clear that Russia not only invites symbols of capitalism into the country but also blends and integrates American ideals of fame and fortune into its traditional culture. Even in countries once defined by socialism, globalization has enabled capitalism to win out.