AXES Paragraph Model - Loudoun County Public Schools

AXES Paragraph Model English 10 Academic Assertion: The assertion (or topic sentence) states the specific arguable point you will make in the paragraph. Generally, assertions should go at the beginning of the paragraph (the first sentence, or, if there's a transition sentence, the second).

Assertions must be arguable--the point that YOU are making about something. When writing an essay, you compose a thesis, or a strong assertion, which usually appears in the final sentence of your opening paragraph. eXample: The examples are the evidence that supports (or "proves") your assertion. These could be a direct quote from

the text, a detailed description of a visual object, data, etc. Examples should be introduced and briefly contextualized. Explanation: Examples NEVER speak for themselves: you must provide explanations, which clarify how and why the evidence relates to your assertion and your central claim. For instance, in a textual analysis, an

explanation of a quote pulls out particular words, images, references, etc from the example and shows how these support the assertion. Explanation of examples and data outline the reasoning that logically links the evidence to the assertion. Significance: If you simply state, support and explain the assertions, your reader may respond with

indifference unless you also tell them why they should care by showing the significance. Statements of significance anticipate and answer the question "So What?" When writing an essay, ask why the point made in the paragraph is important in light of your thesis. Providing significance is crucial to making an argument that says something, has a purpose, or is interesting.

Thesis Statements Opening paragraph should include: Title Author Thesis statement is LAST SENTENCE in opening paragraph (overall assertion what are you trying to prove/what prompt are you answering? Again, must be arguable.) 4-5 sentences total In William Shakespeares

Macbeth. Be Clear. Be Specific. That means your thesis should: 1. Never ask a question. 2. Include all important details/names. 3. Avoid repetition 4. Don't pigeon-hole yourself.