MEAL Paragraph Structure and Analysis

The video tutorial explains the MEAL plan, a method for structuring academic paragraphs. It highlights the importance of including a main idea, evidence, analysis, and a lead-out sentence in each paragraph. The tutorial emphasizes the need to pair evidence with analysis to avoid mere summary or opinion. Flexibility in paragraph structure is encouraged, with examples provided to illustrate different combinations of these components.

What is the relationship between analysis and evidence in a paragraph?

• They are unrelated and can stand alone.

• They should be paired together for effective writing.

• Analysis is more important than evidence.

• Evidence should always precede analysis.

What does the 'M' in the MEAL plan stand for?

• Method

• Measurement

• Main idea

• Motivation

What does the 'E' in the MEAL plan stand for?

• Explanation

• Evaluation

• Evidence

• Example

What does the 'A' in the MEAL plan stand for?

• Argument

• Application

• Analysis

• Assertion

What does the 'L' in the MEAL plan stand for?

• Link

• Logic

• Lead-out

• List

Why is it important to start a paragraph with a main idea?

• To include as much evidence as possible

• To confuse the reader

• To provide a clear topic for the paragraph

• To summarize the entire essay

What happens if a paragraph contains only evidence?

• It is more persuasive.

• It becomes a strong argument.

• It lacks the author's voice and becomes a summary.

• It is considered a complete analysis.

What is the risk of having a paragraph with only analysis?

• It lacks a main idea.

• It is too short.

• It turns into an opinion without evidence.

• It becomes too factual.

What is the role of a lead-out sentence in a paragraph?

• To introduce new evidence

• To conclude or summarize the paragraph

• To start a new topic

• To provide additional analysis

How can the lines between MEAL components be described?

• They are irrelevant to paragraph structure.

• They should never overlap.

• They can be blurry and overlap.

• They are always clear and distinct.