1.

Red = MAIN Argument: typically, in the intro/

Proposition/Thesis/Statement
2. Orange = topic sentences: support main
argument /typically body paragraphs
3. Green = evidence: support/ page
numbers/expert opinions/facts/senses…
4. Black (BBI)= background: general information,
history to just give plot on something
5. Blue = Big Ideas: about Life/World/ Opinion
6. PURPLE: transition words or phrases that
connect one idea to another
RED = Main Argument
• MAIN ARGUMENT of the overall essay,
• aka: main argument or persuading idea
• aka: thesis sentence

• Look for argument verbs.

• What the author is proving or trying to
convince you of in an essay? (narratives)
ORANGE: topic sentences “mini reds”
• topic sentences
• Sometimes the “mini reds” feed off the main
argument (gets more specific)
• “mini reds” are in almost every supporting
paragraph, or it could be hidden or implied

• Look for argumentative verbs

• Topic sentences aren’t always at the beginning of
every paragraph
• Topic sentences have to be supported (GREENS).
Check to see if they are. It is the best way to find the
“mini red topic sentences.”
GREEN=Evidence
• SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!
• HARD EVIDENCE used to prove or help give evidence to support
the author’s RED argument.
• supporting details that are obtained from:
• RESEARCH
• FACTS
• ANECDOTES (outside short-stories to compare)
• EXPERT OPINIONS
• STATISTICS
• DIALOGUE
• CITED examples (graphs, dialogue, setting, research) from a
text to prove an author’s point
• This is the HARD EVIDENCE that makes your argument strong!
GREEN=Evidence
• Imagery!!!!! (in narratives and story writing)
• Similes, metaphors, idioms
• Sensory words that bring your idea alive
• Sight
• Smell
• Sound
• Taste
• Touch
• Character development/descriptors that are
important
BLACK=background info (BBIs)
• BACKGROUND INFORMATION, mini-DETAILS, summary
• PLOT of story that just needs to be there for explanation
purposes (to make things clearer).

• This information isn’t used for hard evidence or support of

anything. It is just for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.
• “mini greens”---there for support but not a whole lot
• (“BBIs” tend to look like “greens” but they are less supportive.)
• “BBIs” don’t strongly argue anything or prove anything really
important.

• GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (information that everyone knows)

• Basic HISTORY
 BLUE = Big Idea About Life
• BIG IDEAS about life, insights, world
• personal thoughts about why you feel the topic is
important
• Commentary, opinions
• sums up your connection or feelings about the
topic/argument
• Might also restate your opinion/thought/feelings
about the topic again (sort of BLUE and RED-
argument) In A Way That It Connects More To
Everyone
 The first skateboard was probably constructed in
the 1930’s. This skateboard was a homemade
contraption consisting of a two-by-four and the
metal wheels… Eventually, in 1958, Bill Richards and
his son Mark made a deal with the Chicago Roller
Skate Company to produce skateboards and the
modern skateboard was born. Today skateboarding
is a sport enjoyed across the country. From garage
hobby to national sport, skateboarding has certainly
come a long way.
 The first skateboard was probably constructed
in the 1930’s. This skateboard was a homemade
contraption consisting of a two-by-four and the
metal wheels…Eventually, in 1958, Bill Richards
and his son Mark made a deal with the Chicago
Roller Skate Company to produce skateboards
and the modern skateboard was born. Today
skateboarding is a sport enjoyed across the
country. From garage hobby to national sport,
skateboarding has certainly come a long way.
 Our Introductory Paragraph:
CATCHY TITLE
Fast Food Is Killing America!
HOOK THE READER

Did you know that a typical child needs 2,000 calories

for an entire day and Burger King’s Whopper with triple
cheese has 1,230 calories? That is far more calories than
anyone needs in one day! Fast food consumption has risen
500 percent since 1970 and today reaches nearly every part
of society, including some public school cafeterias. Fast
food is harmful because it rapidly increases weight, causes
high blood pressure, and leads to sluggishness. Fast food is
bad for your health!
YOUR THREE ARGUMENTS
THESIS STATEMENT
 Three Supporting
Paragraphs:
• Use each of the main arguments you used
in your introductory paragraph and expand
on each giving facts and reasons.
• In our example, you would write one
paragraph on how fast-food increases
weight, one paragraph on how it causes
high blood pressure and one on how it
leads to sluggishness.
 Concluding Paragraph:
Restate your thesis.

In closing, it’s important to remember that too much

fast food can have negative effects on your health. If not
eaten in moderation, you can gain weight, suffer from high
blood pressure and become slow and sluggish. Is it worth
the risk to your body? Eat Healthy and Make good
choices!

End with…
– A comment (Don’t make your body suffer!)
– A question (Are you willing to risk your health?)
– A call to action (I highly recommend you consider
your options the next time your faced with a decision
about what to eat.)