The M.E.A.L. Plan
A Comprehensive Approach to Paragraph Development
When writing a thesis paper, there are three main types of paragraphs: introductory, body, and conclusion paragraphs. An introductory paragraph sets the stage with a thesis statement, while body paragraphs develop the main ideas with evidence and analysis. Conclusion paragraphs summarize the thesis and main points. In a five-paragraph essay, these types are used, except for transitional paragraphs, which are specific to longer papers. Each paragraph type plays a crucial role in structuring the thesis and ensuring clarity and coherence in the argument.
The MEAL plan (Main idea, Evidence, Analysis, Linking) is a structured approach to writing effective body paragraphs. It begins with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by evidence sentences that provide factual support. Analysis sentences interpret the evidence, explaining its relevance to the main idea. Finally, linking sentences transition to the next paragraph or summarize the current one. This method ensures that each paragraph is cohesive and contributes to the overall argument of the thesis.
Paragraph Types
When writing a thesis paper, there are three distinct 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 get the gist of the paragraph's meaning 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.
When developing a topic sentence (the main idea of the BP), there are a few things to keep in mind. 1) Try to avoid using Copula verbs, the most common being the verb "to be". As stated earlier, the topic sentence is a claim, a position, an assertion, a proposition, an opinion, etc. that represents one idea. Avoid expressing facts as a topic sentence. 2) A topic sentence should not be too general nor too specific. A topic sentence should be more specific than the thesis statement and section title (level II heading) and more general than the evidence sentences within the paragraph that express examples, details, facts, statistics, etc. To make a topic sentence more specific add prepositional phrases, relative (adjective) clauses, and subordinating (adverbial) clauses. 3) Avoid using personal pronouns in the topic sentence and instead (re)state its antecedent (i.e., the noun the personal pronoun represents). 4) Avoid questions and imperatives when writing a topic sentence. As a general rule, avoid all rhetorical questions throughout your text with the exception of perhaps an essential question in the Introductory Paragraph. 5) Avoid transitions to begin a topic sentence: introductory phrases, sentence connectors, and beginning a sentence with a subordinating clause.
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 compelling 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.
Tip: Show how the evidence supports your main idea, making connections that might not be immediately obvious to the reader.
Analysis (Original idea-no citation): The role of an analysis sentence is to connect the evidence to the main idea of the BP. As the writer, ask yourself the following:
What is the importance of the evidence as it relates to the topic sentence (main idea of the paragraph)?
What does the evidence mean to the reader of your text?
How do you as the writer interpret the evidence as it relates to the main idea?
How should the reader interpret the evidence in lieu of the main idea from the topic sentence?
Think of the analysis sentences as a comment, explanation, compare-and-contrast, synthesis, etc., using the writer's critical thinking skills to interpret and express the point of the evidence as it relates to the main idea of the BP. Analysis sentences can also be used to connect ideas to other parts of the thesis paper that have already been discussed. It's the writer's responsibility to express why the evidence relates back to the main idea. An analysis sentence should always come after the evidence it is mentioning. Stated another way, evidence sentences should always precede an analysis sentence.
Linking (or summarizing) sentence
Purpose: Transition to the next idea or paragraph.
Tip: Can reflect on the overall argument, connect to the next paragraph's main idea, or provide a conclusion to the current paragraph.
Link (Original idea-no citation): The linking sentence connects the main idea of the current paragraph (i.e., topic sentence) with the main idea of the next body paragraph and should be the last sentence of the BP. Properly including linking sentences provides flow and connects ideas throughout the section. For this reason, it's recommended to avoid transitions to begin topic sentences as stated earlier. As an alternative, the final sentence of a BP could also serve as a summary, especially in cases when a BP concludes a section.
Example of a MEAL Plan Paragraph:
Main Idea: Increasing physical activity in daily routines can significantly improve mental health.
Evidence: A 2020 study by the University of Oxford found that participants who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week reported a 30% decrease in symptoms of depression. Additionally, a survey conducted by the World Health Organization revealed that regular physical activity enhances cognitive function and reduces anxiety.
Analysis: These findings highlight the dual benefits of physical exercise, not only in alleviating depressive symptoms but also in enhancing cognitive abilities and managing anxiety. The reduction in depressive symptoms can be attributed to the release of endorphins during exercise, known for their mood-boosting properties.
Linking: Understanding the multifaceted benefits of physical activity can guide public health policies aimed at improving mental health outcomes.
In summary, effective evidence sentences are integral to supporting the main idea in your paragraph. They should be relevant, credible, specific, well-integrated, balanced, and properly cited. The MEAL plan provides a structured way to organize your paragraph, ensuring that your argument is presented clearly and persuasively.
MEAL Plan Coherence
Since each sentence within a body paragraph serves a purpose when the sentence is stated can be the difference between a coherent and incoherent paragraph. Here are a few examples of coherent and incoherent body paragraphs based on the order of the sentences (* indicates an incoherent body paragraph). Note that an incoherent body paragraph can also result from having a balance between evidence and analysis sentences (i.e., not having too much evidence with little analysis or vice versa).
MEEAAL
*MEEEEAL Not ok
MEEAAAL
*EMEAL Not ok
*MEAAAL Not ok
MEEAEAL
MEAEAL
*MEAEL Not ok
*MEAELA Not ok
Transitions within Body Paragraphs
Avoid using any one type of transition (e.g., sentence connectors). Instead, mix it up a bit and include @introductory phrases Introductory Phrases and Subordinating clauses to being sentences within a paragraph. Avoid transitions to begin a paragraph, however.
Paragraph Length
Think of paragraph length in terms of sentences first. Typically, BPs with five-eight well-constructed sentences will have a proper length. If a paragraph has 225 words or more then, it might be necessary to separate it into two or more paragraphs.
Links
Compare how to write a body paragraph with how to write an introduction paragraph and conclusion paragraph. Generally, it’s best to develop first your body paragraphs (beginning with the easiest one), then the introduction and conclusion paragraphs. The introduction paragraph (after the hook and before the thesis statement) is dedicated to the context of the problem (refer to the Problem Statement).