This document provides an outline for writing a paragraph analyzing Ebenezer Scrooge's character in A Christmas Carol. It includes an umbrella thesis statement about Scrooge exhibiting miserly behavior. The paragraph would have three main ideas supported by examples and sentences from the text, with a concluding clincher sentence analyzing why Scrooge behaved as a miser and how this affected his life.

1. Umbrella Expository Paragraph

2. Thesis Statement – a general statement (focus) about a subject, hinting at blueprint (3 ideas) but no points are named; a key word is used as a discussion point. Avoid beginning your thesis statement with a prepositional phrase, “There is…,” or “There are…”

3. Umbrella Thesis Statements Examples: Ebenezer Scrooge exhibits behavior that classifies him as a miser in the fantasy A Christmas Carol , by Charles Dickens’. Ebenezer Scrooge experiences many supernatural occurrences in Charles Dickens’ fantasy A Christmas Carol.

4. First Idea First Idea Sentence – tells first point with a key word from the Thesis Statement (uses a transitional word or phrase) Support of First Idea – at least 3 sentences

5. First Idea with support (Remember the Thesis Statement: Ebenezer Scrooge exhibits behavior that would classify him as a miser . ) One of Scrooge’s miserly behaviors includes his attitude about charity.

6. Another First Idea Example The first supernatural occurrence in A Christmas Carol was the appearance of Marley in Scrooge’s doorknocker Support to follow…

7. Second Idea Second Idea Sentence – tells second point with a key word from Topic Sentence (begins with a trans. word or phrase) Support of Second Idea – at least 3 sentences

8. Second Idea Examples Also , Scrooge behaves miserly when… Strangely enough, the next supernatural event includes…

9. Third Idea Third Idea Sentence – tells third point with a key word from T.S. (begins with a trans. Word) Support of Third Idea – at least 3 sentences

10. Third Idea Examples Finally, the scariest supernatural event happens when… Last, Scrooge’s treatment of Bob Cratchit shows his miserly ways .

11. Clincher – analyze, ask why!! Begin with a transitional word or phrase: Examples: In conclusion…Finally…As a result… Altogether…Consequently…Overall

12. Conclusion Example Idea Miser – what did Scrooge’s behavior do to him – his personality, his life? He was unhappy despite his riches. He lived a meager life because he was too miserly to enjoy his wealth. His money did him no good. CS: Because of Scrooge’s miserly behavior, he lives an unhappy life unable to enjoy his wealth.

13. Conclusion Example Idea Supernatural – how does this change the story? How does this affect the message? It makes it scarier, more urgent than a mere message of charity to one’s fellowman. CS: In conclusion, Dickens includes these supernatural events to show the urgent need for Scrooge to change his bad habits.