After the Point Sentence, the next sentence is the Proof Sentence. This sentence is an example or evidence from the work (novel, play, poem, etc.) used to support your Point. This is usually a quotation or a paraphrase of the story events.

Example

– regarding Santiago’s humbleness supporting his being a strong role model for Manolin in the novella The Old Man and the Sea:

First, throughout the novella, Santiago consistently shows a high degree of humbleness in his exchanges with people and the natural world. (Topic Sentence) During a conversation about fishing, Manolin says that Santiago is the best fisherman but Santiago shows his humility by disagreeing with Manolin’s opinion. (Point – about being humble with people)

On page 7 Manolin states, “And the best fisherman is you.”

Santiago replies with, “No. I know others better.”

Manolin continues, “Qué va, there are many good fishermen and some great ones. But there is only you.”

Santiago replies, “Thank you. You make me happy. I hope no fish will come along so great that he will prove us wrong.”

(Proof from the novella that supports the Point)

This evidence proves the Point of Santiago being humble with people is credible and supports the argument. If the proof (quotation) is 4 lines or longer, it should be placed (indented) in a free-standing text block with no quotation marks unless there are more than two speakers as in this case. Refer to the following two examples for more information.