“A Sound of Thunder”

MEAL Paragraph Graphic Organizer

Title:
“A Sound of Thunder”

Author:
Ray Bradbury

Theme:
Acting without thinking can lead to extreme consequences

Evidence: In the short story, “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury we witness an example of this
What specific evidence
(quotes) from the story shows when the character Eckels steps off the path made for him in that moment he brings a
that even the smallest actions
and choices have butterfly to the future and changes the course of history. This shows that he acted without
consequences?
thinking and there were major consequences.

Directions:
In the box on the right, construct your MEAL paragraph responding to the prompt. Use complete sentences and don’t forget to cite
your evidence. Follow the steps and use the templates provided.
“Quote” (Author 1).
Follow the MEAL paragraph format!

MAIN IDEA In the novel, A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury the character Eckels shows us
or Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is what the entire how acting without thinking can lead to extreme consequences.
paragraph will be about.

EVIDENCE Eckels is a hunter who buys a time safari trip to the past to shoot a dinosaur.
or Proof found in a story (text) or
through research. However, he gets scared and blindly walks backwards off the path and into the grass.
This would be an opportunity to use
quotes or point out examples from the “Eckels, not looking back, walks blindly to the edge of the path, gun limp in his
text you are reading to support your
claim. arms, stepped off the path, and walked, not knowing it, into the jungle.” (Bradbury
506).
ANALYSIS
or Explain How the Evidence you
provided Proves the Main Idea.
Or Eckels steps off the path made for him in that moment he brings a butterfly to the
How the evidence connects to the
theme. How does the evidence show future and changes the course of history. This shows how he acted carelessly, and the
the theme?
butterfly tells of the consequence of our action.
LINK
Link the paragraph back to the main
idea or broader context
OR
Leave a lasting thought

Eckles stepping off the path shows how acting without thinking can lead to major
consequences.