HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE BODY PARAGRAPH:

HOW DO WE TRANSITION FROM STEP UP TO

WRITING TO JANE SCHAFFER.

The Jane Schaffer Essay:

Ms. Rose and Ms. Kellogg

Sentence 1: TOPIC SENTENCE

• A Topic Sentence (TS) is the green light. It tells you to “Go!”

• TS is the first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea.

• TS states the purpose of your paragraph – it is the statement you have to prove.

1. In the fairy tale “The ThreeLittle Pigs,” the third pig isvery wise.

Example Topic Sentence (TS)

Sentence 2: CONCRETE DETAILS

• Concrete Details (CD) are the yellow light, it means slow down.

• The CD supports your TS. The CD contains facts, quotes, examples, etc. from a reference text.

• CDs are NOT YOUR OPINION. A CD is the evidence that supports your point!

Example Concrete Detail (CD)

For example, remembering his mother’s warning about a wolf, he builds his house out of sturdy brick.

Sentence 3 &4: COMMENTARY

• Commentary Sentences (CM) are the “explanations.” Just like when you’re at red light, you need to stop and elaborate.

• CMs are your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into your CD.

• CMs are where your voice is heard.

Example Commentary Sentences (2 CMs)

3) The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. 4) This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

Sentence 5: CONCLUDING SENTENCE

• Concluding sentence (CS) goes back to the green light, meaning you have to relate back to your topic sentence.

• A CS wraps up the paragraph. It rephrases the main idea, and transitions into the next paragraph.

Example Concluding Sentence (CS)

5. In conclusion, the thirdpig outsmarts not only his brothers but the “big, bad”wolf as well.

TS, CD, CM, CS—Now What?

CHUNKING

We will use a combination (or “ratio”) of 1:2. That is, for every 1 CD, you will have 2 CMs.

A combination of CDs and CMs is called a chunk.

One Chunk: 1 CD + 2 CM

For example, remembering his mother’s warning about a wolf, he builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

Ratio = 1:2

Transitions

A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect your ideas.

• Example transitions:

For example,

For instance,

Consequently,

Thus,

As a result,

Because of this,

In conclusion,

Hence,

Therefore,

Now you know how to write a one- chunk paragraph…

LET’S DRIVE!

Step 6: A Whole Paragraph

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig is very wise. For example, remembering his mother’s warning about a wolf, he builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. In conclusion, the third pig outsmarts not only his brothers but the “big, bad” wolf as well.

Step 7: Your Turn

You are going to be writing a one-chunk paragraph on the following prompt:

Concerns about student diets have led to the removal of junk food like candy, chips and sodas in many schools. Do you agree with this policy? Defend your position.