Jane Schaffer Essay Format

Introduction

The intro has 3-5 sentences and should include the:HookTitle/Author (if applicable)Background InformationThesis and supporting reasons

Body Paragraphs

Each body should have 8-11 sentences and will be comprised of:Topic SentenceConcrete DetailsCommentary statementsConcluding Sentence

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence will introduce the topic of THAT paragraph (not the entire essay

It should be one of your supporting reasons, if you included these in your introduction

Concrete Details

These are FACTS Your argument MUST be supported with facts

Remember: You cannot ARGUE factsExample: Christmas is on December 25th

If you use a citation, you must use a page number and give credit The abbreviation is CD

Commentary

These are opinion statements They are meant to help explain the facts and support your

argument These should be in your own words The abbreviation is CM

A “Chunk”

A chunk is a grouping of specific sentences, according to the Jane Schaffer format:Concrete DetailCommentary Commentary

When you add sentences to your body paragraphs, you must add an entire “chunk” to balance your argument

Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence should wrap up THAT paragraph only, not your entire argument

Conclusion

This should also be 3-5 sentences and will include:Restatement of your thesis (in a new way)Review of main points

Make sure you do NOT bring up new arguments or new ideas in your conclusion

Review of Format in Four-Paragraph Essay

Introduction (hook, BI, thesis)

Body Paragraph #1 Topic Sentence

CD#1

CM #1A

CM#1B

CD#2

CD#2A

CD#2B

Concluding Sentence

Body Paragraph #2 Topic Sentence

CD#1

CM #1A

CM#1B

CD#2

CD#2A

CD#2B

Concluding Sentence

Conclusion (restatement of thesis, review of main ideas)