Double-decker Double-decker ParagraphsParagraphs

How to Write an Eight-How to Write an Eight-Sentence ParagraphSentence Paragraph

A modified Jane Schaeffer paragraph PowerPoint

ABCs of Writing Schaffer ABCs of Writing Schaffer Style Style

AAttack the Promptttack the Prompt

BBrainstorm your ideas- Mind Mapping!rainstorm your ideas- Mind Mapping!

CChunk and hunk and CChoose the order of your hoose the order of your outlineoutline

AAttacking the Prompt…ttacking the Prompt…

Step 1: Label the type of essay – Step 1: Label the type of essay –

Pick your PIE piece! Pick your PIE piece! • Persuasive Persuasive • Informative Informative • Entertain Entertain

Attack continues Attack continues

Step 2: Label the parts of the promptStep 2: Label the parts of the prompt

- “Situation” and “Directions”- “Situation” and “Directions”

Step 3: Circle verbs/key words and Step 3: Circle verbs/key words and underline the actunderline the act

Step 4: Create Do/What ChartStep 4: Create Do/What Chart

Do/What ChartDo/What Chart

Do What

Write

P.I.E

Include

Include

What is a mind map? What is a mind map?

Planning is key to making sure your Planning is key to making sure your writing is writing is clear and conciseclear and concise

OrganizesOrganizes your main thoughts your main thoughts ConnectsConnects these these thoughtsthoughts to to textualtextual

evidenceevidence Stops repetition Stops repetition

Mind Mapping SampleMind Mapping Sample

IntroductionIntroduction

The first paragraph in an essayThe first paragraph in an essay Starts off by grabbing the reader’s attentionStarts off by grabbing the reader’s attention Includes background information regarding both Includes background information regarding both

the general topic and the specific subject found in the general topic and the specific subject found in the writing prompt.the writing prompt.

Includes a three-part thesis Includes a three-part thesis at the end at the end that guides that guides the direction of the paper.the direction of the paper. Possible thesis: In the story, The Three Little Possible thesis: In the story, The Three Little

Pigs, the third pig possess Pigs, the third pig possess wisdomwisdom, , intellegencintellegence e and a strong and a strong work ethic work ethic which help him succeed. which help him succeed.

Body Paragraphs! Body Paragraphs!

It’s time to Color! It’s time to Color! • MaterialsMaterials: When we write, we will : When we write, we will

use use blueblue, , yellowyellow, and , and green green highlighters.highlighters.

–GREEN is for Commentary (CM).

–Yellow is for concrete details (CD).

–BLUE is for Topic Sentences (TS) and Concluding Sentences (CS).

Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCEStep 1: TOPIC SENTENCE

A Topic Sentence A Topic Sentence ((TSTS) is the top bun ) is the top bun of a hamburger.of a hamburger.

• TS = first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea.• Usually something that you have to prove.

.

Example Topic Sentence Example Topic Sentence ((TSTS))

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has traits which help him succeed.

Step 2: concrete detailsStep 2: concrete details

concrete details concrete details are the are the meat meat pattiespatties of the of the hamburger.hamburger.

concrete details are the subcategories that prove your TOPIC SENTENCE

Example SUPPORTExample SUPPORT

2) For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick.

Step 3: ExpansionStep 3: Expansion CommentaryCommentary are are

the “extras” on the “extras” on the hamburger—the hamburger—the tomato, the tomato, cheese, lettuce, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make mayo—they make it it deliciousdelicious!!

• CM= your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text.

Example Commentary (2 Example Commentary (2 CMCMs)s)

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.

Step 4: CONCLUDING Step 4: CONCLUDING SENTENCESENTENCE

A concluding A concluding sentence (sentence (CSCS) is ) is the bottom bun the bottom bun of the of the hamburger.hamburger.

• A CS wraps up the paragraph. It rephrases the main idea.

Example Concluding Example Concluding Sentence (Sentence (CSCS))

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

TSTS, , CDCD, , CMCM, , CSCS—Now What?—Now What?

CHUNKINGCHUNKING

For an Eleven sentence paragraph, we will use a combination (or “ratio”) of 1:2. That is, for every 1 CD, you will have 2 CM.

A combination of CD and CM is called a chunk.

Three layersThree layers

Topic sentenceTopic sentence CDCD (hamburger patty) (hamburger patty)

CMCM (lettuce) (lettuce) CMCM (tomato) (tomato)

CDCD (hamburger patty) (hamburger patty) CMCM (cheese) (cheese) CMCM (pickles) (pickles)

CD CD (hamburger patty)(hamburger patty) CMCM (onion) (onion) CMCM (mustard) (mustard)

For an eleven-sentence For an eleven-sentence paragraph, you have three paragraph, you have three chunkschunks::

Concluding sentence

One Chunk: 1 CD+ 2 CM

For example, he is wise and 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

TransitionsTransitions

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

• Example transitions (LLA 688):

For example,

For instance,

Consequently,

Thus,

As a result,

Because of this,

In summary,

Hence,

Therefore,

Does It Flow?Does It Flow?

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

LET’S EAT!

Step 6: A Whole ParagraphStep 6: A Whole Paragraph

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and 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. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the sturdy material. Even though

Continued…Continued… laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it

is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.

Notice the color pattern:Notice the color pattern:

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and 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. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the material that will hold up. Even though laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.

Let’s try our own!!Let’s try our own!!