Paragraph Writing Notes

CHUNKING

Topic Sentence (TS)*the first sentence in a paragraph * Subject + Opinion = Topic Sentence* allows the reader to know what the topic is of the paragraph and the writer’s opinion on the topic

Ex 1. Richard Wright had a very troubled childhood while growing up in the South.

Ex 2. The author Richard Wright had a difficult early life while growing up fatherless in the early 1900s.

Concrete Details (CD)*specific details in a story-either a fact or quote*the second sentence in a paragraph*2 ways to write a CD*Some ways to begin a concrete detail:For example, _______________________ . In the text it states, _________________ .

Ex 1. For example, Richard Wright’s father abandoned his family when his son was six years old. (basic fact in writer’s own words)

OREx 2. In the text it states,“ My father abandoned my family when I was only six years old and in desperate need for a role model in my life” (Wright 12). (cited quote taken from Black Boy)

Commentary (CM)* writer comments/gives opinion on the CD*3rd and 4th sentence (two back to back sentences) in a paragraph*Never state “I think..” , “I feel…”, “In this paragraph I am going to tell you…”, “My opinion is..” *Some ways to begin commentary: This fact shows that ____________________. This fact is important/significant because __________. Also, this information conveys that ______________.

Ex. (CM 1) This fact shows that it is unfortunate that Wright’s father abandoned his own family in such a way. (CM2) This information is also important because it conveys that this event had a great impact on Wright’s future life experiences.

Chunk *term given for a group of sentences in paragraph writing*total of 3 sentences

FORMULA 1 CD (concrete detail) + 2 CM (commentary sentences)

or 1 fact/quote + 2 opinion/comments on the fact/quote

Concluding Sentence (CS)

*final sentence in a paragraph* all commentary (just opinion and no fact)*also referred to as a “clincher sentence” because it “clinches or pulls” all of the details of the paragraph together

Ex. The absence of Wright’s father during his childhood attributed to many conflicts and successes that Wright endured later on in life.

Concrete Detail or Commentary?- Review Practice

1. Washington D.C. is the capital city of the U.S.2. Whales are superior to dolphins in many ways.3. Will Smith starred in the exciting sci-fi movie Men in Black. 4. The author Stephen King is known to be an interesting and talented writer .5. Kevin Durant is the greatest skilled professional basketball player of his time. 6. Abraham Lincoln is the most beneficial president our country has ever known.7. Many students dislike taking tests on Mondays.

Model Example of Chunking in Paragraph Format

Richard Wright had a very troubled childhood while growing up in the South. For example, Richard Wright’s father abandoned the family when his son was six years old. This fact conveys how unfortunate the condition of the family was after the father left. Also, this information is important because it had a great impact on Wright’s future life experiences. The absence of Wright’s father during his childhood attributed to many conflicts that Wright endured later on in life.