1. OR Writing the No-Hassle Way
The 3.8 Paragraph OR
Writing the No-Hassle Way

2. What is a 3.8? The 3.8 Paragraph is made up of 1 topic 3 points
8 sentences

3. Sentence 1: The topic sentence
The first sentence states the central idea of a body paragraph.
Example: Students can learn responsibility by completing homework.

4. Sentences 2 and 3: Discuss point 1
Sentences 2 and 3 develop the first point you wish to make with details, reasons, or examples.
Example: To begin, students have to keep track of what the assignment is and when it is due. This is a great habit because in real life you have to be responsible to get your work done on time.

5. Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2
Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples.
Example: Additionally, homework makes students responsible for paying attention in class. If you know you have to complete an assignment at home, you will pay better attention during class instruction so you know what to do.

6. Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3
Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples.
Example: Finally, completing homework promotes responsibility for self-checking. A student may think they understand the material in class, but if you have trouble with your homework then you know what you need to ask questions about or what you need to practice to make sure you understand the topic.

7. Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher)
Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence.
Example: As you can see, homework makes you responsible in a variety of ways.

8. Now, let’s put it all together:
Students can learn responsibility by completing homework. To begin, students have to keep track of what the assignment is and when it is due. This is a great habit because in real life you have to be responsible to get your work done on time. Additionally, homework makes students responsible for paying attention in class. If you know you have to complete an assignment at home, you will pay better attention during class instruction so you know what to do. Finally, completing homework promotes responsibility for self-checking. A student may think they understand the material in class, but if you have trouble with your homework then you know what you need to ask questions about or what you need to practice to make sure you understand the topic. As you can see, homework makes you responsible in a variety of ways.

9. Now, let’s recap the 3.8 formula:
Sentence 1--the topic sentence that states the central idea
Sentences 2 & 3--develop point one
Sentences 4 & 5--develop point two
Sentences 6 & 7--develop point three
Sentence 8--the clincher--restates the topic sentence.

10. It’s quiz time... It’s time to get pencil and paper.
Put your name and today’s date on your paper and number from 1 to 6.
You will choose the best answer for each item.

11. What do you remember about 3.8?
1. The 3.8 paragraph is one paragraph with
a. 3 sentences
b. 8 sentences
c. 11 sentences
2. The 3.8 paragraph makes
a. 1 point
b. 2 points
c. 3 points
continued-->

12. Quiz continued: 3. The first sentence: a. develops one point
b. is the topic sentence
c. is the concluding sentence
4. The sentences developing point one are:
a. 2 and 3
b. 4 and 5
c. 6 and 7

13. Quiz continued: 5. Sentences 6 and 7 develop: a. Point 1 b. Point 2
c. Point 3
6. The eighth sentence:
a. develops point 2
b. five examples or details
c. rewords or summarizes the topic sentence