How to Write a Well-Organized and Developed Paragraph or Paper The Shaffer Model How to Write a Well-Organized and Developed Paragraph or Paper

A Single Paragraph While the Shaffer model can be used to craft a long essay, it is important to first understand the basics of a well-written paragraph. Following these eight steps will allow you to write an organized, well-developed paragraph consistently.

Sentence 1: TOPIC SENTENCE (TS) A topic sentence is the BIG OPINION sentence that drives your paragraph. It is the main idea that you are trying to prove in your paragraph. What is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement?

A topic sentence is the main idea of a paragraph A thesis is the main idea of the entire paper/essay and must be supported throughout the paper/essay, not just in one paragraph

Sentence #2: CONCRETE DETAIL (CD) A concrete detail is a FACT that SUPPORTS your topic sentence. It is a quote, statistic, evidence, or a FACT. Example: “Not by speeches and votes of the majority, are the great questions of the time decided — that was the error of 1848 and 1849 — but by iron and blood”. HOWEVER, you cannot FLOAT your quote!!!

Setting up your CD sentence Begin your CD with a transition word. Transition words, also called conjunctive adverbs, link your ideas together and help keep your writing smooth. Readers are easily able to follow your point. Common Examples: However For example Additionally Also Consequently Furthermore

Next, provide a lead-in word and phrase. After your transition word, you need to write a lead-in word and phrase. This phrase sets up the context of your quote. Ask yourself, what does my reader need to know to understand this? Example: For example, [missing lead-in word and phrase] “Not by speeches and votes of the majority, are the great questions of the time decided — that was the error of 1848 and 1849 — but by iron and blood”. What else do we need to know?

Lead-in Example This quote is from Otto von Bismarck to his fellow countrymen. Begin the lead-in phrase with a lead-in word. These words will help you explain what is being said. Common lead-in words: when, while, before, during, after, because I will use “during” for my example.

Complete CD with Transition and Lead-in 1 2 3 For example, during Otto von Bismarck’s speech to his listeners, he says, “Not by speeches and votes of the majority, are the great questions of the time decided — that was the error of 1848 and 1849 — but by iron and blood.” 1=Transition 2=Lead-in word 3=Lead-in phrase

Sentence #3: Commentary (CM) Commentary sentences explain how the CD supports the TS. This is analysis and opinion, not facts from the story! Commentary sentences do NOT paraphrase the CD! They do NOT repeat the same idea; they explain the connection between ideas. For a rough draft, begin your commentary sentence #3 with “This shows that…” You will take this out of the final draft.

Sentence #4: Commentary Sentence (CM) Sentence #4 is a second commentary sentence that provides new insight about how the previous CD proves the idea in the TS. This is analysis and opinion, not fact from the story. For your rough draft, begin this sentence with the starter, “This also shows that…” This CM should not repeat the idea in the CD or the first CM!

Commentary One and two 1. This shows that… Otto von Bismarck used ruthless methods to unite the German people under one flag, due to them all having the same culture. 2. This also shows that… He did not care whether or not these German people wanted to be unified, nor did he try to persuade them. Instead Otto von Bismarck used war.

Sentence #5: Concrete Detail 2 A concrete detail is a quote, statistic, observation, or data that SUPPORTS your topic sentence. It is a plot point, or a FACT. Find a second quote that supports your topic sentence. Use a different transition. You still need a lead-in word and phrase, and a parenthetical citation.

Sentence #6: Commentary Add an analytic, opinion sentence that explains HOW your CD in sentence 5 supports your TS in sentence 1. Begin this sentence with the starter, “This shows that…” Revise this in your final draft.

Sentence #7: Commentary Add a second analytic, opinion sentence about how your CD in sentence 5 proves your TS in sentence 1. Begin this sentence with the starter, “This also shows that..” Revise this for your final draft.

Sentence #8: Concluding Sentence (CS) To end your paragraph, restate the main idea from your TS in a new way. If you are writing more than one paragraph, this sentence should also transition to the idea in the next paragraph smoothly: provide a hint as to what’s coming next.

Format #1 TS—topic sentence #2 CD—concrete detail #3 CM—commentary #4 CM—commentary #5 CD—concrete detail #6 CM—commentary #7 CM—commentary #8 CS—concluding

Introduction/Conclusion A good introduction includes a strong “hook” (something to get attention), a clear thesis that addresses the essay question or topic of the essay, background info, and a summary of what will be discussed (essay map) A good conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main arguments/points, and discusses the overall significance of the topic