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

Introduction: The 3.8 paragraph is made up of…. 1 topic 3 points 8 sentences

Organization of 3.8 Paragraph Sentence 1--the topic sentence introduces the topic Sentences 2 & 3--develop point one Sentences 4 & 5--develop point two Sentences 6 & 7--develop point three Sentence 8--the clincher/concluding sentence, which restates the topic sentence

Graphic Organizer for 3.8 Paragraph link to graphic organizer

Sentence 1: The topic sentence The first sentence may state the three points you are going to make about the topic. Example: West Virginia’s well-known Civil War battle sites include Phillipi, Droop Mountain, and Romney. OR West Virginia has many exciting Civil War battle sites that you must see!

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: The battle of Phillipi, which occurred in May 1860, is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. The Confederate Army retreated so rapidly that this battle is often referred to as the “Phillipi Races.”

Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2 Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples. Example: Droop Mountain was the site of West Virginia’s largest Civil War battle. The Confederates captured 580 prisoners there.

Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3 Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples. Example: The little town of Romney was an important hub for the east-west railroad lines. The area changed hands 56 times during the course of the war because each side wanted control of the B&O Railroad.

Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher) Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence. Example: Phillpi, Droop Mountain, and Romney are only three of West Virginia’s many Civil War battle sites.

Now, let’s put it all together: West Virginia’s well-known Civil War battle sites include Phillipi, Droop Mountain, and Romney. The battle of Phillipi, which occurred in May 1860, is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. The Confederate Army retreated so rapidly that this battle is often referred to as the “Phillipi Races.” Droop Mountain was the site of West Virginia’s largest Civil War battle. The Confederates captured 580 prisoners there. The little town of Romney was an important hub for the east-west railroad lines. The area changed hands 56 times during the course of the war because each side wanted control of the B&O Railroad. Phillpi, Droop Mountain, and Romney are only three of West Virginia’s many Civil War battle sites.

Now, let’s recap the 3.8 formula: Sentence 1--the topic sentence introduces the topic and may contain the three points 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.

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.

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 3. The first sentence: a. develops one point b. is the topic sentence c. is the concluding sentence continued-->

Quiz continued: a. 2 and 3 b. 4 and 5 c. 6 and 7 4. The sentences developing point one are: a. 2 and 3 b. 4 and 5 c. 6 and 7 5. The 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

NOW…. check your answers 1. The 3.8 paragraph is one paragraph with b. 8 sentences. 2. The 3.8 paragraph makes c. 3 points. 3. The first sentence: b. is the topic sentence. 4. The sentences developing point one are: a. 2 and 3. 5. The sentences 6 and 7 develop: c. Point 3 6. The eighth sentence: c. Rewords or summarizes the topic sentence.

Sentence 1: The topic sentence The first sentence states the main idea and may state the three points. Example: In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, my favorite character is Bob Cratchit, who is generous, thankful, and strongly devoted to his family. OR In Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, my favorite character is Bob Cratchit, who is so sweet he makes your teeth hurt!

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: I admire Cratchit for being such a giving person. Even though he made a meager salary of only 15 shillings a week, he gave a donation to the two do-gooders collecting money for the less fortunate.

Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2 Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples. Example: . Cratchit also deserves respect for being so appreciative. Despite Scrooge’s insults about taking off Christmas Day, Cratchit offered him a toast for providing him with a job which paid for his Christmas dinner.

Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3 Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples. Example: Lastly, Cratchit is commendable for being a great father and husband. Without complaining, he worked hard under an odious boss and horrible conditions to provide for his prized family, keeping them out of the streets, debtor’s prison, and the workhouse.

Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher) Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence. Example: Because he is such a compassionate, grateful family man, Bob Cratchit is a role model who deserves accolades.

Now, let’s put it all together: In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, my favorite character is Bob Cratchit, who is generous, thankful, and strongly devoted to his family. I admire Cratchit for being such a giving person. Even though he made a meager salary of only 15 shillings a week, he gave a donation to the two do-gooders collecting money for the less fortunate. Cratchit also deserves respect for being so appreciative. Despite Scrooge’s insults about taking off Christmas Day, Cratchit offered him a toast for providing him with a job which paid for his Christmas dinner. Lastly, Cratchit is commendable for being a great father and husband. Without complaining, he worked hard under an odious boss and horrible conditions to provide for his prized family, keeping them out of the streets, debtor’s prison, and the workhouse. Because he is such a compassionate, grateful family man, Cratchit is a praiseworthy character.