Jane Schaffer’s Writing the Multi Paragraph Essay: Paragraph Writing Miss Asher English 9

Paragraph Writing When we write, we use COMPLETE paragraphs Paragraphs have a format that must be followed…otherwise you’ll get lost!

What is a complete paragraph? A paragraph follows a certain form… It begins with a topic sentence. (Schaffer 12)

The Topic Sentence The topic sentence of a paragraph has a subject and an opinion. Example: Running is an excellent hobby Subject: Running Opinion: Excellent (Schaffer 12)

The Topic Sentence…. The topic sentence is the FIRST sentence in a paragraph. Every paragraph must have a topic sentence. The topic sentence must have a subject and opinion. (Schaffer 12)

The Paragraph…. A full paragraph will look like this: TS Topic Sentence CD (For example,) Concrete Detail CM Commentary CD (In Addition,) Concrete Detail CS Concluding Sentence (Schaffer 16)

Concrete Detail Concrete detail refers to a FACT statement that supports what has been said in the topic sentence. Example: TS Running is an excellent sport. CD For example, running is great exercise. The CD offers proof and support for the topic sentence. (Schaffer 13)

Commentary Commentary explains, “makes a comment” about the concrete detail. Example: TS Running is an excellent sport. CD For example, running is great exercise. CM It increases muscle mass and reduces body fat. CM Running is also healthy for your heart. (Schaffer 13)

Concluding Sentence Just like the Topic Sentence, the concluding sentence will restate your subject and opinion. Example: Running is a terrific sport! (Schaffer 14)

Put it all together… TS Topic Sentence (Subject & Opinion) CD Concrete Detail (For example,) CM Commentary (Support for CD #1) CD Concrete Detail (In addition,) CM Commentary (Support for CD #2) CS Concluding Sentence (Restate Subject & Opinion) (Schaffer 16)

The Paragraph TS Running is an excellent sport. CD For example, it is great exercise. CM Running increases muscle mass and reduces body fat. CM Running is also healthy for your heart. CD In addition, running is good for your mind. CM While you run, you can think and figure out your problems. CM Sometimes a big problem seems small after a five mile run. CS Running is a terrific sport!

In paragraph form.. Running is an excellent sport. For example, running is great exercise. It increases muscle mass and reduces body fat. Running is also healthy for your heart. In addition, running is good for your mind. While you run, you can think and figure out your problems. Sometimes a great big problem seems small after a five mile run. Running is a terrific sport!

Now it’s your turn! Choose your favorite hobby and write one paragraph about it! **Be prepared to share your paragraph with the class!

Works Cited Schaffer, Jane. Teaching the Multi-Paragraph Essay: A Sequential Nine-Week Unit . 3. San Diego: Jane Schaffer Enterprises, 1995.