How to Write a 2-Chunk Paragraph

Thesis Statement Answers the prompt (question) Makes a claim The statement that will be supported by evidence throughout the essay. Example: In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Friar Lawrence is partly responsible for the tragic and senseless deaths of the star-crossed lovers.

2 Chunk Paragraph Format TS: Topic Sentence CD: Concrete Detail CM: Commentary CD: Concrete Detail CM: Commentary CS: Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence Answers the prompt (question) Must have subject AND an opinion Does the same thing for a body paragraph that a thesis does for a whole essay Is the thesis in a short essay (1-2 paragraphs) Example: In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Friar Lawrence is partly responsible for the tragic and senseless deaths of the star-crossed lovers.

Concrete Detail Supports (proves) topic sentence Evidence Specific detail from text Quote Paraphrase Example: For example, when Romeo asks him for help after meeting Juliet at the Capulets’s party, the Friar marries them without telling their parents.

Commentary Your explanation of how the detail proves your point (topic sentence) Your interpretation Your commentary Your reason for including the detail Example: He hopes to stop the generations- long feud that has been plaguing and poisoning the town, but his secrecy dooms his plan.

Concluding Sentence All commentary Gives a finished feeling to the paragraph Closely related to Topic Sentence Example: Friar Lawrence must accept part of the blame for the devastation that occurs.