1. Schaffer Paragraph Notes
December 9, 2011

2. Topic Sentence (TS)
Definition: A sentence that reveals what the content of the paragraph will address— the main idea.
This is the FIRST SENTENCE of any paragraph.
When responding to a prompt, you can restate part of the prompt as your TS.

3. Concrete Details (CD)
Definition: Facts, evidence, proof, quotations, or specific references from/to a text that help develop the main idea of the paragraph.
All paragraphs should have AT LEAST 2 CD.
CDs need to be introduced with transitions.

4. Transition
Definition: A word or phrase that signals the writer is about to reveal a detail from a text that is not his or her own idea.
Transitions help to make a paragraph flow more smoothly.
Transitions are usually followed by a comma.
Examples:
For instance, for example, in addition, additionally, consequently, as a result, furthermore, etc.

5. Commentary (CM)
Definition: Interpretation, explanation, analysis, opinion, and/or support that EXPLAINS WHY THE CD IS IMPORTANT AND HOW IT CONNECTS TO THE MAIN IDEA.
Your commentary is YOUR OWN THINKING.

6. Chunk Definition: The combination of CD and CM. Formula:
1 concrete detail: 2+ commentary

7. Concluding Sentence (CS)
Definition: The sentence at the end of the paragraph that sums up what the paragraph has been about by rephrasing the TS.
Final sentence—should be unique from TS.

8. Paragraph Outline

9. Checklist
Does the topic sentence provide background and a framework for what is discussed in the rest of the paragraph?
Are all of the concrete details mainly factual in nature?
Does the commentary include the opinions of the author?
Is each chunk (1 concrete detail and 2 commentary) related? Is the proper ratio used?
Does the closing sentence provide a summary of the paragraph?