1. How to Write a Double-Chunk Paragraph

2. Today’s Outcome
You will learn a strategy for composing analytical paragraphs.

3. Double Chunk Paragraph Terms
Topic Sentence
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Transition Commentary
Concluding Sentence

4. Topic Sentence topic sentence: body paragraph =
thesis statement : essay
Functions:
names the subject
gives an opinion
A good one meets three criteria:
CLEAR
SPECIFIC
ARGUABLE
CLEAR--The reader can easily understand what point you will be explaining or proving.
SPECIFIC--You mention (in a general way) what concrete details you will use to explain or prove. These must be in the order that they'll be in in the paragraph.
ARGUABLE--Reasonable people could have different opinions about this issue. If everyone already understands or believes what you assert, then the paragraph probably won't be very compelling.

5. Concrete Detail (CD)
Specific detail that proves or explains your opinion
Can – but doesn’t have to – be a quotation
Cite the source using MLA format.
Synonyms include the following:
Examples
Evidence
Facts
Proof

6. Commentary (CM) Your opinion or comments
Explains how or why the CD supports your topic sentence
Should show clear, critical, organized thought
Can be:
inference
evaluation
reflection
insight
analysis
interpretation

7. Comprehension Check CD + CM = 1 “chunk”
How many chunks should there be in a double chunk paragraph?

8. Transition Commentary
Abrupt subject change = lost reader SO
Use a phrase or sentence (or two) to transition smoothly to the ideas in the next "chunk" or group of CD and related CM.

9. Concluding Statement At the end of the body paragraph
Connect support back to the ideas stated in your topic sentence.

10. Steps to Double Chunk Awesomeness
Start with evidence
Establish a claim
Put it together!

11. Task #1 (~5 minutes) Read the “Chocolate” paragraph.
Highlight the following elements:
Topic sentence
Concrete details
Commentary
Transition commentary
Concluding sentence
Use a different color for each element!

12. Everyone should eat more chocolate
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.
Everyone should eat more chocolate. Scientific studies suggest that chocolate has a positive effect on the brain. In fact, by performing brain scans on subjects before and during the act of eating chocolate, researchers at Cambridge University showed that chocolate “activat[es] pleasure centers in the brain” and is thus “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman). Given the debilitating effects of depression – and the resulting costs – it seems irresponsible not to take advantage of such a simple solution to a widespread problem. As though this were not enough, there is even more compelling evidence suggesting the benefits of chocolate. Obesity is widely recognized as an epidemic in America, and according to the CDC it is linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”). Regular consumption of chocolate, however, is linked to multiple health benefits such as decreased “insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels” (“Eating”). Further, a recent study funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of California concluded that chocolate “has beneficial effects on metabolism” including a lower body mass index in adults who eat chocolate more frequently (“Eating”). If Americans can reduce their risk factors for these deadly diseases just by eating a few squares of chocolate, why would they not? Clearly, the potential advantages of chocolate outweigh its perceived flaws; therefore, chocolate should be a regular part of everyone’s diet.

13. Comprehension Check
List the elements of a double chunk paragraph in the order in which they should appear:
Topic Sentence
Concrete Detail(s)
Commentary
Transition Commentary
Concluding Statement

14. Small Group Time! Form a group of ~4. Assign the following roles:
Administrator: keep everyone on task
Time Keeper: monitor deadlines
Materials Manager: retrieve and return supplies
Precision Checker: check for accuracy

15. Small Group Task (~7 minutes)
Use context clues to reassemble the parts of the essay in the correct order.
Label the following elements:
Topic sentence
Concrete details
Commentary
Transition commentary
Concluding sentence
Materials Manager: clip the strips back together and return them to the small desk.

16. In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Boxer represents the everyday working class of Russia. Boxer works “[f]rom morning to night…pushing and pulling, always at the spot where the work was hardest” (Orwell 40). His fervent dedication to Animalism motivates him to work for this cause. Through Boxer’s exhausting – but unrecognized – effort, Orwell evokes an image of the common workers of Russia toiling harder than ever but with little reward. Another parallel between Boxer and the Russian working class lies in their tendency to be manipulated. Boxer is easily molded by Napoleon and his propaganda, insisting that “[i]f Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right” (Orwell 91). Because of Boxer’s relative lack of intelligence, Napoleon effortlessly controls him despite the terrible injustices Napoleon commits. Orwell uses this fictional dynamic to suggest that the lower class Russian workers were also easily influenced, in their case by Joseph Stalin. By including Boxer, a hard-working and gullible character whose situation in analogous to that of the working class, Orwell paints a picture of the honest but much abused Russian working class.
Adapted from

17. Adapted from www.apsva.us

18. Reflection How accurate were you? What text features helped you?
How can you use this information to make your own writing more effective?

19. Independent Practice!
Identify Walker’s central idea and explain how she uses related ideas, facts, and other evidence to develop that idea. Cite details from the text to support your analysis.

20. Start with evidence
Eating chocolate is “linked to feelings of wellbeing” (Freeman).
Regular consumption of chocolate is associated with lower BMI (“Eating”).
Why does this evidence matter?
Depression has debilitating side effects for those who suffer from it, and it costs millions of dollars each year in treatment and lost wages.
Obesity is an epidemic in America, and it’s associated with heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer (“Adult”).

21. Establish a Claim
Major Premise: Lots of people suffer from depression and obesity, and the effects are debilitating and sometimes deadly.
Minor Premise: Studies have shown that chocolate improves symptoms associated with depression and obesity (and related conditions).
Conclusion: People should eat chocolate to avoid depression and obesity. 
Claim: Everyone should eat chocolate.