1. OR Writing Great Paragraphs
The 3.8 Paragraph OR
Writing Great Paragraphs

2. Introduction: The 3.8 Paragraph is made up of 1 topic 3 points
8 sentences

3. Sentence 1: The topic sentence
The first sentence states the three points you are going to make about the topic.
Example: My three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip.

4. 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: Chocolate is very rich. It is a delicious ice cream flavor.

5. Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2
Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples.
Example:. My mouth waters at the thought of having chocolate chip cookie dough after dinner. My favorite part of it is the chunks of dough that surprise me in the spoonfuls.

6. Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3
Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples.
Example: Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a great ice cream to make a milkshake. When you are drinking the milkshake, the chunks of chocolate chips melt in your mouth.

7. Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher)
Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence.
Example: Therefore, my three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip.

8. Now, let’s put it all together:
My three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip. Chocolate is very rich. It is a delicious ice cream flavor. My mouth waters at the thought of having chocolate chip cookie dough after dinner. My favorite part of it is the chunks of dough that surprise me in the spoonfuls. Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a great ice cream to make a milkshake. When you are drinking the milkshake, the chunks of chocolate chips melt in your mouth. Therefore, my three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip.

9. Now, let’s recap the 3.8 formula:
Sentence 1--the topic sentence introduces the topic that contains 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.

10. Time to write!
Write a 3.8 paragraph using one of the following prompts:
The worst lunch served in the OMS cafeteria is _________________.
The best way to spend time after school is _____________________.
The ideal summer vacation would be _________.
Use the 3.8 graphic organizer to write your paragraph. You should end with 8 sentences.