1. Accordion Paragraph Structure
English 9
Ms. Hurt

2. Accordion Paragraphs 8 Sentence Paragraph
Occasion-Position Statement (Topic Sentence)
Reason/Detail/Fact 1
-Explanation or Example
Reason/Detail/Fact 2
Reason/Detail/Fact 3
Conclusion

3. Occasion-Position Statements
Make great topic sentences
Are easy to write.
Guarantee successful paragraphs
Are two part sentences (complex sentences).
Begin with the occasion. The occasion is any event, problem, idea, solution, or circumstance that gives you reason to write.
End with the position. The position states what you plan to prove or explain in your paragraph.
Example: Although there are a myriad of conflicts in “The Most Dangerous Game,” the internal conflict Zaroff struggles with about the hunt is the most important.

4. Occasion-Position Statements Begin with the following words:If
After
Since
Before
So that
Whenever
As long as
In order that
Even though
Although
Unless
While
As if
When As
Until
Where
Though
Because
Wherever
As soon as

5. More examples:
Before you make the decision to light up a cigarette, consider the problems cause by smoking.
Even though bike helmets are sometimes unfashionable and uncomfortable, all cyclists should wear them.
If students use chemicals to do science experiments, it is important that they learn the proper way to dispose of them.

6. Common Transitional Expressions
Additionally
Again
Along with
Also
Another
At the same time
Beside
Equally important
Third
Finally
First
First of all
Fourth
Furthermore
In addition
In contrast
Last
Therefore
Likewise
Next
On the contrary
On the other hand
One
Other
Second
Similarly
Still

7. Transitional Expressions
Transitional expressions are used when a new idea is introduced in a paragraph.
Use transitional expressions with sentences that introduce a new reason/detail/fact.
Always read a paragraph aloud to make sure that you have selected the transitional expression that works best.

8. Conclusions Restate your position; remind the reader of your topic.
Use the key words from your topic sentence.
Summarize your paragraph, convince the readers of you position, challenge them to think about the issue, or encourage them to take action.
DO NOT:
Introduce a new topic.
Use phrases such as….
As I have said,
As I proved
As you can see

9. Words to start your conclusion:
In fact
Obviously
Clearly
Certainly
In conclusion
Truly
Definitely
Surely
To sum up
All in all