Writing Paragraphs Using the “5 C’s”

The Importance of the Paragraph Writing an essay can be an overwhelming task. But it becomes infinitely simpler if it is broken up into manageable pieces. In addition, if each piece of an essay is strong on its own, this means that the essay as a whole will also be better. This is why it is so important to learn how to write strong paragraphs.

The Building Blocks Method In writing terms, a “building block” is a piece of expository writing. The idea is that by combining five blocks – each focusing on a different task – you can create a strong, organized and developed paragraph. Your writing task will also be easier, as each piece should naturally follow from the last. “Expository” means “to explain or describe something.” Each paragraph will have 5 different types of Building Blocks – thus, you will often hear me refer to this method as the “5 C’s,” as each C refers to a different part necessary to a successful paragraph.

The 5 C’s Claim Context Concrete Evidence (x2) Commentary (x2) Concluding Sentence

Claim The main idea of a paragraph. This is the idea that you are trying to prove. Example: Muhammad Ali’s personal beliefs have often made him a subject of controversy, yet he has stood by his principles and made personal sacrifices in the name of conscience. In the remainder of my paragraph, I will prove how 1) Ali’s beliefs made him controversial, and 2) how Ali’s stood by his principles.

Context Important background information that is essential to understanding the ideas that will follow. Provides important who/what/when/where/why before evidence Example: By the early 1960s, Ali was one of the most popular sports figures in the U.S. His conversion to Islam caused many to view him with suspicion. Example #2: Ali also publicly opposed the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and asking to be labeled a conscientious objector. This tells me why Ali was famous, and what made him controversial – important information to know since I will be proving why he stood for his principles despite public disapproval.

Concrete Evidence Information used to support the claim. There should be 2 pieces of evidence in each paragraph. This can be: Quotation: Words directly from a text. Summary: the main ideas from a text (shortened). Paraphrase: reworded ideas from a text (same length). Example: #1 Ali refused to hide his newfound faith, instead speaking of it with great frequency. Example #2: When he was drafted in 1967, he refused to serve in the U.S. Army, and as a result he was arrested and stripped of his boxing license and title, which meant he was unable to fight professionally. This is evidence that shows that Ali “stood by his principles” and suffered consequences for it – which means that I have proven my claim.

Commentary Explanation of how concrete evidence proves the claim; analysis of the evidence. Example: Although it is possible to disagree with Ali’s beliefs, his adherence to his faith, even in the face of public condemnation, is worthy of respect. Example #2: This decision lost Ali the support of many Americans and deprived him of his livelihood. But despite these hardships, Ali refused to abandon his beliefs and his struggle brought attention to the anti-war cause, as he fought the case all the way to the Supreme Court. As Americans came to oppose the war, he began to be lauded for his bravery rather than chastised for his refusal to fight These pieces of commentary explain why my evidence – that Ali refused to hide his faith, and that Ali refused to serve in Vietnam – prove his heroism.

Concluding Sentence Information that ties together the ideas from the paragraph. Should not repeat the claim word for word. Example: In his adherence to his Islamic faith and his refusal to fight in a war he could not morally support, Ali acted according to the dictates of his own conscience and thus demonstrated great heroism. This sentence summarizes my ideas and gives closure to the paragraph, without directly repeating the claim.

Full Paragraph (Also See Handout) Ali’s personal beliefs have often made him a subject of controversy, yet he has stood by his principles and made personal sacrifices in the name of conscience. By the early 1960s, Ali was one of the most popular sports figures in the U.S. His conversion to Islam caused many to view him with suspicion, yet Ali refused to hide his newfound faith, instead speaking of it with great frequency. Although it is possible to disagree with Ali’s beliefs, his adherence to his faith, even in the face of public condemnation, is worthy of respect. Ali also publicly opposed the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and asking to be labeled a conscientious objector. When he was drafted in 1967, he refused to serve in the U.S. Army, and as a result he was arrested and stripped of his boxing license and title, which meant he was unable to fight professionally. This decision lost Ali the support of many Americans and deprived him of his livelihood. But despite these hardships, Ali refused to abandon his beliefs and his struggle brought attention to the anti-war cause, as he fought the case all the way to the Supreme Court. As Americans came to oppose the war, he began to be lauded for his bravery rather than chastised for his refusal to fight. In his adherence to his Islamic faith and his refusal to fight in a war he could not morally support, Ali acted according to the dictates of his own conscience and thus demonstrated great heroism.