Introduction Conclusion Body Paragraphs support or “prove” thesis Thesis Statement

Jane Schaffer Writing Strategy How to Write an Effective Paragraph

Concrete Detail (cite), Commentary, Commentary = 1 “chunk” Topic Sentence Concluding Sentence Concrete Detail (cite), Commentary, Commentary = 1 “chunk” Concrete Detail (cite), Commentary, Commentary = 1 “chunk”

Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCE A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top bun of a hamburger. TS = first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea. All other ideas in the paragraph relate to the TS

Step 2: CONCRETE DETAILS Concrete Details (CD) are the meat of the hamburger.

Step 3: COMMENTARY Commentary Sentences (CM) are the “extras” on the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make it delicious!

Step 4: CONCLUDING SENTENCE A concluding sentence (CS) is the bottom bun of the hamburger. A CS wraps up the paragraph. It rephrases the main idea.

Transitions A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect your ideas. For example, For instance, Consequently, Thus, As a result, Because of this, In summary, Hence, Therefore,