The 3.8 Paragraph OR Writing the No-Hassle Way

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

Sentence 1: The topic sentence vThe first sentence states the three points you are going to make about the topic. 4Example: The fall is definitely my favorite season of the year.

Sentences 2 and 3: Discuss point 1 v Sentences 2 and 3 develop the first point you wish to make with details, reasons, or examples. 4Example: First, it is the most beautiful of the four seasons. The leaves of the trees seem to explode into glorious colors: reds, oranges, golds, and browns.

Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2 v Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples. 4Example: Next, the temperature in the fall is perfect. The days in the low seventies let people comfortably wear whatever clothes they like, and the nighttime temperatures make for a great night’s sleep.

Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3 v Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples. 4Example: Finally, my favorite holiday of the year, Thanksgiving, is in the fall. It provides a few days off in the middle of the first months of school to visit with friends and family while enjoying delicious food.

Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher) v Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence. 4Example: More than any other season, the fall is my favorite time of year.

Now, let’s put it all together: The fall is definitely my favorite season of the year. First, it is the most beautiful of the four seasons. The leaves of the trees seem to explode into glorious colors: reds, oranges, golds, and browns. Next, the temperature in the fall is perfect. The days in the low seventies let people comfortably wear whatever clothes they like, and the nighttime temperatures make for a great night’s sleep. Finally, my favorite holiday of the year, Thanksgiving, is in the fall. It provides a few days off in the middle of the first months of school to visit with friends and family while enjoying delicious food.

Now, let’s recap the 3.8 formula: v Sentence 1--the topic sentence introduces the topic that contains three points v Sentences 2 & 3--develop point one v Sentences 4 & 5--develop point two v Sentences 6 & 7--develop point three v Sentence 8--the clincher--restates the topic sentence.

It’s quiz time... v It’s time to get pencil and paper. v Put your name and today’s date on your paper and number from 1 to 6. v You will choose the best answer for each item.

What do you remember about 3.8? 1. The 3.8 paragraph is one paragraph with a. 3 sentences b. 8 sentences c. 11 sentences 2. The 3.8 paragraph makes a. 1 pointb. 2 pointsc. 3 points 3. The first sentence: a. develops one point b. is the topic sentence c. is the concluding sentence continued-->

Quiz continued: 4. The sentences developing point one are : a. 2 and 3 b. 4 and 5c. 6 and 7 5. The sentences 6 and 7 develop: a. Point 1b. Point 2c. Point 3 6. The eighth sentence: a. develops point 2 b. gives 5 examples or details c. Rewords or summarizes the topic sentence

NOW…. check your answers 1. The 3.8 paragraph is one paragraph with b. 8 sentences. 2. The 3.8 paragraph makes c. 3 points. 3. The first sentence: b. is the topic sentence. 4. The sentences developing point one are: a. 2 and The sentences 6 and 7 develop: c. Point 3 6. The eighth sentence: c. Rewords or summarizes the topic sentence.

Time to write! Your teacher will give you a prompt. Use what you have learned about the 3.8 paragraph to write a complete paragraph.  Decide on a topic sentence  What 3 points can you use to give detail about your topic?  Do you have supporting information for each point?  Conclude your paragraph with a clincher. Restate or summarize your topic.