Triple-decker Paragraphs How to Write an Eleven-Sentence Paragraph A modified Jane Schaeffer paragraph Powerpoint created by Hollie Gustke and modified by Mr. Bluma

Get Ready to Color Your World! Materials: When we write, we will use blue, red, and green colored pencils. Materials: When we write, we will use blue, red, and green colored pencils. –GREEN is for Expansion Sentences (EXP). –RED is for Supports (SPT). –BLUE is for Topic Sentences (TS) and Concluding Sentences (CS).

Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCE A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top bun of a hamburger. A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top bun of a hamburger. TS = first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea. Usually a mildly controversial statement--something that you have to prove.

. Example Topic Sentence (TS) In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has traits which help him succeed.

Step 2: Supports SUPPORTS are the meat patties of the hamburger. Supports are the subcategories that prove your TOPIC SENTENCE

Example SUPPORT 2) For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick.

Step 3: EXPANSION Expansion Sentences are the “extras” on the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make it delicious! Expansion Sentences are the “extras” on the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make it delicious! EXP= your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text.

Example Expansion Sentences (2 EXPs) 3) The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. 4) This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

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

Example Concluding Sentence (CS) 1) Thus, the third pig outsmarts his brothers and the “big, bad” wolf as well.

TS, SPT, EXP, CS—Now What? CHUNKING CHUNKING For an Eleven sentence paragraph, we will use a combination (or “ratio”) of 1:2. That is, for every 1 SPT, you will have 2 EXP. A combination of SPT and EXP is called a chunk.

Three layers Topic sentence Topic sentence Support (hamburger patty) Support (hamburger patty) Expansion (lettuce) Expansion (lettuce) Expansion (tomato) Expansion (tomato) Support (hamburger patty) Support (hamburger patty) Expansion (cheese) Expansion (cheese) Expansion (pickles) Expansion (pickles) Support (hamburger patty) Support (hamburger patty) Expansion (special sauce) Expansion (special sauce) Expansion (catsup) Expansion (catsup) For an eleven-sentence paragraph, you have three chunks:  Concluding sentence

One Chunk: 1 SPT + 2 EXP For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. Ratio = 1:2

Transitions A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect ideas. A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect ideas. Example transitions (LLA 688): For example, For instance, Consequently, Thus, As a result, Because of this, In summary, Hence, Therefore,

Does It Flow? Now you know how to write a three-chunk paragraph… LET’S EAT!

Step 6: A Whole Paragraph In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the sturdy material. Even though

Continued… laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.

Notice the color pattern: In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the material that will hold up. Even though laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.