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: West Virginia’s well- known Civil War battle sites include Phillipi, Droop Mountain, and Romney.

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: The battle of Phillipi, which occurred in May 1860 is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. The Confederate Army retreated so rapidly that this battle is often referred to as the “Phillipi Races.”

Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2 v Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples. 4Example: Droop Mountain was the site of West Virginia’s largest Civil War battle. The Confederates captured 580 prisoners there.

Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3 v Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples. 4Example: The little town of Romney was an important hub for the east- west railroad lines. The area changed hands 56 times during the course of the war because each side wanted control of the B&O Railroad.

Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher) v Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence. 4Example: Phillpi, Droop Mountain, and Romney are only three of West Virginia’s many Civil War battle sites.

Now, let’s put it all together: West Virginia’s well-known Civil War battle sites include Phillipi, Droop Mountain, and Romney. The battle of Phillipi, which occurred in May 1860, is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. The Confederate Army retreated so rapidly that this battle is often referred to as the “Phillipi Races.” Droop Mountain was the site of West Virginia’s largest Civil War battle. The Confederates captured 580 prisoners there. The little town of Romney was an important hub for the east-west railroad lines. The area changed hands 56 times during the course of the war because each side wanted control of the B&O Railroad. Phillpi, Droop Mountain, and Romney are only three of West Virginia’s many Civil War battle sites.

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 sentenced 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. five 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 direct you to a site to find some inventions or discoveries that you will write about. Choose three of the inventions or discoveries and create a 3.8 paragraph about how the Civil War would have been different if those items had been created or discovered before Use what you have learned about the 3.8 paragraph to write about them.

IDEAS FOR YOUR 3.8 PARAGRAPH