1. The 3.8 Paragraph OR Writing the No-Hassle Way

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

3. Sentence 1: The topic sentence vThe first sentence states the three points you are going to make about the topic.  Example: My three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip.

4. 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.  Example: Chocolate is very rich. It is a delectable ice cream flavor.

5. Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2 v Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples.  Example:. My mouth waters at the thought of having chocolate chip cookie dough after dinner. My favorite part of it is the chunks of dough that surprise me in the spoonfuls.

6. Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3 v Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples.  Example: Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a great ice cream to make a milkshake out of. When you are drinking the milkshake, the chunks of chocolate chips melt in your mouth.

7. Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher) v Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence.  Example: Therefore, my three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip.

8. Now, let’s put it all together: My three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip. Chocolate is very rich. It is a delectable ice cream flavor. My mouth waters at the thought of having chocolate chip cookie dough after dinner. My favorite part of it is the chunks of dough that surprise me in the spoonfuls. Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a great ice cream to make a milkshake out of. When you are drinking the milkshake, the chunks of chocolate chips melt in your mouth. Therefore, my three favorite flavors of ice cream are chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip.

9. 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.

10. Time to write! Use the 3.8 paragraph organizer to start the drafting process. Your topic is below: What does freedom in America mean to me?