1. Writing Notes

2. Paragraph parts… Body paragraphs are divided into two sections
Each section is necessary to having a complete paragraph
The parts of a paragraph are…
Topic Sentence (TS)
Concrete Detail (CD)
Commentary (CM)
Conclusion Sentence (CS)

3. Topic SEntence Introduces what the rest of the paragraph will be about
Is ALWAYS a statement that can be proven
Must be interesting enough to grab the reader’s attention
EX) Romeo and Juliet face many obstacles in their relationship.

4. Concrete details Are ALWAYS facts
Two ways to use a fact in a paragraph:
A direct quote—this is when you copy a sentence (or more) directly from the text you are reading. A direct quote looks like this:
While standing on her balcony one night, Juliet laments, “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
A summary—this is when you explain the passage from the text in your own words. Use this for long quotes, or passages that aren’t clear enough to copy. It looks like this:
While standing on her balcony one night, Juliet wonders why Romeo has to be who he is.

5. Commentaries
Are ALWAYS opinions—your interpretation / opinion of the concrete detail
Explain the significance / connection between the concrete detail and the topic sentence
EX) Juliet is frustrated that Romeo belongs to the Capulet’s rival family.
DO NOT start commentary with “I think”, “I feel”, or “I believe”!

6. Conclusion sentence
Summarizes the main point you were trying to make in the rest of the paragraph
Addresses the general topic that was introduced in your topic sentence
Gives the paragraph a “finished” feel
EX) Being from different families will test the young lover’s commitment to one another.

7. Paragraph order Format for a paragraph is ALWAYS: Topic Sentence
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Conclusion Sentence

8. Your turn…
On a separate piece of paper, copy the following sentence starters:
Topic Sentence— One personal belief that is important to me is…
Concrete Detail— On my poster, I have included a picture of a…