1. Summarizing Informative Text
Jane Schaffer
Writing Model
Summarizing Informative Text

2. A Jane Schaffer Paragraph is a five (5) sentence paragraph that has a definite structure and transition from one idea to the next. You must follow the guidelines specifically.
Topic Sentence (TP): A broad sentence that mentions key details.
Concrete Detail (CD): The “what” of the text – facts, specific details, evidence, citations.
Commentary (CM): What the writer thinks about the details; answers “so what”, opinion, inferences, interpretation
Concluding Sentence (CS): This must conclude your paragraph. Refer back to the topic sentence. It could begin with the sentence starter: "As a result" or “therefore” or “Consequently” or “In conclusion,” etc.

3. Color Code Your Reading
Blue- underline your topic in blue (every time your topic is mentioned in the text)
Red- circle concrete details in red (these are facts that have been proven)
Green- box commentary statements in green (these are the writers opinions- 2 sentences)
Black- use black in the margins (write statements you may want to use for a conclusion)

4. Remember It must not be written in first person
Every paragraph must be five sentences long –following the Schaffer Model
Each section (TS, CD, CM, CS) is only one sentence in length
Each section should only be written in present tense

5. Transitions For example, Neither . . . nor Because of… In particular…
As a result…
Not only but also
Therefore…
In summary…
On the other hand…
Generally speaking…
Either r

6. Example Paragraph Notice the color change- these are from the details that were annotated in the article
A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending downward from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud. The velocity of winds revolving tightly around the core reaches more than 300 km per hour. These disturbances are among nature's most destructive forces. The visual aspect of the tornado is amazing, but the affects it brings are terrible. Due to the high winds of a tornado they are destructive and can destroy life and property.

7. Your Turn! Read the article
Color code as you read (see colors below- remember the black is used for your comments when annotating)
Summarize your paragraph following the Schaffer 5 sentence model
Topic Sentence (TP): A broad sentence that mentions key details.
Concrete Detail (CD): The “what” of the text – facts, specific details, evidence, citations.
Commentary (CM): Thoughts about the details; answers “so what”, opinion, inferences, interpretation (2 sentences)
Concluding Sentence (CS): This must conclude your paragraph. Refer back to the topic sentence. It could begin with the sentence starter: "As a result" or “therefore” or “Consequently” or “In conclusion,” etc.