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Schaffer Paragraph Notes. December 9, 2011. Topic Sentence (TS). Definition : A sentence that reveals what the content of the paragraph will address—the main idea. This is the FIRST SENTENCE of any paragraph. When responding to a prompt, you can restate part of the prompt as your TS.
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Schaffer Paragraph Notes December 9, 2011
Topic Sentence (TS) • Definition: A sentence that reveals what the content of the paragraph will address—the main idea. • This is the FIRST SENTENCE of any paragraph. • When responding to a prompt, you can restate part of the prompt as your TS.
Concrete Details (CD) • Definition: Facts, evidence, proof, quotations, or specific references from/to a text that help develop the main idea of the paragraph. • All paragraphs should have AT LEAST 2 CDs. • CDs need to be introduced with transitions.
Transition • Definition: A word or phrase that signals the writer is about to reveal a detail from a text. • Transitions help to make a paragraph flow more smoothly. • Transitions are usually followed by a comma. • Examples: • For instance, for example, in addition, additionally, consequently, as a result, furthermore, etc.
Commentary (CM) • Definition: Interpretation, explanation, analysis, opinion, and/or support that EXPLAINS WHY THE CD IS IMPORTANT AND HOW IT CONNECTS TO THE MAIN IDEA. • Your commentary is YOUR OWN THINKING.
Chunk • Definition: The combination of CD and CM. • Formula: • 1 concrete detail: 2+ commentary
Concluding Sentence (CS) • Definition: The sentence at the end of the paragraph that sums up what the paragraph has been about by rephrasing the TS. • Final sentence—should be unique from TS.
Checklist • Does the topic sentence provide background and a framework for what is discussed in the rest of the paragraph? • Are all of the concrete details mainly factual in nature? • Does the commentary include the opinions of the author? • Is each chunk (1 concrete detail and 2 commentary) related? Is the proper ratio used? • Does the closing sentence provide a summary of the paragraph?