Paragraph Writing

An Introduction

Terms to know: CONCRETE DETAIL (CD)CONCRETE DETAIL (CD) CONCRETE DETAIL (CD):CONCRETE DETAIL (CD): Direct quotations

are required for all essays! A direct quotedirect quote uses the author’s words

exactly as he or she wrote them. A quote can be spoken by a character or be description/narration from another character.

You must set up all evidence with the situation and speaker of said evidence.

Synonyms for CONCRETE DETAILCONCRETE DETAIL are evidence, facts, specifics, examples, support, proof, and quotes.

Terms to know: Situation and Speaker

You must set up each CD by introducing the CD to the reader.

Situation: What is happening in the story at the time of the CD? Must be specific

Speaker: Who is saying the quote? (Character or narrator), To whom are they speaking?

Other details may be necessary depending on the text.

Terms to know: COMMENTARY (CM)COMMENTARY (CM)

COMMENTARY (CM):COMMENTARY (CM): Your opinion or comment about the evidence. In a sense you are answering the question “so what?”

This is where you connect your CDCD to the topic sentence and/or thesis statement.

Synonyms for COMMENTARYCOMMENTARY are explanation, opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, personal response, and evaluation.

Terms to know: Topic Sentence (TS)Topic Sentence (TS)

TOPIC SENTENCE (TS):TOPIC SENTENCE (TS): The first sentence of a body paragraph.

This must have a subject and an opinion (not expressed using “I”)

Your TSTS is your body paragraph’s argument – everything you write in your body paragraph will work to prove your TSTS is correct.

Terms to know: CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS)CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS)

CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS):CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS): The last sentence of your paragraph.

DOES NOT restate the topic sentence (TS).(TS). Answers “What is the end result or

importance of your paragraph’s topic?”

Getting Started1.1. TOPIC SENTENCE (TS)TOPIC SENTENCE (TS)2.2. CONCRETE DETAIL (CD):CONCRETE DETAIL (CD): start with a

transition, such as “For example,…”1. Give the situation and speaker of your CD2. Write the CD with the correct parenthetical

citation.

3.3. COMMENTARY (CM):COMMENTARY (CM): “This shows that…” (sentence starter optional)

4.4. (MORE) COMMENTARY (CM):(MORE) COMMENTARY (CM): “This also shows that…”; “This is important because…”; “This is because…” (sentence starters optional)

Finishing Up5.5. CONCRETE DETAIL (CD):CONCRETE DETAIL (CD): again start with a

transition, such as, “Another example is…”1. Again, set up the quote with the situation and

speaker.

6.6. COMMENTARY (CM):COMMENTARY (CM): “This shows that…” (sentence starter optional)

7.7. (MORE) COMMENTARY (CM):(MORE) COMMENTARY (CM): “This also shows that…”; “This is important because…”; “This is because…” (sentence starters optional)

8.8. CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS)CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS)

TS, CD (1), CM (1), CS Example

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, the narrator states, “Harry immediately jumped on a broom to get it back” (164). He cannot stand someone who picks on others. Harry is now a hero to those less fortunate.

Based on chapters 1-4, what do you suppose will happen to Victor in the next few chapters? Make a prediction about Victor. Find TWO quotes (CDs) from the story that

you think will support your answer (including page number).

For each quote write 2-3 sentences explaining why the quote supports your opinion (in your TS)