The 3.8 Paragraph

OR

Writing the No-Hassle Way

What is a 3.8?

1 topic 3 points 8 sentences

The 3.8 Paragraph is made up of

Sentence 1:The topic sentence

The first sentence states the central idea of a body paragraph.

Example: Many important Civil War battles were fought in West Virginia.

Sentences 2 and 3:Discuss point 1

Sentences 2 and 3 develop the first point you wish to make with details, reasons, or examples.

Example: To begin, the battle of Phillipi, which occurred in May 1860 is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. This battle is memorable because the Confederate Army retreated so rapidly that this battle is often referred to as the “Phillipi Races.”

Sentences 4 and 5:Discuss point 2

Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples.

Example: Additionally, the largest of West Virginia’s Civil War battles was fought at Droop Mountain. The Confederates captured 580 prisoners there.

Sentences 6 and 7:Discuss point 3

Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples.

Example: Finally, the little town of Romney, West Virginia was an important hub for the east-west railroad lines. The area changed hands 56 times during the course of the war because each side wanted control of the B&O Railroad.

Sentence 8:The conclusion (or clincher)

Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence.

Example: As you can see, these battles were important and made West Virginia a crucial location during the Civil War.

Now, let’s put it all together:

Many important Civil War battles were fought in West Virginia.To begin, the battle of Phillipi, which occurred in May 1860 is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. This battle is memorable because the Confederate Army retreated so rapidly that this battle is often referred to as the “Phillipi Races.” Additionally, the largest of West Virginia’s Civil War battles was fought at Droop Mountain. The Confederates captured 580 prisoners there. Finally, the little town of Romney, West Virginia was an important hub for the east-west railroad lines. The area changed hands 56 times during the course of the war because each side wanted control of the B&O Railroad.As you can see, these battles were important and made West Virginia a crucial location during the Civil War.

Now, let’s recap the 3.8 formula:

Sentence 1--the topic sentence that states the central idea

Sentences 2 & 3--develop point one Sentences 4 & 5--develop point two Sentences 6 & 7--develop point three Sentence 8--the clincher--restates the

topic sentence.

It’s quiz time...

It’s time to get pencil and paper.

Put your name and today’s date on your paper and number from 1 to 6.

You will choose the best answer for each item.

What do you remember about 3.8?

1. The 3.8 paragraph is one paragraph witha. 3 sentences b. 8 sentencesc. 11 sentences

2. The 3.8 paragraph makesa. 1 pointb. 2 pointsc. 3 points

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Quiz continued:

3. The first sentence:a. develops one point b. is the topic sentencec. is the concluding sentence

4. The sentences developing point one are: a. 2 and 3 b. 4 and 5c. 6 and 7

Quiz continued:

5. Sentences 6 and 7 develop:a. Point 1b. Point 2c. Point 3

6. The eighth sentence:a. develops point 2 b. five examples or detailsc. rewords or summarizes the topic sentence