Download Now!

Double-decker Paragraphs
How to Write an 8-11 Sentence
Paragraph
Jane Schaffer method
The Introductory Paragraph
The Major Thesis
•
Last Sentence of Intro Paragraph
MT Formula
MT = Subject
+ Opinion +
1-3 Topics
Get Ready to Color Your World!
•
Materials: When we write our
rough draft, we use blue, red, and
green colored pencils.
–BLUE is for Topic Sentences (TS)
and Concluding Sentences (CS).
–RED is for Concrete Details (CD).
–GREEN is for Commentary
(CM).
Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCE

A Topic Sentence
(TS) is the top bun
of a hamburger.
• TS = first sentence of the paragraph.
It shows the main idea.
• Usually a mildly controversial
statement--something that you have to
prove.
The Topic Sentence
•
First Sentence of the Body Paragraph
TS Formula
TS =
Subject
+ Opinion +
2 Reasons
Example Topic Sentence (TS)
1) In the novel, The
Hunger Games, Katniss is the
bravest character because
she is cunning and loyal.
NO NO: NEVER EVER use any form of “In my opinion”
.
Ex: I think, I believe, I say, the writer of this paper
thinks, etc. Use of these will result in immediate 5%
grade decrease.
Step 2: Concrete Details
Concrete Details
are the meat
patties of the
hamburger.
Concrete Details: are
the embedded
quotes/facts/details
that prove your
TOPIC SENTENCE
The Concrete Detail Sentence
(CD)
•
Your Evidence!
CD Formula
CD =
Transition
+ Contextual Lead-in
+ Quote/Paraphrase
+ Period
+ Citation
Example Concrete Detail
2) For example, when Prim’s
name is called at the reaping,
Katniss immediately responds by
screaming, “I volunteer! I
volunteer as tribute!” (Collins 22).
How to embed quotes in a lit
analysis paper: Answer the
following questions:
1. Who is saying it:
2. Who are they saying it to
3. What is going on in the story
In the previous CD, we know that
Katniss says it to the announcer during
the reaping. You should never have a
quote floating by itself. It should be
embedded into a complete sentence.
Step 3: Commentary

Commentary
Sentences are the
“extras” on the
hamburger—the
tomato, cheese,
lettuce, mayo—they
make it delicious!
•CM= your analysis, interpretation,
explanation, or insight into the text.
Example Commentary
Sentences (2-3 CMs per CD)
3) This shows a natural sense of
bravery. 4) Katniss does not
even need to think about
whether or not she’s willing to
risk her life for her sister.
Step 4: 2nd Concrete Detail
Example Concrete Detail
5) Later, Katniss is faced with
certain death if she goes to the
feast at the cornucopia, but despite
the threat, she decides to go
immediately because “Peeta is
going to die if [she doesn't] go to
that feast” (Collins 276).
Step 5: 2-3 more pieces of
Commentary related to 2nd CD

Commentary
Sentences are the
“extras” on the
hamburger—the
tomato, cheese,
lettuce, mayo—they
make it delicious!
•CM= your analysis, interpretation,
explanation, or insight into the text.
Example Commentary
Sentences (2-3 CMs per CD)
6) Katniss is willing to take on
four dangerous killers to save
the life of a friend. 7) Most
people would be afraid to take
on such a risk, but Katniss does
not even hesitate.
Step 4: CONCLUDING
SENTENCE

A concluding
sentence (CS) is
the bottom bun
of the
hamburger.
• A CS wraps up the paragraph and leaves the
reader with something to think about.
•In an essay with multiple paragraphs, this
sentence will transition to the next paragraph.
Example Concluding Sentence
(CS)
8) Someone who is truly
brave, such as Katniss, will
risk anything to save the
ones they love.
Three layers
For an eight-sentence paragraph, you
have two chunks:
Topic sentence (TS)
 Concrete
Detail (hamburger patty)
Commentary (lettuce)
 Commentary (tomato)

 Concrete
Detail (hamburger patty)
Commentary (cheese)
 Commentary (pickles)

Concluding sentence (CS)
Put it all together…Notice the color
pattern:
In the novel, The Hunger Games, Katniss is the bravest
character. When Prim’s name is called at the reaping, Katniss
immediately responds by screaming, “I volunteer! I volunteer
as tribute!” (Collins 22). This shows a natural sense of bravery.
Katniss doesn’t even need to think about whether or not she is
to risk her life for her sister. Later in the novel, Katniss is
faced with certain death if she goes to the feast at the
cornucopia, but despite the threat, she decides to go
immediately because “Peeta is going to die if [she doesn’t] go
to that feast” (Collins 276). Katniss is willing to take on four
dangerous killers to save the life of a friend Most people
would be afraid to take on such a risk, but Katniss doesn’t even
hesitate. Someone who is truly brave, such as Katniss, will risk
anything to save the ones they love.