Double-decker Paragraphs How to Write an 8-12 Sentence

Paragraph A modified Jane Schaeffer paragraph Powerpoint created by Hollie Gustke and modified by Trina Mangione and Sierra Thompson.

Get Ready to Color Your World! •  Materials: When we write, we will

use blue, red, and green colored pencils.

– GREEN is for Commentary (CM).

– RED is for Concrete Details (CD).

– BLUE is for Topic Sentences (TS) and Concluding Sentences (CS).

Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCE

n 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.

.

Example Topic Sentence (TS)

1) In the novel, The Hunger Games, Katniss is the bravest character.

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

Example Concrete Detail

2) When Prim’s name is called at the reaping, Katniss immediately responds by screaming, “I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!” (Collins 22).

Step 3: Commentary

n 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 doesn’t 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 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).

Step 5: 2-3 more pieces of Commentary related to 2nd CD

n 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 doesn’t even hesitate.

Step 4: CONCLUDING SENTENCE

n 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

n  Topic sentence

n  Concrete Detail (hamburger patty) n  Commentary (lettuce) n  Commentary (tomato)

n  Concrete Detail (hamburger patty) n  Commentary (cheese) n  Commentary (pickles)

For an eleven-sentence paragraph, you have three chunks:

o  Concluding sentence

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.

Let’s try our own!! n  Choose a character from Fahrenheit 451 and write a response in

which you (a) briefly describe the laws of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those laws. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.

n  In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a character from Fahrenheit 451 who matches this description and show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters. Avoid plot summary.

n  A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Focus on one symbol, and write about how that symbol functions in Fahrenheit 451 and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.