Composing Paragraphs

Composing Paragraphs

English 9

Topic Sentence:

• 1 sentence in length.• A good summary of one of your pieces of evidence, which directly

supports your thesis. The rest of your paragraph is about supporting this statement. Prompt needs to be included in this sentence.

Concrete Detail 1:

• 1- 2 sentences in length.• A quote, paraphrase, or example that helps to prove your topic

sentence.

• If you are using a direct quote, be sure to put it in quotes and source it.

• If you are paraphrasing, be sure to indicate where the information came from.

• This is SPECIFIC and ties directly to your thesis statement or topic sentence.

Commentary:

• Two to four sentences that explain why or how this piece of evidence helps prove your thesis.

• This is your opinion- but it should not SOUND like an opinion, it should sound like FACT.

• Remember, when you are writing a paper, you write like you are an expert on the topic.

Concrete Detail 2:

• 1- 2 sentences in length.• A quote, paraphrase, or example that helps to prove your topic

sentence.

• If you are using a direct quote, be sure to put it in quotes and source it.

• If you are paraphrasing, be sure to indicate where the information came from.

• This is SPECIFIC and ties directly to your thesis statement or topic sentence.

Commentary:

• Same as first commentary.

• Your second commentary should also tie back to your first concrete detail to show how your supports work together to strengthen your thesis statement or topic sentence.

Concluding/Transitional Sentence:

• 1 sentence in length.• This sentence should act as a transition that wraps up your idea, and

when necessary, moves your paper forward to the next topic.

• DO NOT skip your concluding sentence!