Triple-decker ParagraphsTriple-decker ParagraphsHow to Write an Eleven-How to Write an Eleven-

Sentence ParagraphSentence ParagraphA modified Jane Schaeffer paragraph Powerpoint created by Hollie Gustke and modified by Mr. Bluma

GetGet ReadyReady toto ColorColor YourYour World!World!

• MaterialsMaterials: When we write, we : When we write, we will use will use blueblue, , redred, and , and greengreen colored pencils.colored pencils.

–GREEN is for Expansion Sentences (EXP).

–RED is for Supports (SPT).

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

Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCEStep 1: TOPIC SENTENCE

A Topic Sentence A Topic Sentence ((TSTS) is the top bun ) is the top bun of a hamburger.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 Example Topic Sentence ((TSTS))

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has traits which help him succeed.

Step 2: SupportsStep 2: Supports

SUPPORTSSUPPORTS are are the the meat meat pattiespatties of the of the hamburger.hamburger.

Supports are the subcategories that prove your TOPIC SENTENCE

Example SUPPORTExample SUPPORT

2) For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick.

Step 3: EXPANSIONStep 3: EXPANSION Expansion Expansion

SentencesSentences are the are the “extras” on the “extras” on the hamburger—the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they lettuce, mayo—they make it make it deliciousdelicious!!

• EXP= your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text.

Example Expansion Example Expansion Sentences (2 Sentences (2 EXPEXPs)s)

3) The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. 4) This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

Step 4: CONCLUDING Step 4: CONCLUDING SENTENCESENTENCE

A concluding A concluding sentence (sentence (CSCS) ) is the bottom is the bottom bun of the bun of the hamburger.hamburger.

• A CS wraps up the paragraph. It rephrases the main idea.

Example Concluding Example Concluding Sentence (Sentence (CSCS))

1) Thus, the thirdpig outsmarts his brothers and the “big, bad”wolf as well.

TSTS, , SPTSPT, , EXPEXP, , CSCS—Now —Now What?What?

CHUNKINGCHUNKING

For an Eleven sentence paragraph, we will use a combination (or “ratio”) of 1:2. That is, for every 1 SPT, you will have 2 EXP.

A combination of SPT and EXP is called a chunk.

Three layersThree layers

Topic sentenceTopic sentence SupportSupport (hamburger patty) (hamburger patty)

ExpansionExpansion (lettuce) (lettuce) ExpansionExpansion (tomato) (tomato)

SupportSupport (hamburger patty) (hamburger patty) ExpansionExpansion (cheese) (cheese) ExpansionExpansion (pickles) (pickles)

SupportSupport (hamburger patty) (hamburger patty) ExpansionExpansion (special sauce) (special sauce) ExpansionExpansion (catsup) (catsup)

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

Concluding sentence

One Chunk: 1 SPT + 2 EXP

For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

Ratio = 1:2

TransitionsTransitions

A good paragraph will also use transition A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect ideas.help readers connect ideas.

• Example transitions (LLA 688):

For example,

For instance,

Consequently,

Thus,

As a result,

Because of this,

In summary,

Hence,

Therefore,

Does It Flow?Does It Flow?

Now you know how to write a three-chunk paragraph…

LET’S EAT!

Step 6: A Whole ParagraphStep 6: A Whole Paragraph

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the sturdy material. Even though

Continued…Continued… laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it

is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.

Notice the color pattern:Notice the color pattern:

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the material that will hold up. Even though laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.