Writing the 3.8 Paragraph

Target for Learning

Why Paragraphs are Important

• Pieces of written text consist of multiple paragraphs. Having clear, concise, well organized paragraphs is the first step to creating written works that can be understood.

• We will learn the 3.8 method for building solid, well-organized paragraphs.

What is in a 3.8 Paragraph?

• The 3.8 paragraph gets its name because it contains three main points that are explained in a total of 8 complete sentences.

• A 3.8 paragraph should not have fewer than eight sentences or more than eight.

The Structure of the Paragraph

• Sentence One: The topic sentence that identifies what the paragraph will discuss • Sentence Two: Identifies main point number one.

• Sentence Three: Adds detail or explains more about point number one.

• Sentence Four: Identifies main point number two.

• Sentence Five: Adds detail or explains more about point number two.

• Sentence Six: Identifies main point number three.

• Sentence Seven: Adds detail or explains more about point number three.

• Sentence Eight: Restate the first sentence in a different way to provide a summary.

Sample paragraph

(1) Baking is one of my favorite hobbies. (2) Baking allows me to be creative, which I enjoy. (3) I can choose to follow the recipe exactly as written, or I can change the recipe by adding new ingredients. (4) The second reason why I like to bake is because the entire process of baking is fun for me. (5) I love to go to the grocery to shop for ingredients, and then combine them all together to make a product that many people enjoy. (6) Being able to sharing things that I bake is another reason why I enjoy this hobby. (7) Many of my friends look forward to the tasty treat that I share with them. (8) These are just a few of the reasons why I enjoy baking.

Assignment: Partner Paragraph

• Select one individual to work with for this assignment. • Write a 3.8 paragraph using one of the following prompts: 

The worst lunch served in the SCHS cafeteria is ______________________.



The best way to spend time after school is _____________________.

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The ideal summer vacation would be _________.

• Number your sentences as you write your paragraph to be sure that you end up with 8.

Mini-Speech Assignment

• We will have our first speaking practice by writing a mini-speech about ourselves. Your speech should follow the format of the 3.8 paragraph. Sample topic sentences may include: 

I am unique because ______________.

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My biggest pet peeve is ____________.

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The ideal profession for me is ___________.

Any topic about yourself is acceptable as long as you can have three supporting ideas, and your topic is appropriate for sharing with the class.

Speeches will begin on Friday! Be prepared! You must also turn in a written copy of your 3.8 speech.

The Structure of the Paragraph

• Sentence One: The topic sentence that identifies what the paragraph will discuss • Sentence Two: Identifies main point number one.

• Sentence Three: Adds detail or explains more about point number one.

• Sentence Four: Identifies main point number two.

• Sentence Five: Adds detail or explains more about point number two.

• Sentence Six: Identifies main point number three.

• Sentence Seven: Adds detail or explains more about point number three.

• Sentence Eight: Restate the first sentence in a different way to provide a summary.

Target for Learning

Paragraph Evaluations

(1) I enjoy playing baseball because of the challenges, the friendships and since I’m good at it. (2) When coach asks me to step up as a pinch hitter, I can feel all eyes on me. (3) But when I swing and make contact and hit a homerun, the pressure turns into excitement. (4) Coach always gives good advice during practices. (5) But sometimes he gives information that is wrong or just play stupid! (6) After playing a sport for 10 years, you become a good player. (7) Last year I tore my labral in my shoulder and have tendonitus. (8) Baseball is an exciting sport that I enjoy.

*What problems exist with this paragraph?

Paragraph Evaluations

• (1) I have many hobbies, but one of my most favorite is football. (2) Football is my favorite sport and is one of the most important things in my life. (3) Now my favorite sport is football and when I say that I really mean it. (4) Football —every detail, the tackling, the scoring, the weight lifting. (5) Some days I think I might enjoy basketball better. (6) I eat, sleep and dream football. (7) I don’t know what I would do without football.

What problems exist with this paragraph?

Paragraph Evaluation—5

th

period

(1) I enjoy soccer because it is fun, active and I like it. (2) The first reason that I like soccer is that it’s a great sport and a nice way to spend time with friends. (3) The second reason it’s good is that it makes you be active and stay in shape. (4) Soccer is a great sport to enjoy with your family and friends and a good way to enjoy the weather. (5) Soccer is fun because many people play it.

**What problems exist in this paragraph?

Paragraph Practice

• Now that we have reviewed the format again and we understand that the paragraph contains THREE sets of RELATED details, let’s try this: 

You and a partner will be given a paper with 8 sentences on it.

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Cut apart the sentences and arrange them in what you believe is the correct order. Glue them down in the correct order on a piece of paper.

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Use your highlighters to do this:

• Highlight the topic sentence and concluding sentence the same color to show that the beginning and end should connect.

• Highlight each set of the related sentences a different color. • You’ll end up with sentences highlighted in 4 colors by the end.

Individual 3.8 Paragraph

• Now that you have developed a 3.8 paragraph with a partner, and evaluated several others, it’s time to write your own.

• You may choose any topic that you wish to write about: 

Why you like/dislike English

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A hobby that you enjoy

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Your family

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The career in which you have an interest in pursuing

• Please number your sentences and make sure that you are following the 3.8 format correctly.

• Paragraphs are due Monday, August 11 th beginning of class.

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