Transcript Jane Schaffer Writing Strategy

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.
–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.
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

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

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

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 eleven-sentence paragraph,
you have three chunks:

Topic sentence

Concrete Detail (hamburger patty)



Commentary (lettuce)
Commentary (tomato)
Concrete Detail (hamburger patty)


Commentary (cheese)
Commentary (pickles)
 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!!



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.
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.
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.