Writing Body Paragraphs
The Body Paragraphs:
First, decide whether you paragraph is going to have one or two core facts. We call these Concrete Details. A
paragraph with one core fact, or example, is a five sentence paragraph we call a One Chunk Paragraph. A
paragraph with two core facts or examples is an eight sentence paragraph we call a Two Chunk Paragraph.
Let’s take a look:
One Chunk Paragraph:
TS
Topic Sentence
Contains the main idea of your paragraph. What’s it’s about.
CD
Concrete Detail
CM
Commentary
CM
Commentary
CS
Closing Sentence
This is a fact. An example from your research that illustrates
what you said in your topic sentence.
This is your opinion on how that fact or example proves
what you are saying.
Another sentence that proves how the example you provided
proves what you are saying.
This should re-state the topic sentence in some form. It is
also a transition sentence that finishes the idea and
transitions to the next paragraph.
This part is arguable, it is often
controversial.
You might start this sentence with
“For Example…”
You might start with “This
shows...”
“In addition or Furthermore…”
“Because of this…”
If you notice, each paragraph is like a mini-essay unto itself. The topic sentence is like the thesis statement of
your paper. The middle sections are like the body paragraphs and the closing sentence is like a conclusion. You
are simply focusing on one idea per paragraph that supports your overall thesis for your paper. Remember the
hamburger metaphor? Think of each paragraph that way:
TS – Topic Sentence (The top bun)
CD – Concrete Detail (The Meat)
CM – Commentary (Lettuce & Tomato)
CM – Commentary (Cheese)
CD – Closing Sentence (Bottom Bun)
Remember, good writers use transition words and phrases to help their readers connect ideas. Remember to mix
them up to keep your writing interesting and flowing. Try words and phrases like:
For example…
This shows that…
Consequently…
Furthermore…
Hence…
Therefore…
As a result…
Because of this…
Thus…
In addition…
Additionally…
This illustrates…
This indicates…
The basic formula is 1CD = 2CM. That is, 1 Concrete Detail should come with 2 Commentary sentences.
Thus a two chunk paragraph (A double cheeseburger) would look like this:
TS – Topic Sentence
CD – Concrete Detail
CM - Commentary
CM – Commentary
CD – Concrete Detail
CM – Commentary
CM – Commentary
CS – Closing Sentence
It might read like this:
TS – While some argue that the Jewish people did not fight back against the Nazis during The Holocaust,
there are many example of different types of Jewish resistance.
CD – For example, many Jews continued to secretly practice their religion even though it became illegal
to do so.
CM – This shows that even simple and quiet actions can be acts of defiance, acts of resistance.
CM – Furthermore, by continuing to practice their religion, the Jewish people found strength in their
faith which in turn helped many of them survive these incredibly difficult and tragic times.
CS – As a result, the Jewish culture was able to survive as well, which illustrates the success of even small
types of resistance practiced by the Jews.
A two chunk paragraph would simply have added a second concrete detail to support the point being established
in the topic sentence.
TS – While some argue that the Jewish people did not fight back against the Nazis during The Holocaust, there
are many example of different types of Jewish resistance.
CD – For example, many Jews continued to secretly practice their religion even though it became illegal to do
so.
CM – This shows that even simple and quiet actions can be acts of defiance, acts of resistance.
CM – Furthermore, by continuing to practice their religion, the Jewish people found strength in their faith
which in turn helped many of them survive these incredibly difficult and tragic times.
CD – Jews also engaged in armed resistance, sometimes taking up weapons against the Nazis as they did in the
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
CM – This shows that the Jewish people bravely struggled against a much more powerful and well trained
enemy.
CM – In addition, it illustrates that the Jews fought back as best they could in a variety of ways throughout the
Nazi persecution.
CS – As a result of their resistance they were able to emerge victorious in that they survived as a people despite
suffering terrible losses in the millions during The Holocaust.
On the next page you will find a graphic organizer designed to help you structure you paragraphs. I
highly suggest you use it…
SHAPING FOR A 2-CHUNK PARAGRAPH
#1: Topic Sentence
#2: first CD
For example,
#3: first CM (This shows that)
#4: second CM (Furthermore…)
#5: second CD
In addition,
#6: first CM (This shows that…)
#7: second CM (Furthermore…)
#8: Concluding Sentence (CS) - (As a result of …)