Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Paragraph Structure

You have learned over time that paragraphs have a structure. Ranging from the hamburger metaphor to the Oreo, every student seems to know there should be a beginning middle and end. Now, as you have come to RHS we shall add some details the filling of that hamburger or Oreo. Below is the formula for a paragraph. Once you learn the formula, no, once you master the formula, you will be given more flexibility in your writing, but for now, master this!

Topic Sentence
Concrete Detail
Commentary (2)
Concrete Detail
Commentary (2)
Concrete Detail 
Commentary (2)
Conclusion

each item above is equal to a sentence, unless there is a two (2), then there should be 2 sentences! OMG!! crazy!! that adds up to an 11, yes, eleven, sentence paragraph. 

See my example:

     High School is a place where students will grow up (a bit). (TS) One thing that will happen is that students will literally get bigger.(CD) I have seen students grow over a foot in their time at Righetti. It is great to compare students freshman and senior pictures to look at how much students physically change! (CM) Another thing that will happen is that students learn quite a bit while here. (CD) They may not admit it at the time, but a lot of learning is going on. Some of us teachers are quite sneaky about getting some learning into the students when they have no idea. (CM) Finally, students do mature while they are here. (CD) Students enter RHS as really big children, but leave as adults, or close to it. When a student crosses that stage during their fourth June here, they are capable young adults. (CM) I am proud to work with RHS students, and love to be there when they cross that stage! (CN)

or if you really want, I can do the ice cream example again ;)


No comments:

Post a Comment