Writing the 3.8 Paragraph
Target for Learning
Why Paragraphs are Important
• Pieces of written text consist of multiple
paragraphs. Having clear, concise, wellorganized 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
_____________________.
 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 ______________.
 My biggest pet peeve is ____________.
 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—5th 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.
 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.
 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
 A hobby that you enjoy
 Your family
 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 11th at the
beginning of class.