PARAGRAPH WRITING
Chunking
-TOPIC SENTENCE (TS)
 Definition:
A sentence that reveals
what the content of the paragraph will
address; the main idea (stated)
 This is the first sentence of any
paragraph.
 When responding to a prompt, you can
restate part of the prompt as you TS.
CONCRETE DETAIL (CD)
 Definition:
Facts, evidence, proof,
quotations, or a specific reference
from/to a text that helps develop the
main idea of the paragraph.
 All paragraphs should have two CDs.
 CDs need to be introduced with
transitions.
TRANSITION
 Definition:
A word or phrase that signals
the writer is about to reveal a detail from
a text that is not his or her own idea.
 Transitions help to make a paragraph
flow more smoothly.
 Transitions are usually followed by a
comma.
 Examples:

For instance, for example, in addition,
additionally, consequently, as a result,
furthermore, etc.
COMMENTARY (CM)
 Definition:
interpretation,
explanation, analysis, opinion,
and/or support that explains why the
CD is important and how it connects
to the main idea stated in the TS.
 Your commentary is your own
thinking.
CHUNK
 Definition:
The combination of concrete
details (CD) and commentary (CM).
 Formula:


1 concrete detail + 2 commentary
(or more)
This creates a fully developed
explanation!
CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS)
 Definition:
The sentence at the end
of the paragraph that sums up what
the paragraph has been about by
rephrasing the TS.
 Concluding Sentence- should be
unique from the TS.
BUILDING AN EIGHT SENTENCE CHUNKED PARAGRAPH
Topic Sentence
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Commentary
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Commentary
Concluding Sentence
Chunk One
Chunk Two
CHUNKING MODEL ~ EBENEZER SCROOGE
Topic Sentence (TS):
In the movie, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer
Scrooge is a dynamic character.
Concrete Detail (CD): For example,
Commentary (CM):
CHUNKING MODEL ~ EBENEZER SCROOGE
Concrete Detail (CD):
Commentary (CM):
PARAGRAPH CHECKLIST
 Does
the topic sentence provide a framework for
what is discussed in the rest of the paragraph?
 Are all of the concrete details mainly factual?
 Does the commentary include the opinions of
the author?
 Is each chunk (1 concrete detail and 2
commentary) related? Is the proper ratio used?
 Does the closing sentence provide a summary,
restating, or wrap-up of the paragraph?
SAMPLE: A BENIGN-AND USEFUL- ‘ALL
AMERICAN MUSLIM’

Vocabulary to know:







Benign- of mild character; a gentle disposition
Miniscule- very small
Extremists- belief in and support for extreme ideas
Boycott- refusing to deal with a person, organization,
or country
Bigot- a person who won't listen to anyone whose
ideas or beliefs are different from his or her own
Milquetoast- timid; unassertive
Ramadan- 9th month in the Muslim calendar; strict
fasting takes place during the month
EIGHT SENTENCE CHUNKED
PARAGRAPH
Topic Sentence
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Commentary
Concrete Detail
Commentary
Commentary
Concluding Sentence


Subject: Deadly plague
threatening N. American
bats
Choose to discuss
ONE of the following
using the 8 sentence
chunked paragraph:





Occasion
Audience
Purpose
Tone
Main Idea