Well Developed Paragraph Template
*Remember—this isn’t the elementary 5 sentence paragraph—this is a
lengthy analytical paragraph.
1. Topic Sentence—be sure to identify the two works, the controlling idea, and
explain the controlling idea.
2. Detail—first detail from passage # 1 that proves the controlling idea. This can
be a quote.
3. Explanation of the detail—put the detail in your own words.
4. Analysis of detail- Explain how the detail supports the controlling idea.
5. Detail—second detail from passage # 1 that proves the controlling idea. This can
be a quote.
6. Explanation of the detail—put the detail in your own words.
7. Analysis of detail- Explain how the detail supports the controlling idea.
8. Detail—first detail from passage # 2 that proves the controlling idea. This can
be a quote.
9. Explanation of the detail—put the detail in your own words.
10. Analysis of detail- Explain how the detail supports the controlling idea.
11. Detail—second detail from passage # 2 that proves the controlling idea. This
can be a quote.
12. Explanation of the detail—put the detail in your own words.
13. Analysis of detail- Explain how the detail supports the controlling idea.
14. Concluding Sentence(s)- wrap up the paragraph. Give the “so what” and reiterate
how both passage support the controlling idea.