OREO PARAGRAPHS The Prompt Before writing anything know

OREO PARAGRAPHS

The Prompt Before writing anything, know your assignment— READ THE PROMPT! What is it asking you to do? In persuasive writing you are trying to convince others to agree with your facts, share your opinion, and accept your assertions and conclusions, to ultimately adopt your way of thinking. Explaining your position on the given topic you provide reasons that elaborate your ideas and CONVINCINGLY support your position. For our purpose here we are going to assert that the third little pig in the story “The Three Little Pigs” is the wisest.

Creating a tasty and delectable cookie paragraph

What goes into a tasty Oreo paragraph?

Top layer of your Oreo A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top chocolate cookie layer. • TS = first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea. • Usually a mildly controversial statement--something that you have to prove.

Example Topic Sentence (TS) The third little pig’s choice of building materials illustrates his inherent wisdom.

Step 2: CONCRETE DETAILS Concrete Details (CD) are the first ingredients in your triple stuffed Oreo filling. • CDs = Support for your TS. (facts, quotes, examples, etc. from text) • CDs can’t be argued with—a CD is evidence that supports your point!

Example Concrete Detail (CD) Each layer of stuffing should have one CD The third little pig builds his house out of sturdy brick.

Step 3: COMMENTARY Each layer of stuffing should have a minimum of two CM sentences Commentary Sentences (CM) are the next ingredients • CMs = YOUR analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text.

Example Commentary Sentences (2 CMs) The sturdy brick will last longer than a straw or twig construction. This results in a large initial outlay of money but less maintenance in the long run.

Step 4: CONCLUDING SENTENCE A concluding sentence (CS) is the bottom cookie layer of your Oreo • A CS wraps up the paragraph and transitions to the next one.

Example Concluding Sentence (CS) The third little pig not only outsmarts the big bad wolf but now has a lifetime investment.

TS, CD, CM, CS—Now What? CHUNKING A combination of CDs and CMs is called a chunk. (This is the common literary term but Oreos sound better. ) Your Oreo paragraph will have three chunks – layers of stuffing. That means a well developed paragraph will have at least eleven sentences. Are you serious?

Let’s Review One – TS (topic sentence) Two – CD (concrete detail) Three and Four – CM (commentary) Five – CD (concrete detail) Six and Seven – CM (commentary) Eight – CD (concrete detail) Nine and Ten – CM (commentary) Eleven – Conclusion/transition

A Triple Stuffed Paragraph In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs, ” the third pig is the wisest. The third little pig leaves home after his two older brothers. By not rushing to get out of the house, he watches and learns from their mistakes. A major lesson the third pig learns is to use quality building materials. He builds his house out of brick. The sturdy brick will last longer than a straw or twig construction. This results in a large initial outlay of money but less maintenance in the long run. The brick house better withstands the elements of nature. Although the wolf tries his best to blow down the brick construction, he is not successful. The third pig does not need to live in fear of the elements. Because of the third pig’s judicious actions, he lives to be a triumphant example of prudence and good sense.

Transitions A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect your ideas. • Example transitions: For example, For instance, Consequently, Thus, In summary, Because of this, As a result, Hence, Therefore,

Your Turn. . . Select a character from The Odyssey and begin with your topic sentence (top chocolate cookie) In ___The Odyssey/ L. T___, __(who)_____ is very __(what)____. This is your claim. OK – every English teacher you have had tells you not to use “very”; for our practice it is fine but don’t get any ideas that it will be acceptable in a real paper.

Concrete Detail (filling) For example, ______________________________________

Add two commentary sentences (more filling ingredients Why / how does your previous sentence prove the validity of your topic sentence.

Concluding sentence (Bottom chocolate cookie layer) Add a new insight or concluding thought.