How to ALWAYS Write a Paragraph

A paragraph has a certain formula that includes key ingredients. If you follow the pattern and include each of the key pieces, your answers on my class work, in any other of your courses, on standardized tests, or even in your research papers will be AWESOME if you follow this winning formula.

In order to be successful, you must “RACE” your "constructed responses" and paragraphs:

R-A-C-E

• Reword the Question (the "R" in "RACE")
• Answer the Question (the "A" in "RACE")
• Cite Quotations as Evidence (the "C" in "RACE")
• Explain the Answer (the "E" in "RACE")

You may repeat the "C" and "E" as many times as necessary for a complete answer/paragraph. You will need to follow this formula on ALL short answer questions in my course and on your final, state-mandated exam.

In your research papers or other works of fully-developed writing, each paragraph will need some form of conclusion. To do this, just add a sentence or two following this direction:

Summarize and consolidate the information you have written into a single analytical** statement to end your paragraph.

**Analysis:

·        NOT a definition or a repetition of information already given. (This is known as a “wonton.”)

·        IS a well-thought conclusion.

·        ANSWERS the question, “Why is all this collected information important?”

For another great step-by-step tutorial with example, please read after the jump!

How to Write a Paragraph

(A Solid, Complete, No-Questions-Asked-Nor-Stone-Left-Unturned Paragraph)

STEP ONE: Write a complete sentence. CLARITY MAKES COMPLETE SENTENCES  

They work.

Who?

Teenagers work.

Doing what? 

Many teenagers work after school.

How?

Many teenagers work diligently after school.

Where?

Many teenagers work diligently at local restaurants after school.

Why?

Many teenagers work diligently at local restaurants after school to earn spending money.

STEP TWO: Write 7-10 complete sentences in a logical order with clear evidence.

Sentence #1: State your main idea.

Many teenagers work diligently at local restaurants after school to earn spending money.

Sentence #2: Give a concrete, provable example from the real world or from a text.

Several South View students work at Dairy Queen, McDonalds, or Food Lion because those businesses are close to the school.

Sentence #3: Explain the significance of the previous sentence and example.

Most students choose to work close to the school to save their income for purchases other than gas.

Sentence #4: Give another concrete, provable example (like Sentence #2).

            Other students drive father to work in downtown Fayetteville or on Skibo Road.

Sentence #5: Explain the significance of the previous sentence and example.

These students commit to drive farther in order to make more money at more expensive restaurants.

Sentence #6: Further explain the significance and relevance of the previous two sentences.

Students can make more money on Skibo because more people visit those restaurants and those restaurants cost more money initially.

Sentence #7: You may repeat the above steps as many times as necessary*.

OR

Sentence #7: Summarize and consolidate the information you have written into a single analytical** statement to end your paragraph.

Despite the difference of distance and income, many students find benefit in working a job outside of school

*Necessary means “until Mrs. Heck has no more questions.”

**Analysis:

·        NOT a definition or a repetition of information already given. (This is known as a “wonton.”)

·        IS a well-thought conclusion.

·        ANSWERS the question, “Why is all this collected information important?”