What is a Schaffer method?
The Schaffer paragraph is a method of creating a highly structured five-sentence paragraph for essay and document writing. It contains a topic sentence, which is followed by a concrete detail sentence and two commentary sentences. The paragraph then ends with a concluding sentence.
What are the four parts to the Jane Schaffer method?
Topic sentence (TS) Concrete Detail (CD) Commentary (CM) Commentary (CM)
What is the proper format for a Jane Schaffer essay template?
The essay is to consist of an introduction three or more sentences long and containing a thesis statement, a conclusion incorporating all the writer's commentary and bringing the essay to a close, and two or three body paragraphs; Schaffer herself preferred to teach a four-paragraph essay rather than the traditional ...
What is CD and CM in writing?
LET'S ADD MORE! THREE CHUNK PARAGRAPH (11 Sentences) TS = Topic Sentence. CD = Concrete Detail. CM = Commentary.
What is an example of a topic sentence?
Topic Sentence: Dogs make wonderful pets because they help you to live longer. The topic is "dogs make wonderful pets" and the controlling idea is "because they help you to live longer."
How do you start a topic sentence?
How to write a topic sentenceIdentify the main point in your piece of writing. Think about the overall topic for your writing. ... Write a sentence that connects to your main idea with a what and a why. ... Use the sentence you created as an opening statement. ... Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph.
What is a chunk Jane Schaffer?
It is a writing format for essays. It consists of a minimum of five paragraphs: thesis statement, body paragraphs (three or more) in chunks, and a concluding sentence and a concluding paragraph.
What does concrete detail mean?
A concrete detail is a descriptive detail grounded in specificity. Why do stories need specific details? Because clarity and specificity trigger a personal response from readers.
What do you write in a closing paragraph?
The conclusion paragraph should restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression on the central idea. This final summation should also contain the moral of your story or a revelation of a deeper truth.
How do you teach the Jane Schaffer paragraph?
In the Schaffer Method, the paragraph begins with a Topic Sentence (TS). This sentence will express an opinion, and it is followed by the first of 2 Concrete Details (CD1). The CD is followed up by at least 2 sentences of Commentary (CM). Finally, the paragraph concludes with a Closing Sentence (CS) and a transition.
What color should a commentary sentence be?
–GREEN is for Commentary Sentences (CM). –RED is for Concrete Details (CD). –BLUE is for Topic Sentences (TS) and Concluding Sentences (CS).
What is an example of a concrete detail?
Concrete Detail Examples Original: The pepperoni pizza was left on the counter, looking delicious, and sitting unguarded. Concrete: The piping hot pizza sat unguarded on the counter; you could feel the steam from its bubbling cheese and curling pepperoni.
What are some topic sentence starters?
Topic sentence starters for essaysThis paper discusses . . .In this paper . . .Here, we discuss . . .Below, you will find . . .
What is the introduction paragraph?
The introductory paragraph, or opening paragraph, is the first paragraph of your essay. It introduces the main idea of your essay, captures the interest of your readers, and tells why your topic is important. The Introductory Paragraph Starts with a Great First Sentence.
What is a concrete detail in writing?
A concrete detail is a descriptive detail grounded in specificity. Why do stories need specific details? Because clarity and specificity trigger a personal response from readers.
What is the commentary sentence?
In brief, the commentary part of the essay is the part where the writer explains how the evidence proves the thesis. It is the part of the essay in which the writer comments upon the evidence and points out what the evidence shows.
Overview
The Jane Schaffer method is a formula for essay writing that is taught in some U.S. middle schools and high schools. Developed by a San Diego teacher named Jane Schaffer, who started offering training and a 45-day curriculum in 1995, it is intended to help students who struggle with structuring essays by providing a framework. Originally developed for personal narratives and essays about literature, the curriculum now also covers expository and argument essays.
Essay structure
The essay is to consist of an introduction three or more sentences long and containing a thesis statement, a conclusion incorporating all the writer's commentary and bringing the essay to a close, and two or three body paragraphs; Schaffer herself preferred to teach a four-paragraph essay rather than the traditional five-paragraph essay.
Body paragraph structure
Each body paragraph should consist of eight sentences: a topic sentence (T) followed by two "chunks" made up of a sentence presenting a concrete detail (CD) such as a fact, quotation, plot point, or example, followed by two sentences of commentary on that material (CM), and then by a concluding sentence (SC). To help students internalize this formula, teachers use methods including colored pens and writing "fact, opinion, opinion, fact, opinion, opinion" in the margin. Longer body paragraphs are possible but must maintain the same 1:2 ratio of C…
Critical analysis
Mark Wiley, coordinator of the composition program at California State University, Long Beach, evaluated the Schaffer method in 2000 as providing a valuable guide to the basics of academic writing, but not conducive to students' exploring their own responses to complex ideas and best taught as a possible strategy.
The Schaffer method has been studied in several master's theses in education. In 2002, Heather McClelland sought to evaluate the effect of teaching formulaic strategies in order to assist teachers. In 2012, Richard Royba…
External links
• Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program