How to Write a Paragraph Using�T R E A T
On a scale of 1-5 how good are you at writing a perfect paragraph?
1
5
I could teach someone how to do it!
I have no idea!
I need a refresher on how to do this!
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
TREAT
Which of the following options defines the first sentence in a perfect paragraph?
In the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant, the author uses language that creates a mood of hopelessness.
EXAMPLE
In the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant, the author uses language that creates a mood of hopelessness.
EXAMPLE TREAT PARAGRAPH
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
TREAT
Which of the following is an example of how to start your reasoning sentence?
In the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant, the author uses language that creates a mood of hopelessness. This is because the author wants us to understand how the girl is feeling about moving to Cincinnati.
EXAMPLE of Reason
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
E – Evidence – This is an example that proves your topic sentence is true.
TREAT
True or false… evidence should be information you quote directly from the text using quotation marks.
Examples of Good Evidence...
True or false… you need quotation marks around evidence you copy directly from the text.
In the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant, the author uses language that creates a mood of hopelessness. This is because the author wants us to understand how the girl is feeling about moving to Cincinnati. This is illustrated in the first paragraph when the narrator says, “...she felt she was dying…”
EXAMPLE of Evidence
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
E – Evidence– This is an example that proves your topic sentence is true.
A – Analysis – Explain how and/or why your example makes your topic sentence true!
TREAT
Analysis Sentence Starters
DIRECTIONS�Use the following piece of evidence below and one of the analysis starters above to complete the statement.
“But he busted her jar of mayonnaise, and nothing else worked out for the rest of the day.”
Sample response: This proves the author is trying to create a mood of hopelessness since the boy is also feeling like nothing can go right.
In the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant, the author uses language that creates a mood of hopelessness. This is because the author wants us to understand how the girl is feeling about moving to Cincinnati. This is illustrated in the first paragraph when the narrator says, “...she felt she was dying…” This proves the mood in the beginning of the story is hopeless because the girl feels like she is dying which shows how hopeless she feels.
EXAMPLE of Analysis
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
E – Example – This is an example that proves your topic sentence is true.
A – Analysis– Explain how your example makes your topic sentence true!
T – Transition… to next paragraph or restate Topic Sentence
TREAT
TYPE 1 (Multi-paragraph)
Transition to next paragraph.
EXAMPLE�Not only is the bagboy nervous, but he is also awkward.�
Transitions: Two Types
TYPE 2 (Single Paragraph)
Transition to close the paragraph.
EXAMPLE
It is obvious the bag boy felt awkward and nervous around the girl because he found her attractive.
Restated Topic Sentence that ends a single paragraph essay.
Preps the reader for what’s coming in the next paragraph of the essay.
In the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant, the author uses language that creates a mood of hopelessness. This is because the author wants us to understand how the girl is feeling about moving to Cincinnati. This is illustrated in the first paragraph when the narrator says, “...she felt she was dying…” This proves the mood in the beginning of the story is hopeless because the girl feels like she is dying which shows how hopeless she feels. Overall, the author uses language to create a mood of hopelessness at the beginning of the story.
EXAMPLE of Transition for Single Paragraph
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210 lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Another Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREAT
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREAT
T
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210 lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREAT
T
R
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREAT
T
R
E
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREAT
T
R
E
A
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREAT
T
R
E
A
T
Good Luck Writing Your Next TREAT Essay!