Jane Schaffer How-To

 


A Jane Schaffer Paragraph is a 5 sentence paragraph that has a definite structure and transition from one idea to the next. You must follow the guidelines specifically.




The first sentence is your Topic Sentence (TS). The second sentence should be a Concrete Detail; some fact or quote from the story or article (CD). The CD should start with the transition "For example". You must use your own thinking in the third sentence, the Commentary Sentence (CM). Complete the sentence "This shows that..." by answering how the CD supports the TS. The fourth sentence Commentary Sentence 2 (CM) should go on to explain the first commentary sentence further by answering 1 of 4 choices in sentence starters: 1. This also shows that... 2. This is important because... 3. This is because... 4. This shows that... The fifth sentence is the Concluding Sentence (CS). It should begin with the sentence starter,"As a result" or another concluding transition.

 


JANE SCHAFFER TERMS




Concrete Detail CD:


Stuff from the story, the "what", facts, examples, illustrations, evidence, support, plot references, paraphrases, citations, quotations, plot summary, What really happens in the story?




Commentary CM:


Stuff from your head, the "so what?" words with feelings behind them that you can describe to me. Analysis, interpretation, a character's feelings, George feels ______. How does __ feel on the inside? opinion, inference, insight, reasons, color commentator.

 


JANE SCHAFFER PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE:




TS-Cinderella leads a miserable life. CD-For example, she does all the cooking, cleaning, and sewing. CM-This shows that she feels taken advantage of by her selfish stepmother and stepsisters. CM-This is important because her horrible life gives her a present, her fairy godmother. CS-As a result, she becomes a princess.


The Gold Jane Schaffer Paragraph Handouts