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The Daily Insight

Is Jane Schaffer alive

Author

John Thompson

Updated on May 22, 2026

SAN DIEGO (SDJW)–Jane Schaffer, a master teacher whose methodology for writing essays is taught in high schools around the country, died of brain cancer early Sunday morning at home. She was 64.

What is Jane Schaffer writing method?

What is the Jane Schaffer Writing Method? It is a writing format for essays. It consists of a minimum of five paragraphs: an introduction (including the thesis statement), body paragraphs (three or more) in chunks, and a conclusion.

What color is concrete detail?

–GREEN is for Commentary Sentences (CM). –RED is for Concrete Details (CD). –BLUE is for Topic Sentences (TS) and Concluding Sentences (CS).

What is a chunk in a Jane Schaffer paragraph?

A two chunk paragraph contains a transition word, a topic sentence, a concrete detail, two commentary sentences, another concrete detail, two more commentary sentences, and a concluding sentence. It is no less than eight sentences, however, can be much longer in length.

How do you write a Jane Schaffer paragraph?

A basic Schaffer paragraph begins with the topic sentence—stating with a topic and an opinion, what the paragraph is about, then followed by a concrete detail, two commentary sentences, and a closing sentence. This is called a one-chunk body paragraph and is the most basic Schaffer model.

What does CM stand for in ELA?

LET’S ADD MORE! THREE CHUNK PARAGRAPH (11 Sentences) TS = Topic Sentence. CD = Concrete Detail. CM = Commentary.

How do you end a 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 is a point sentence?

A Point sentence is the controlling idea of the paragraph. It states the subject of the paragraph. Point sentences are at the beginning of the body paragraph. … Point sentences that express an opinion or fact. Some point sentences tell your reader how you feel about the topic you are writing about.

What does the word chunking mean in relation to the Jane Schaffer format?

“Chunking” is specifically used with regard to paragraph development. Each paragraph in a multiparagraph essay may have one or more chunks (typically, any more than three chunks would beg for a new paragraph, so I like it that you are writing one to three chunks per paragraph).

What does concrete detail mean?

A concrete detail is a descriptive detail grounded in specificity. … As opposed to abstract language—which describes people, settings, and events on a conceptual level—concrete language evokes clear images in a reader’s mind. The most sophisticated writing contains a balanced mix of concrete language and abstract ideas.

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How do you write concretely?

The following guidelines should help you write concretely: ✓ Use specific facts and figures. ✓ Put action in your verbs. ✓ Choose vivid, image-building words. Whenever you can substitute an exact fact or a figure for a general word to make your message more concrete and convincing, do so.

How long is a paragraph supposed to be?

A paragraph usually deals with a single idea. In general, you’ll have an introductory sentence expressing that idea, and several supporting sentences to round it off. Paragraphs are usually about 100 – 200 words long, but there are more exceptions to this rule-of-thumb than you’d expect.

Is a concrete detail a quote?

Concrete Detail – facts and examples that support the thesis or topic sentence. They include direct quotations from and summaries or paraphrases of literary texts.

What is the commentary sentence?

A commentary sentence is a type of sentence that you, the writer, write that comments on facts presented in a previous sentence or earlier in that paragraph. The commentary sentence allows you, the writer, to put in some of your opinion, analysis, and interpretation of facts.

What is commentary in writing?

Writing commentary means giving your opinion, interpretation, insight, analysis, explication, personal reaction, evaluation or reflection about a concrete detail in an essay. You are “commenting on” a point you have made. Writing commentary is higher level thinking. … It requires you to think!

What are the three things to think about when writing the body of a paragraph?

  • Topic sentence: what is the main claim of your paragraph; what is the most important idea that you want your readers to take away from this paragraph?
  • Support in the form of evidence: how can you prove that your claim or idea is true (or important, or noteworthy, or relevant)?

Can a thesis statement be a paragraph?

A thesis statement must ALWAYS be a complete sentence. In some cases, the thesis may stretch to two sentences, but it should be identified in a concise statement, not generally discussed within a paragraph. Thesis statements may vary depending on the type of paper.

What is a concluding sentence?

What is a Concluding Sentence? The conclusion is the last sentence in your paragraph. … – Wrap up your paragraph. – Consider using transition words to signify the end of your paragraph.

How many sentences are in a paragraph?

Aim for three to five or more sentences per paragraph. Include on each page about two handwritten or three typed paragraphs. Make your paragraphs proportional to your paper. Since paragraphs do less work in short papers, have short paragraphs for short papers and longer paragraphs for longer papers.

Whats CD stand for?

CDs are small plastic disks on which sound, especially music, is recorded. … CD is an abbreviation for ‘compact disc. ‘

What does Rd stand for?

AcronymDefinitionRDReader’s Digest (magazine)RDRoadRDReadRDRound

Does gal mean girl?

Gal is a slang term for a woman or girl. An example of gal is how your grandma might refer to a young woman at the post office.

How do you write a chunked quote?

Read your sentence aloud or to someone else; if you cannot tell which words are YOUR words and which words are part of the QUOTATION when listening to the sentence, then your quotation is correctly “chunked.”

What is a double chunk paragraph?

The basic idea is that you state your claim in your topic sentence, prove what you’re saying with two “chunks” of information, and then reassert your point in a concluding sentence.

How do you introduce a concrete detail?

  1. CONCRETE DETAIL (CD): again start with a transition, such as, “Another example is…”
  2. COMMENTARY (CM): “This shows that…” ( sentence starter optional)
  3. (MORE) COMMENTARY (CM): “This also shows that…”; “ This is important because…”; “ This is because…” ( sentence starters optional)
  4. CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS)

What are peel paragraphs?

The PEEL paragraph method is a technique used in writing to help structure paragraphs in a way that presents a single clear and focused argument, which links back to the essay topic or thesis statement. … It allows you to create a paragraph that is easy and accessible for others to understand.

What is the sentence of park?

Park sentence example. A public park was opened in 1889. They just left for the ice park . Imagine you live in a large trailer park and you have four young children.

Where do we use point?

Used with adverbs: “She pointed the gun downward.” “He pointed to the road ahead.” “He aimlessly pointed her finger in the air.” “You should never point that at anyone.”

What does abstract language mean?

Abstract language: Includes general language and intangible qualities, ideas, or concepts. It is often vague and open to interpretation. A reader may find it hard to pin down the exact meaning.

Is one that is grounded in a tangible idea?

A concrete detail/image is one that is grounded in a tangible idea, example and/or description; a concrete detail is sometimes referred to as a specific detail and often it is also a sensory detail.

What are good conclusion starters?

  • In conclusion.
  • Therefore.
  • As expressed.
  • Overall.
  • As a result.
  • Thus.
  • Finally.
  • Lastly.