Company Research Paper

Schaffer Writing Formula

Created by Hollie Gustke

What is the Shaffer Formula?

•  Created by Jane Schaffer –  Writing teacher

•  Boils writing down to a simple ‘formula’ •  It can be used for any persuasive paper

–  Any time you are arguing for something •  Must be written in present tense

–  Cannot be written in first person or past tense

Step 1: TOPIC SENTENCE

•  A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top bun of a hamburger.

•  TS = First sentence of the paragraph. It tells the main idea. •  Usually a mildly controversial

statement--something that you are arguing for and have to prove.

Step 2: CONCRETE DETAILS

•  Concrete Details (CD) are the meat of the hamburger.

•  CDs = Support for your TS. (facts, quotes, examples)

•  CDs can’t be argued with—a CD is evidence that supports your point!

Step 3: COMMENTARY

•  Commentary Sentences (CM) are the “extras” on the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make it delicious!

•  CMs = your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text.

Step 4: CONCLUDING SENTENCE

•  A concluding sentence (CS) is the bottom bun of the hamburger.

•  A CS wraps up the paragraph. It rephrases the main idea.

TS, CD, CM, CS—Now What?

• CHUNKING

We will always use a combination (or “ratio”) of 1:2. That is, for every 1 CD, you will have 2 CMs.

A specific combination of CDs and CMs is called a chunk.

Transitions

•  A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect your ideas.

•  Example transitions: For example,

For instance,

Consequently,

Thus,

As a result,

Because of this,

In summary,

Hence,

Therefore,

A Multi-Paragraph Paper

v  Still follows a specific format: 1.  Intro Paragraph •  Hook- catchy, attention getter •  Overview- aim of paper and purpose (2

sentences) •  Thesis- last sentence of first paragraph, needs to

include subject of all topic sentences below 2.  Body Paragraphs

•  Formula: TS, Two chunks, CS 3.  Concluding Paragraph

•  Re-state the thesis in different words and re- iterate how you proved it