Definition of the Schaffer paragraph and its features.
Argumentation styles and techniques greatly vary, but they all have one thing in common: offer proof to convince the reader to agree with the thesis statement. The Schaffer paragraph, named after Jane Schaffer, is one of them. It uses sequenced sentences, each of which has its specific function. By following the Schaffer steps, you can be able to prove your claim and convince your reader. Let’s review some of the key features of this method of argumentation and learn how you can use it effectively in your essays and other papers.
The Schaffer paragraph typically starts with the Topic Sentence (TS). This is basically where your position or main claim is stated. For example, if your topic is euthanasia, provide in the TS your stand on the subject, such as euthanasia is morally permissible, or euthanasia is unethical. Be as specific as you can when writing your TS so that it will be focused and will limit the scope of your discussion.
After the Topic Sentence is the Concrete Detail (CD), which is where you will provide your supporting statements in your Schaffer paragraph. These will come in the form of facts and data or statistics, and similar kinds of evidence from other sources such as online journals, news reports, and government websites, among others. By following up your Topic Sentence with Concrete Detail, you immediately reinforce your claim and strengthen its validity from possible refutations. This also helps convince your reader that your proposition is acceptable.
Following the Concrete Detail is the Commentary (CM). In your Schaffer paragraph, this is where you provide the interpretation of your Concrete Detail. Specifically, your Commentary will help explain the connection between your facts and figures, and your thesis statement. This helps bridge your data with your claim, providing more clarity and thereby reinforcing your entire discussion into a coherent sequence of sentences.
Lastly, the final step in your Schaffer paragraph will be the Concluding/Closing Sentence (CS). This is where you will provide your assessment of how strong your Topic Sentence is based on the connection (Commentary) between your Topic Sentence and your Concrete Detail. The approaches will vary depending on the scenario, but the important thing to do is to reiterate your primary claim at the start of your paragraph.
As a final reminder, you can read our Schaffer paragraph example, or our article on how to write one. You may also hire our team to write one for you. Click the image below to find out more.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!
The Schaffer paragraph typically starts with the Topic Sentence (TS). This is basically where your position or main claim is stated. For example, if your topic is euthanasia, provide in the TS your stand on the subject, such as euthanasia is morally permissible, or euthanasia is unethical. Be as specific as you can when writing your TS so that it will be focused and will limit the scope of your discussion.
After the Topic Sentence is the Concrete Detail (CD), which is where you will provide your supporting statements in your Schaffer paragraph. These will come in the form of facts and data or statistics, and similar kinds of evidence from other sources such as online journals, news reports, and government websites, among others. By following up your Topic Sentence with Concrete Detail, you immediately reinforce your claim and strengthen its validity from possible refutations. This also helps convince your reader that your proposition is acceptable.
Following the Concrete Detail is the Commentary (CM). In your Schaffer paragraph, this is where you provide the interpretation of your Concrete Detail. Specifically, your Commentary will help explain the connection between your facts and figures, and your thesis statement. This helps bridge your data with your claim, providing more clarity and thereby reinforcing your entire discussion into a coherent sequence of sentences.
Lastly, the final step in your Schaffer paragraph will be the Concluding/Closing Sentence (CS). This is where you will provide your assessment of how strong your Topic Sentence is based on the connection (Commentary) between your Topic Sentence and your Concrete Detail. The approaches will vary depending on the scenario, but the important thing to do is to reiterate your primary claim at the start of your paragraph.
As a final reminder, you can read our Schaffer paragraph example, or our article on how to write one. You may also hire our team to write one for you. Click the image below to find out more.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!