2. Template
Follow this pattern to complete the CHUNK
paragraph assignment:
T.S. - Topic Sentence
L.I. followed by a substantial C.D. – Lead in and
concrete detail
C.M. – Commentary
C.M. – Commentary
C.S. – Concluding sentence
3. Step by Step
THE QUOTE
Begin by deciding which quote to use as the center
of your CHUNK paragraph.
Make sure the quote is meaningful and substantial.
Remember, as instructed in class, start from the
middle out. The quote is the center (literally and
figuratively) of your paragraph.
4. STEP BY STEP
The Lead In
The function of the lead in is to put the
quote in context.
The lead in may inform the reader of a few
of the who, what, when, where, why
and/or how of the quote.
The lead in is placed before the quote and
ends with a comma. (See example)
5. STEP BY STEP
The Topic Sentence
Now that you’ve chosen a meaningful and
substantial quote, let it guide you when writing
the topic sentence.
Remember that the topic sentence works as the
thesis of a CHUNK paragraph.
The topic sentence needs to tell the reader what
the subject/topic of the paragraph will be.
6. STEP BY STEP
Commentary/Analysis
The commentary/analysis should simply and
concisely explain the quote.
Discuss the quote within the context of that
particular moment. Don’t write about what will
happen far into the future or what has already
happened.
Focus on explaining and analyzing only what the
quote is trying to convey.
7. STEP BY STEP
Concluding Sentence
The concluding sentence should not be
a summary of the paragraph. Instead it
should explain the result,
consequences, or what occurred
immediately after the scene described
in the quote.
8. CHUNK PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE
Auggie believes that true friendship is
unconditional and he must help Jack even if it
might put him in danger. In the woods, while at
camp, Auggie thinks, “This was the point
where I knew I should runaway as fast as I
could but Jack was still on the ground and I
wasn’t about to leave him.” (pg. 266) Jack and
Auggie are being bullied by seventh graders
after theY see Auggie and begin to make fun of
him. Jack is on the ground because he
defended Auggie against the seventh graders;
in return they push Jack. As a result, Jack tells
Auggie to run so that he doesn’t get hurt, but
Auggie, although he might be risking his
health, he believes that he must stay and help
defend Jack.
9. CHUNK PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE
The mask that Auggie wears is a symbol of his
need to be normal. On the morning of
Halloween, Auggie thinks, “I get to wear a
mask, I get to go around like every other kid,
and nobody thinks that I look weird. Nobody
takes a second look and nobody notices me.”
(pg. 73) Auggie has a facial deformity and longs
to be accepted by his peers. Wearing the mask
allows Auggie to be that normal kid at least
one day of the year. As a result, no one stares
at Auggie and other students high-five him in
approval of him because he is hiding behind his
Halloween mask.
