The Jane Schaffer paragraph (commonly known as a Schaffer paragraph, Schaeffer paragraph, or Schæffer paragraph) is a five-sentence paragraph developed by Jane Schaffer, used to write essays.[1] The paragraph only makes up one of many paragraphs in an essay, most of which have a non-Schaffer-like introduction and conclusion. The Schaffer paragraph is utilized in some U.S. middle schools and in early high school classes as it is thought to help students better formulate ideas.[2][3] When students have fully learned the Schaffer paragraph or move on to a higher grade level, the Schaffer paragraph generally is not preferred any longer since using it hinders students from formulating their ideas to an extent and does not allow critical thinking.[2][3]
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A quick overview of the default Schaffer paragraph[1]:
Note: Some Schaffer paragraphs may have additional CD's and CM's before the CS while following the 1:2 ratio as follows:
This sentence should state the main point of the paragraph and be straight to the point.
This sentence is the "what" sentence and is a fact that shows "what" is happening. It should be either facts, examples, illustrations, evidence, support, plot references, paraphrases, citations, quotations, plot summary, etc. It should be a concrete detail and should start with 'for example' or a different transition.
There are two or three commentary sentences in each chunk. They contain no facts; rather, comments from the paragraph writer elaborate on the fact presented in the CD. This sentence contains analysis, interpretation, character feelings, opinions, inference, insight, reasons, or color comments. It is important that the commentary explains how the concrete detail helps prove the writer's point (the TS).
The Concluding Sentence (CS) is the closing sentence that wraps up the TS and sums up the paragraph. It closes up the thoughts and gives insight to the next paragraph. Again, it is a good idea to use as many (at least two) feeling, emotional, or connotative words as possible. It usually begins with "As a result" or another concluding phrase.