The 11-Sentence Paragraph
The 11-sentence paragraph is the building block of the formal essay. This model expects you to support a topic with three main points.
Each main point must be sufficiently developed with a cluster of information that follows the “point, proof, support” format. The key is that you select the most important information for each main point rather than writing everything you can think of about your topic.
The paragraph must adhere to the following format:
Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – introduces the main idea that will be discussed in the paragraph.
Sentence 2: “Point” – First point to support your topic (Point #1)
Sentence 3: “Proof” – Quotation containing evidence from the text to show Point #1
Sentence 4: “Support” – a statement of analysis or interpretation that shows the link
between Sentence 2 and Sentence 3. This sentence shows your insight into the text.
Sentence 5: “Point” – Second point to support your topic (Point #2)
Sentence 6: “Proof” – Quotation containing evidence from the text to show Point #2
Sentence 7: “Support” – a statement of analysis or interpretation that shows the link between Sentence 5 and Sentence 6. This sentence shows your insight into the text.
Sentence 8: “Point” – Second point to support your topic (Point #3)
Sentence 9: “Proof” – Quotation containing evidence from the text to show Point #3
Sentence 10: “Support” – a statement of analysis or interpretation that shows the link between Sentence 8 and Sentence 9. This sentence shows your insight into the text.
Sentence 11: Concluding Sentence
The first things people notice about me are that I am a shy, yet confident adult who loves teaching, I enjoy the outdoors, and I love animals. When I meet someone for the first time I am very shy, but as I get to know them they discover I am very confident in my career. I give 110% to my profession and try my hardest to help my students be successful. I host after-school clubs to allow students the opportunity to find and explore activities that interest them. I am a tree-hugging, nature loving individual who spends as much time as possible outdoors. The smell of fresh-cut grass, the sound of ocean waves crashing, and the sight of red-tail hawks flying help make me feel alive. I enjoy camping at the lake or the beach, sleeping in a tent, and waking to start the morning campfire. Animals have always been a part of my life. Growing up I lived on a small 1.5 acre farm where we raised goats, rabbits, chickens, and the occasional sheep, pig, or cow. As an adult I have my two Cocker Spaniels, a pond full of koi, a desert tortoise, and cockatiels to keep me busy. When you first meet me you will find me a shy individual, but as you come to know me you will find I am passionate about teaching, the outdoors, and animals.