Academics · Subject Resources

One main idea.
Enough details to prove it.

A good paragraph is a small promise kept: the topic sentence says what it is about and every sentence after it helps. Write the topic sentence, add each detail with the word that leads into it, and finish with the idea said a new way. The organizer counts the sentences your plan will make.

Plan a paragraphWhat you get
$5one-time · every device you sign in on
Buy · $5

Included with the Caveat Academy pass and Whole-school licenses. Or get it in the Study skills kit, $29 for 21 items.

Your paragraphs

The worked example is made up: a fourth grader’s opinion paragraph about a reading corner, ready to write, and a describing paragraph with one detail. Saved on this device only.

Loading the paragraph form. If nothing appears, turn on JavaScript.

What you get

Academics · Subject Resources$5

What you finish with
A record per paragraph: prompt, kind, the sentences the teacher asks for, topic sentence, details with transitions and kinds, concluding sentence and five checks. Counts details, sentences and topic sentence words; flags short plans, one detail, a long topic sentence, missing transitions, a repeated ending and describing paragraphs without sense details.
Who it is for
Students in grades 2 to 6 learning to write paragraphs, older students who need the structure, and the parents and teachers helping them.
Format
Browser organizer with a saved record per paragraph. Prints one plan, every plan in a table or a blank sheet; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
$5 one-time, yours on every device you sign in on; the tool opens once you are signed in with it. Included with the Caveat Academy pass and Whole-school licenses. Also in the Study skills kit ($29) and the Academics Suite pass ($149), and 1 more bundle. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Subject Resources space in Caveat Academics.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Copy the prompt and choose the kind of paragraph.
  2. Write the topic sentence.
  3. Add details, each with a transition word.
  4. Write a concluding sentence that says the idea a new way.
  5. Read the plan aloud, then write the paragraph.

Plan a paragraph

The parts

A paragraph, sentence by sentence1Topic sentenceThe main idea, in one sentence2DetailA reason, led in by First3ExampleSomething specific, led in byFor example4DetailAnother reason or a fact5DetailThe strongest one last6Concluding sentenceThe main idea, said a new wayA paragraph, sentence by sentence1Topic sentenceThe main idea, in one sentence2DetailA reason, led in by First3ExampleSomething specific, led in by Forexample4DetailAnother reason or a fact5DetailThe strongest one last6Concluding sentenceThe main idea, said a new way
Each detail gets its own sentence, so the number of details decides the length of the paragraph.

Transition words

To add: also, another, next, in addition. To give an example: for example, for instance. To show order: first, then, finally. To show the strongest point: most of all, best of all.

For parents and teachers

Talking the plan through before writing helps young writers most. Ask the child to say each detail out loud as a sentence; if it is hard to say, it will be hard to write.

Sources

  1. Graham, S., et al. (2012). Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers (NCEE 2012-4058). Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse.
  2. National Governors Association and CCSSO (2010). Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, Writing standards 1 to 3, grades 2 to 6.
  3. Hochman, J. C., and Wexler, N. (2017). The Writing Revolution. Jossey-Bass.
  4. Harris, K. R., Graham, S., Mason, L. H., and Friedlander, B. (2008). Powerful Writing Strategies for All Students. Paul H. Brookes.

The worked examples are made up. Your teacher’s instructions come first. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.