5 Finger, Five Paragraphs
Which finger represents the introduction? Which paragraph is it?
Thumb- Introduction
What is a claim?
The author’s main argument or position.
Body Paragraph #1 develops Reason #1. Put its FOUR parts in order:
A. Explanation / Analysis
B. Connection to Claim
C. Reason #1
D. Evidence
C → D → A → B
Reason #1 → Evidence → Explanation / Analysis → Connection to Claim.
What is a counterclaim?
The other side of the argument.
What color represents the CLAIM?
GREEN.
What three elements belong in the introduction?
Background information, the other side, and a claim with TWO reasons
Where is the claim usually located?
In the LAST sentence of the introduction.
What comes immediately AFTER evidence?
Explanation / Analysis.
What is a rebuttal?
The response that fights back to defend your claim.
Which color represents REASONS #1 and #2?
BLUE.
Match paragraphs 2 and 3 to their purposes.
Paragraph 2 develops Reason #1; Paragraph 3 develops Reason #2.
How many reasons must your claim include?
TWO reasons — one developed in each of the first two body paragraphs.
Sequence these parts: connection to claim, evidence, reason, explanation.
Reason → Evidence → Explanation / Analysis → Connection to Claim.
What comes right AFTER the counterclaim in paragraph 4?
Evidence supporting the counterclaim, followed by explanation / analysis.
Match YELLOW and PURPLE to their purposes.
YELLOW = Evidence; PURPLE = Explanation / Analysis.
Put the five paragraphs in order: conclusion, body reason 2, introduction, counterclaim/rebuttal, body reason 1.
Introduction → Body Reason #1 → Body Reason #2 → Counterclaim & Rebuttal → Conclusion.
Claim: Schools should offer art classes because they build creativity and reduce stress. Identify both reasons.
Reason #1: build creativity. Reason #2: reduce stress.
Sequence this BODY PARAGRAPH #1 about longer recess:
A. This supports giving students longer recess.
B. Longer recess gives students more time to be active.
C. For example, students can play a full game of tag.
D. A full game provides more opportunities to move.
B → C → D → A
B: Reason #1 (BLUE)
C: Evidence / example (YELLOW)
D: Explanation / Analysis (PURPLE)
A: Connection to Claim (PINK)
Order these seven parts: rebuttal, counterclaim, connection, explanation 2, evidence 1, evidence 2, explanation 1.
Counterclaim → Evidence → Explanation / Analysis → Rebuttal → Evidence → Explanation / Analysis → Connection to Claim.
What colors represent counterclaim, rebuttal, and connection to claim?
RED = Counterclaim; ORANGE = Rebuttal; PINK = Connection to Claim.
The conclusion has three jobs. Name them in order.
Restate the claim → Acknowledge the other side → Reinforce your position.
Improve this claim to include TWO reasons: “Students should have more reading time.”
Example: Students should have more reading time because it improves vocabulary and strengthens comprehension.
CHALLENGE: Sequence BODY PARAGRAPH #2 about longer recess:
A. This is another reason schools should extend recess.
B. Longer recess gives students more time to socialize.
C. For example, classmates can plan and play a group game.
D. Working together in a game lets students practice cooperation.
Then name each sentence’s COLOR.
B → C → D → A
B = Reason #2 (BLUE)
C = Evidence / example (YELLOW)
D = Explanation / Analysis (PURPLE)
A = Connection to Claim (PINK)
Same FOUR-part pattern as Body Paragraph #1
Sequence the counterclaim/rebuttal sentences:
A. However, structured homework can reinforce learning.
B. Some say homework takes away free time.
C. Practice helps students remember skills.
D. Students need time to relax after school.
E. That concern is important for balance.
F. This supports assigning reasonable homework.
G. Short practice tasks can review class lessons.
B → D → E → A → G → C → F
Counterclaim → Evidence → Analysis → Rebuttal → Evidence → Analysis → Connection.
Identify the function and color of each sentence:
1. Some argue recess wastes class time.
2. However, movement helps students refocus.
3. This supports protecting recess.
1. Counterclaim — RED
2. Rebuttal — ORANGE
3. Connection to Claim — PINK.