T: stating a thesis, topic, or theme

R: restating the theme, refining, restricting it.

I: illustrating the theme or thesis, giving examples of it <= /b>

A: analyzing the thesis or the examples

C: clincher

Example I:

(T) Environment is a big factor that turns a lot of people into alcoholics.

(R) = Environm= ental factors include cultural influences, social influences of family, friends, work, and peer pressure.

(I) Illustration is the longest part of your paragraph where you explain your i= deas and illustrate them with examples.

(A)&= nbsp;         Here you analyze the information presented. This part= of the paragraph is the most important. Here you explain in your own words<= /u> what all the examples mean.

(B)&= nbsp;         This sentence sums up your ideas and usually echoes the Topic sentence.

TRIAC: Paragraph and Paper Organization
TRIAC is a writing pattern you can use at the paragraph level for strong organization and effective argument. The same components in TRIAC paragraphs can give entire papers stronger organization. TRIAC has five parts:

T

Topic Sentence - The first sentence introduces the subject of a paragraph, essentially serving as a miniature thesis stateme= nt.

R

Restatement or Restr= iction - The second sentence can restate = or restrict what was written in the first sentence, making the subject more specific.

I

Illustration<= /u> - This section of the paragraph co= nsists of the illustrations (evidence, data, facts, quotes, etc.) that support y= our topic sentence. This section can contain several sentences.

A

Analysis<= /b> - Here, you should explain, interp= ret, and contextualize the illustrations that have been made. Never leave illustrations by themselves; they are not effective without the writer analyzing them.

C

Clincher<= /b> - The final sentence (or two) might review what the paragraph has discussed, and/or reemphasize what the illustration and analysis suggest. This closing section may also evaluate= the connections you've made in your paragraph. Keep in mind that you are also setting yourself up to move smoothly and logically into the next paragrap= h.

An Example, Sentence by Sentence, o= f a Paragraph Illustrating TRIAC= :

(T) Although vegetarianis= m has often been associated with issues of ethics and animal rights, for ma= ny people it is no more than a means to a healthier lifestyle. (R) A vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of hea= lth problems such as high cholesterol, arterial clogging, and even cancer. = (I) Recent evidence indicates that people with d= iets rich in dark green vegetables had a 40% less chance of developing colo= n cancer. In addition, cuttin= g out meat can dramatically reduce saturated fat intake (Stewart and Cransh= aw 8). Alice, a university st= udent and seven year vegetarian, says, "I recognized my potential for = cancer because of my genetic history; when my father's doctor put him on a = strict no-meat diet; I decided  = it was time to give up burgers and pepperoni." (A) Choosing to cut out beef and poultry can hel= p many people to become more aware of what they are consuming, and in turn = lead to an overall healthier style of cooking and eating. In addition, it is not necessary to become a v= egetarian in the strictest sense of the word; for some people, it simply me= ans cutting down on meat intake and increasing the amount of fruits and veg= etables included in meals. (C) These adjustments alone can be beneficial wi= thout completely altering an individual's eating habits, and these changes = may prevent a myriad of health problems later in life.

<= /p>

<= /p>

T	Topic Sentence - The first sentence introduces the subject of a paragraph, essentially serving as a miniature thesis stateme= nt.
R	Restatement or Restr= iction - The second sentence can restate = or restrict what was written in the first sentence, making the subject more specific.
I	Illustration<= /u> - This section of the paragraph co= nsists of the illustrations (evidence, data, facts, quotes, etc.) that support y= our topic sentence. This section can contain several sentences.
A	Analysis<= /b> - Here, you should explain, interp= ret, and contextualize the illustrations that have been made. Never leave illustrations by themselves; they are not effective without the writer analyzing them.
C	Clincher<= /b> - The final sentence (or two) might review what the paragraph has discussed, and/or reemphasize what the illustration and analysis suggest. This closing section may also evaluate= the connections you've made in your paragraph. Keep in mind that you are also setting yourself up to move smoothly and logically into the next paragrap= h.