Structured Paragraph Writing

Writing Structured Paragraph

Three elements for successful writing:                                               

·         formal style

·         correct punctuation

·         paragraphing: clear and logical organization of the material to write

Paragraph:

·         a distinctive section in a piece of writing

·         contains related sentences.

·         deals and states one main idea/topic/concept

·         physically easy to identify: a new line for each paragraph.

·         well organized → interrelation and clear link between sentences (cohesion)

·         three qualities to construct a successful paragraph:

o   unity:

§  All sentences in a paragraph must show the same idea.

o   coherence:

§  all sentences clearly related and stick together

§  makes an easy reading

§  create a logical bridge from one sentence to another by:

-        repeating key words

-        substituting keywords with synonyms.

-        using pronouns to already mentioned nouns.

-        using transition words to progress through the text (E.g.: as a result, furthermore, similarly) and to indicate chronological order and relationships.

o   development:

§  the main idea is supported with evidence and examples to give it validity.

§  holds the readers’  interest and explores the topic fully

§  format: use detail and evidence to support the topic sentence.

§  illustrate the point with examples → convinced the reader that the topic sentence statement is valid.

·        parts of a paragraph:

o   Topic sentence

§  Opening and first sentence that clearly state the main idea of the paragraph.

§  Interesting topic and opinion.

§  Not over detailed.

§  Attract reader’s attention.

§  May go elsewhere

§  Includes two parts:

-        The topic, which is the subject of the paragraph-- what to write about

-        The controlling idea, which is the comment about the topic and might answer to a wh-question (who, where, when, what, why, how), each of which is to be developed on one different paragraph.

o   Body

§  heart of the paragraph

§  supporting details/arguments for the topic sentence.

§  solid and concrete details in order of importance or chronology.

§  two ways for ordering details.

-        by order of importance: the strongest argument (that stands out)

-        order of chronology of events: specific order in which an event happens

o   concluding sentence

§  summarize the main points of the paragraphs

§  may not be present.

§  in a long paragraph helps summarize the main idea.

§  gives the reader a final comment on the topic.

§  leaves the reader with the most important ideas.

§  last thing the reader reads: last impression

§  has two functions:

-         remind audience what you are writing about → restate topic sentence in a different way.

-        keeping them thinking.

T.E.E Rule

·         T : Topic sentence

·         E: Explain

·         E: Example / Evidence

Introducing paragraph:               

·         must state the topic of assignment and a briefly comment of its importance → catch the reader attention and go directly to the point of the essay.

·         state the main argument/issue discussed.

·         give intention of how you intend to answer the question → state your plan

Concluding paragraph: 

·         summarize the main point by using different words and changing the way not the contents in a few sentences

·         state assignment main conclusions.

·         must satisfy the reader → the question must be answered.    

·         make it original and striking

·         use your own voice and opinion

Closing paragraph

·         has to keep readers thinking after they finish reading

·         don´t:

o   introduce new material

o   end with a generalization

o   use quotation

Sources

Parts of a Paragraph - English Academic Writing Introduction. (2009). Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cCuExRE6N-4. Retrieved: May 25, 2013

Writing Structured Paragraphs. (2009). Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=w183qB0KDFg. Retrieved: May 25, 2013

Students:

• Caputto, Natalia
• Sarramea, Carolina