How to WriteMultiparagra

ph Essays

4 Modes of Writing:

Expository (Explains, Informs)

(The expository mode is especially effective with social studies

topics.)

Persuasive (Supports an Opinion)

Descriptive (Describes)Narrative (Tells a story)

In “academic writing,” the writer

speaks with authority (writer knows what she/he is talking

about);speaks coherently (flows

logically from one point to the next); and

speaks clearly (uses good grammar, usage, punctuation).

Writers INC

Academic writing is the “end product of a lot of

careful planning, writing, and revising.”

Writers INC

Problem:

I hate academic writing. I

don’t like to prewrite or

plan or whatever you call it, and I

hate to revise!

Get over it.

Purpose:

The purpose of academic writing is to present information that shows a clear understanding of a

subject.

Academic writing may inform, explain,

compare, identify causes and effects,

define, propose solutions, or argue for

or against.

Audience:

Always write with your audience in mind.

Your intended audience is your teacher!

Voice:

A semiformal voice is used in academic

writing. To use this voice, carefully choose your words for clarity

and avoid slang terms, popular expressions, and informal usage.

“Academic writing is based on analysis, the

process of breaking down ideas to increase your understanding of

them.”

Writers INC

Question:

What goes in a

multiparagraph essay?

Answer:

Essays have 3 parts:

1. Introductory Paragraph2. Body Paragraphs3. Concluding Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph:

The most important element is the thesis

statement.

It is usually the last sentence in the

introductory paragraph.

Body Paragraphs:

(The Supporting Paragraphs)

Each paragraph is a different example of or support for your thesis.

Concluding Paragraph:

May do any of the following:

1. Revisit (restate) your thesis

2. Make a future prediction3. Sum up your ideas

Question:

What different modes of

writing are good for

social studies?

Expository Mode(Explanatory, Informational)

Examples:1. Cause/Effect

2. Comparison/Contrast3. Problem/Solution

4. Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)

Cause/Effect Examples:

The Writing of the Declaration of

Independence: The Causes

The Long-Term Effects of the Discovery of Gold in

California

The Mormon Migration Westward: The Causes

Comparison/Contrast Examples:

The Virginia and New Jersey Proposals for Representation in the

National Congress

Northern and Southern Colonists’ Reactions to the British Closing of

Boston Harbor

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Problem/Solution Examples:

The Barriers Encountered by Pioneers on the Oregon Trail

Indian Removal: Alternative Policies

Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)

Examples:

The Importance of the First Amendment on Civil

Liberties

The Roles Played by Women in the Social Reform

Movements Prior to the Civil War

(More Essays of Explanation…)

The Significance of the Great Awakening on Colonial

Life

The Importance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on

Westward Expansion

Question: How should I

organize these

different kinds of essays?

Cause/Effect “Type A”

Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement

Para. #2 – Cause 1, Cause 2, Cause 3

Para. #3 – Effect 1, Effect 2, Effect 3

Para. #4 - Conclusion

Cause/Effect “Type B”

Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement

Para. #2 - Cause 1, Effect 1Para. #3 – Cause 2, Effect 2Para. #4 – Cause 3, Effect 3

Para. #5 - Conclusion

Comparison/Contrast “Type A”

Para. #1 – Introduce your topic; include thesis

statement.Para. #2 - Tell all the ways

two things are alike.Para. #3 - Tell all the ways

two things are different.Para. #4 – Conclusion

Comparison/Contrast “Type B”

Para. #1 – Introduce your topic; include thesis statement.

Para. #2 – Tell how one thing is like something in one way but

different in another way. Para. #3 – Tell how another

thing is like something in one way but different in another

way. Para. #4 - Conclusion

Problem/Solution “Type A”

Para. #1 - Introduce your topic; include thesis

statement.Para. #2 – Problem 1,

Solution 1Para. #3 – Problem 2,

Solution 2Para. #4 – Problem 3,

Solution 3Para. #5 - Conclusion

Problem/Solution “Type B”

Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement (Thesis statement is the

“problem.”)Para. #2 – Possible Solution

1Para. #3 – Possible Solution

2Para. #4 - Possible Solution

3Para. #5 - Conclusion

Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)

Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement

Para. #2 – Reason 1 Para. #3 – Reason 2Para. #4 – Reason 3

Para. #5 - Conclusion

Question:

Exactly what is a

thesis statement

?

Your thesis statement is the single most

important sentence in your whole essay! It is the sentence in which

you tell what your entire essay is about.

Thesis Statement Examples:

The Mormon migration westward was caused by

three major factors.

The Oregon Trail pioneers encountered and overcame three significant barriers.

(More thesis statements…)

The discovery of gold in California affected the

state’s development in three important ways.

The Articles of Confederation were strong in some ways

but weak in others.

(More thesis statements…)

Both the northern and southern colonists had strong reactions to the

British closing of Boston Harbor.

The Boston Massacre was caused by three significant

factors.

Hmmm… this essay writing doesn’t sound too hard after

all. Still, it takes a lot of work…

It’s worth

it!