Writing & GrammarUnderstanding the Writing Process

A Paragraph Writing paragraphs are in fact the most

basic structure in any writing. So understanding how to write effective and intriguing paragraphs can improve your writing greatly. So let's discover how to write a good paragraph.

A Paragraph A paragraph is a series of sentences that

are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points.

What Is A Paragraph?  A paragraph is a piece of writing that consists

of several sentences. A paragraph should always have complete,

correct, and concise sentences. A paragraph should be easy to read and well

organized. The paragraph itself should focus on one

subject, theme, or central idea.

Elements Of A Paragraph

A paragraph should contain some structure and particular elements, which are listed below in relative order:

1.A Topic sentence- motivates the reader to want to read more.

2.The First main point- proves, backs up, or explains the topic sentence.

3.The Second main point- usually provides a reason for the first point made.

4.The Third main point- can help prove the topic sentence or back up the first or second main point of the paragraph.

5.The Conclusion- sums up the main points or ideas and it usually completes the topic.

Did you get it??? So just to recap, normally a paragraph

starts out with a topic sentence or idea. The topic sentence is followed by the first, second, or third main points and then details are added in between each point in order to explain the idea fully. Once one idea or concept has been described the paragraph is brought to a conclusion by usually summing up the main points or making a transition into the next paragraph.

Topic Sentence What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement; it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it.

What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best

countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Topic Sentence Exercise The following is a list of various topics. You

need to choose 4 topics and write a topic sentence for each topic you choose. Topic Choices:

School Buses * My Dreams Favorite Foods * Tattoos Girlfriends * Pet Peeves Boyfriends * Ideal Job Losing Weight * Worst Job Nose Rings * Drinking Gossip * Cure for a Cold

Supporting Details What are supporting sentences?

They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph. The supporting sentences need to be about the idea presented in the topic sentence. In a paragraph, every sentence should "belong". 

What do they do? They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them? You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the

world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Supporting Details=Body The supporting details that you

come up with the better explain your topic sentence is called the Body of your paragraph.

Body: follows the introduction; discusses the controlling idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other information.

Closing Sentence= Conclusion What is the closing sentence?

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the paragraph’s controlling idea.

What does it do? It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one? Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in

the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Paragraph Assignment: Now you have learned about how to write a paragraph. We

are going to practice writing good precise paragraphs. You will be split into groups of 3 or 4. You are now a team. I

will pass out cookies for each team. You are not to touch or eat of them. You can only look Each team member will need to choose a different cookie on the plate. Once you have chosen your cookie you are to write a paragraph describing that cookie. You cannot use the name of the cookie. Once you have completed your paragraph go back and circle the topic and concluding sentence. Each person in the team should describe the selected cookie well enough so that a different team can connect the right cookie with the written description. If an opposing team can guess the write cookie by the description given by the writer then the writer can eat their cookie. If the writer gives the name of the cookie then they will be disqualified and not get to eat their cookie. Work quickly and be descriptive The paragraph should have a topic sentence, three to five detail sentences and a conclusion.

Introductions Go from general to specific

Develop the argument. Whatever you do….MAKE SURE YOU

Intrigue your reader. Reserve the last sentence of your intro for

your thesis (going from general to specific)!

Example of a good Introductory ParagraphA baby’s fist step makes us smile. So does a baby’s first word and first tooth. Then there’s a radically different kind of childhood milestone: the first day of school, the high school prom, getting a driver’s license. These popular “firsts” do not mark stages in a child’s development; rather, they have grown out of our social institutions within the past few generations. They may be some of the most widely celebrated rites of passage we have, but they still deserve scrutiny, since they don’t always occur according to schedule.

Introductory Paragraphs They should get the reader's interest so that he or she

will want to read more. Professional writers who write for magazines and receive

pay for their work use five basic patterns to grab a reader's interest: historical review anecdotal surprising statement famous person declarative

They should let the reader know what the writing is going to be about. The second task can be accomplished by a carefully crafted

thesis statement. Writing thesis statements can be learned rather quickly. The first task — securing the reader's interest — is more difficult. It is this task that this discussion addresses.

Historical Review Historical review: Some topics are better understood if a

brief historical review of the topic is presented to lead into the discussion of the moment. Such topics might include "a biographical sketch of a war hero," "an upcoming execution of a convicted criminal," or "drugs and the younger generation." Obviously there are many, many more topics that could be introduced by reviewing the history of the topic before the writer gets down to the nitty gritty of his paper. It is important that the historical review be brief so that it does not take over the paper. The victory brought pure elation and joy. It was May 1954,

just days after the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. At NAACP headquarters in New York the mood was euphoric. Telegrams of congratulations poured in from around the world; reporters and well-wishers crowded the halls.

Anecdote Anecdotal: An anecdote is a little story. Everyone loves to listen

to stories. Begin a paper by relating a small story that leads into the topic of your paper. Your story should be a small episode, not a full blown story with characters and plot and setting. Read some of the anecdotes in the Reader's Digest special sections such as "Life in These United States" to learn how to tell small but potent stories. If you do it right, your story will capture the reader's interest so that he or she will continue to read your paper. One caution: be sure that your story does not take over the paper. Remember, it is an introduction, not the paper. Mike Cantlon remembers coming across his first auction ten years

ago while cruising the back roads of Wisconsin. He parked his car and wandered into the crowd, toward the auctioneer's singsong chant and wafting smell of barbecued sandwiches. Hours later, Cantlon emerged lugging a $22 beam drill-for constructing post-and-beam barns—and a passion for auctions that has clung like a cocklebur on an old saddle blanket. "It's an addiction," says Cantlon, a financial planner and one of the growing number of auction fanatics for whom Saturdays will never be the same.

Surprising Statement Surprising statement: A surprising statement is a

favorite introductory technique of professional writers. There are many ways a statement can surprise a reader. Sometimes the statement is surprising because it is disgusting. Sometimes it is joyful. Sometimes it is shocking. Sometimes it is surprising because of who said it. Sometimes it is surprising because it includes profanity. Professional writers have honed this technique to a fine edge. It is not used as much as the first two patterns, but it is used. Have a minute? Good. Because that may be all it takes to save

the life of a child—your child. Accidents kill nearly 8000 children under age 15 each year. And for every fatality, 42 more children are admitted to hospitals for treatment. Yet such deaths and injuries can be avoided through these easy steps parents can take right now. You don't have a minute to lose.

Famous Person Famous person: People like to know what celebrities say and

do. Dropping the name of a famous person at the beginning of a paper usually gets the reader's attention. It may be something that person said or something he or she did that can be presented as an interest grabber. You may just mention the famous person's name to get the reader's interest. The famous person may be dead or alive. The famous person may be a good person like the Pope, or he or she may be a bad person like John Wilkes Booth. Of course, bringing up this person's name must be relevant to the topic. Even though the statement or action may not be readily relevant, a clever writer can convince the reader that it is relevant. The most widely read writer in America today is not Stephen King,

Michael Chrichton or John Grisham. It's Margaret Milner Richardson, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, whose name appears on the "1040 Forms and Instructions" booklet. I doubt that Margaret wrote the entire 1040 pamphlet, but the annual introductory letter, "A Note from the Commissioner," bears her signature.

Declarative Declarative: This technique is quite commonly used, but it

must be carefully used or the writer defeats his whole purpose of using one of these patterns, to get the reader's interest. In this pattern, the writer simply states straight out what the topic of his paper is going to be about. It is the technique that most student writers use with only modest success most of the time, but good professional writers use it too. In the College of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, for

example, nearly one-third of the teaching faculty may retire by the year 2004. In the College of Education, more than a third of the professors are 55 years old and older. The largest turnover for a single department is projected to be in geology. More than half of its faculty this year are in the age group that will retire at the millennium, says Ron Downey of K-State's Office of Institutional Research and Analysis. The graying of K-State's faculty is not unique. A Regents' report shows approximately 27 percent of the faculty at the six state universities will retire by the end of this decade, creating a shortage of senior faculty

Things Not To Do Apologize. Never suggest that you don't know what you're talking about or that

you're not enough of an expert in this matter that your opinion would matter. Your reader will quickly turn to something else. Avoid phrases like the following: In my [humble] opinion . . .

I'm not sure about this, but . . . Announce your intentions. Do not flatly announce what you are about to do in

an essay. In this paper I will . . .

The purpose of this essay is to . . .

Get into the topic and let your reader perceive your purpose in the topic sentence of your beginning paragraph.

Use a dictionary or encyclopedia definition. According to Merriam-Webster's WWWebster Dictionary,

a widget is . . . Although definitions are extremely useful and it might serve your purpose to

devise your own definition(s) later in the essay, you want to avoid using this hackneyed beginning to an essay.

Dilly-dally. Get to it. Move confidently into your essay. Many writers find it useful to write a warm-up paragraph (or two, even) to get them into the essay, to sharpen their own idea of what they're up to, and then they go back and delete the running start.

Introductory Paragraph Exercise For 1 of the topics listed below write a good

introductory paragraph. You need to come up with 3 points you fell like you would talk about if you had to write a paper on that topic and include those three points in your introductory paragraph. Remember your introductory paragraph needs to get the readers attention to make them want to read the paper, but the introduction has to be relevant and pertain to your topic.

Introductory Paragraph Exercise Global Warming: is it a theory or a fact Use of steroids by professional athletes: does it

matter and why or why not? Television in schools: is it educational or

political? Cell phones in schools: should or should they

not be allowed? Year-long schools: will they work? Harry Potter Books: innocent literature or

corrupt

Conclusions The ending of an essay is just as important as the

beginning. You don’t want to end your essay by running out of ideas. You want to bring your essay to a conclusion. You can imagine your essay is like taking someone for a ride in a taxi. When you get to your destination, you don’t slam on the brakes and yell, “Get out!” You want to announce that you are nearing the destination. The concluding paragraph should be similar. You want to let the reader know that they are reaching the end and also remind them of the points you have discussed.

Concluding Paragraph In writing the conclusion, you can use many

of the same strategies as you do for writing the introduction, but instead of saying “hello” you are now saying “good-bye” Acknowledge the other side of the argument

if there is another side. Comment on the reasons why your approach

is better Leave the reader with a specific action to do

or thought to ponder.

Writing a Conclusion Step 1 Sum up your feelings or argument being

made in the essay. You may also very briefly summarize your main points. Do not, however, provide a detailed summary of the entire essay. There is no need to repeat yourself. This should be accomplished in one or two sentences.

Writing a Conclusion Step 2 Draw a thoughtful conclusion from the

points made in the essay. This should be relevant to the argument being made. It may be a suggestion how to overcome a problem, or it may be more of a general comment. Once again, this should only be one or two sentences.

Writing a Conclusion Step 3 Restate the thesis. This is usually done

in the first or second sentence of the conclusion. Make sure it is reworded from the introduction of the essay. It will remind the reader what the main focus of the essay is about.

Writing a Conclusion Step 4 Make an amusing, light-hearted or

insightful observation. Use careful judgment when deciding what to write, however. A light-hearted or amusing comment may not be appropriate for an essay subject such as "AIDS in Africa." Ending on a personal note or using a relevant quote might be a better choice.

Writing a Conclusion Step 5 Avoid making the conclusion too long.

An effective conclusion should be straight and to-the-point. One paragraph is sufficient. It should be no longer than four or five sentences.

Writing a Conclusion Step 6 Do not begin with "In conclusion" or use

the word "conclusion" in any form.

Conclusion Paragraph Exercise Now that we have a introductory

paragraph for 1 different topics, I want you to write 1 concluding paragraphs for each of those topics you chose earlier.

Thesis Statements A thesis statement is a sentence that sets up the

purpose of a piece of writing. It is the road map for the paper. It serves two purposes: 1. it keeps the writer focused 2. it lets the reader know the purpose of the writing

The thesis statement usually comes at the end of the introduction. It should never be the first sentence of the first paragraph.

The thesis statement is usually the answer to a question.

Parts of a Thesis Statement 1. The topic for discussion 2. The focus on the topic 3. The plan of development (items in a

series) Example: In order to reduce the number of

automobile accidents among teens in Georgia, we should strengthen current laws for teen drivers, put mandatory drivers education back into the public schools, and raise the driving age to seventeen.

Example Explained In the preceding thesis statement, the topic for

discussion is automobile accidents among teens in Georgia. The focus on the topic is reducing the number of accidents. The plan of development is the three items in the series.

Note: the plan of development sets up the outline for the paper. It is usually developed in emphatic order – least to most.

Note: the points in the plan of development should be parallel in grammatical form – nouns, verbs, phrases, etc.

Example What makes a good teacher?

Thesis – A good teacher develops a good rapport with the students, knows the subject matter, and relays the subject matter to students in a clear, interesting manner.

The subject is teacher; the focus is good; the plan of development is the series of items.

Thesis StatementIS NOT A statement of fact

Example – Automobile accidents account for the highest number of deaths among teens.

A question Example – What can we do to lower the rate of

automobile accidents among teens in Georgia? An announcement

Example – In this essay, I am going to discuss the ways that we could lower the number of automobile accidents among teens in Georgia.

Thesis Statement Brainstorming Exercise Create a web, outline, or use some other

form of brainstorming method to come up with a thesis statement. Choose2 topics and do 2 different brainstorming methods for each of the following thesis statements you choose. Brainstorming Methods>

Web 4-Square Outline

Brainstorming: Choose 2 While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery,

the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions.

An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.

The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.

High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.

Through Mansfield's skillful handling of point of view, characterization, and plot development, Miss Brill comes across as a convincing character who evokes our sympathy.

Developing an Essay Around a Thesis Statement Introduction – background information, reader orientation,

set up the topic, give the thesis statement (with a plan of development)

Body Paragraph #1 – First point in the thesis statement Body Paragraph #2 – Second point in the thesis statement Body Paragraph #3 – Third point in the thesis statement

A body paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence reflecting the point in the thesis statement that is being discussed.

There should be two or three specific examples in each body paragraph to illustrate the point being made.

There should be a concluding sentence in each body paragraph. Concluding Paragraph – reiterate, summarize

Other Info: You are never locked into a number of

maximum paragraphs in an essay. You may have two introductory

paragraphs and several body paragraphs.

You may have more than one body paragraph per point in the thesis.

Five paragraphs is minimum!

Use Transitions Even though paragraphs may be well written

and mechanically correct, they must connect properly in order to achieve smoothness.

Again * Similarly * At Once Furthermore * Consequently * While On the other hand * Indeed *

Previously On the contrary * Meanwhile * Beyond Thus * Next * However In fact * Near Following * Moreover Subsequently * Nevertheless Besides * Accordingly In spite of * Therefore

Active vs. Passive Voice Speak in the present tense:

Instead of saying “said,” “commented,” “explained,” it is better to use the present tense

Say “says,” “comments,” and “explains.” Try to omit as many “be” verbs as possible. Words to Avoid: am, is, are, be, been, was, were,

have/has been Example:

Passive Voice: Each student was given a thesaurus (by Ms. Johnson).

Active Voice: Ms. Johnson gave each student a thesaurus.

Transitions Good transitions can connect

paragraphs and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole.

Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas, transitions can help readers understand how paragraphs work together, reference one another, and build to a larger point.

TransitionsThe key to producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous ones, writers can develop important points for their readers.

Transitions It is a good idea to continue one

paragraph where another leaves off (instances where this is especially challenging may suggest that the paragraphs don't belong together at all.)

Picking up key phrases from the previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious progression for readers.

Transitions Many times, it only takes a few words to

draw these connections. Instead of writing transitions that could connect any paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition that could only connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph.

Now it is your time to shine Law of Life Essay

You are required to write a Law of Life Essay. This simply is looking back on your short life and thinking of an experience that has touched and helped you learn a valuable lesson thus far. For Example: If someone had a scare and almost

drown as a child their law of life is “live everyday as if it is your last.” Your Law of Life Essay will be written in 5 paragraph

format and need to follow the guidelines we have talked about over the past couple of days.

Law of Life Essay 5 paragraph format 500-700 words in length with word count at

bottom of page Typed 12 point Times New Roman font Header

Name, Date, Class in the right hand corner Lesson Learned/ Law of Life as the Title

Title centered

Examples of Laws of Life A “Law of Life” is a wise saying or quote that contains words of truth,

lasting meaning, or inspiration. “Honesty is the best policy” “An attitude of gratitude creates blessings.” “You are only as good as your word.” “To have a friend, be one” “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” “Smile and the world smiles with you.” “The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” “A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.” “What is success? To know one life has breathes easier because you

have lived.” “Strength is a matter of made up mind.” “Slow and steady wins the race.” “Loving someone deeply gives you strength, while being deeply loved

gives you courage.” “Share a smile with other people and a smile will return to you.” “Fall seven times; stand up eight.” “Beauty is a light in the heart.”

Examples of Laws of Life “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” “Out of adversity comes opportunity.” “Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.” “No one knows what he can do until he tries.” “Mistakes are doorways to discovery.” “To listen, when nobody else wants to listen, is a very beautiful thing.” “The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what

you are for what you could become.” “One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of

the shore.” “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and

he’ll eat forever.” “Good example is the best sermon.” “Stop and smell the roses.” “Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.” “Bloom where you’re planted.” “Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the conquest of it.” “We have every right to dream heroic dreams.”

Law of Life Essay Before you will be allowed to start typing you must fill

out a chart to get your thoughts in order. Shown on next slide

If you do not finish this chart in class then it is homework b/c Thurs and Fri will be the only days spent working on this paper in class. Use your time wisely.

This will be your first paper grade and papers are 25% of your grade. This will be 1 of the 7 papers you write this semester.

Once your writing grade is low it is hard to bring it back up.

Prewriting for Law of Life Essay For the Upward Slant and Downward

Slant you need three events or things you can remember that led up to the event and then that happened after the event.