2017-08-14 Writing: paragraph structure

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - Notes from all my classes
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Basic Paragraph Structure
Topic Sentence(s): Introduce the topic and the main idea of the writing
Body/Supporting sentences: support the main idea (and give examples to explain the supporting ideas)
Conclusion: restate the main idea and how the other ideas support it
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Academic writing generally follows the Introduction-Body-Conclusion structure in English, whether each one is a sentence, a paragraph, a section, or a chapter.
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Handout p. 55-56 - Are these good topic sentences (for a long paragraph) or thesis statements (for a short essay), or are they too general or too specific?
Ask yourself, “What supporting ideas are likely to follow this topic sentence?” If you can easily answer, it’s probably a good topic sentence.
3 good
4 too general
5 too specific
6 good
7 too specific
8 good
9 good
10 good
11 too general
12 good
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An introductory paragraph for a longer essay might begin with one of the “too general” sentences, and supporting paragraphs within a longer essay or article might begin with one of the “too specific” ones.
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p. 57-59 - What is a good topic sentence for each paragraph. (on the board)
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The main supporting points should convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.
p. 61-62 - Try to think of supporting ideas for each topic statement as quickly as you can.
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You can then explain and support your main points with examples and details.
“for example” and “for instance” are followed by commas and complete sentences.
“such as” is followed by noun or verb phrases (Informally, “like” has the same meaning and form.)
There are many things to do in downtown Boston. For example, we can enjoy the food and the entertainment.
There are many things to do in downtown Boston such as eating and enjoying entertainment.
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p. 67 - Use transition signals and other clues to put these sentences in the correct order.
1 i
2 e
3 b
4 h
5 g
6 f
7 j
8 a
9 d
10 c
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Homework: Write a paragraph about why the sport or activity you picked is not good to watch or do.