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Guidelines
for writing
paragraph
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Characteristics of a good paragraph
Unity
Coherence
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Unity
quality of sticking to one idea from start to
finish, with every sentence contributing to the
central purpose and main idea of that
paragraph; in a unified paragraph, all of the supporting
sentences serve to illustrate, clarify, and/or
explain the main idea set forth in the topic
sentence;
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Coherence
refers to how well the contents of a paragraph
"hang together
in order to achieve paragraph coherence, you
must look at a number of different elements inyour paragraph:
the organizational pattern
the use of transitional devices
the repetition of key words or related terms,
including pronouns
the occurrence of parallel syntactic structures
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Transitional words and phrases Examples
To add something also, to, in addition, furthermore
To show contrast but, yet, in contrast to, on the other hand
To give an example for example, for instance, thus
To compare or show another similarity in the same way, in some ways
To show time sequence then, next, first, in the beginning
To emphasize in fact, indeed, in other words
To show relationship above, beyond, below, next to, behind,in front of
To acknowledge a point of doubt that
may be opposite to the one you are
making
although, though, even though, in spite of,
yet, even if
To summarise finally, in conclusion, consequently, thus
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Checking for coherence
check the topic sentence- the topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. it
gives the reader an idea of what the paragraph is going to be
about;
avoid mixed constructions use pronouns that refer only to identifiable
antecedents- if the antecedent is plural, use a plural pronoun; if the antecedent is
feminine, use a feminine pronoun
use similar grammatical structures to achievebalance in a sentence
use transition words to help the reader move easily
repeat key words to attract and hold your readers
attention
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Point paragraph outline
it is an organisational strategy that
provides a frame for the ideas the writer
wants to convey
2 purposes of PPO:
1. make the focus of the paragraph more
specific and clearer;
2. makes it easier for the reader tounderstand;
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Topic Sentence: States both the topic of the paragraph and the
main point you want to make about that topic.
Introduce the first reason or example that supports your main point.
A.Provide a quote or specific example as evidence or support.
B.Explain how the quote or example supports your main point.
Transition to second reason or example that supports your main
point.A.Provide a quote or specific example as evidence or support.
B.Explain how this quote or example supports your main point.
Transition to a third reason or example to support your main point.
A.Provide a quote or specific example as evidence or support.B.Explain how this quote or example supports your main point.
Write a concluding sentence (or two) that explains how all three
of the examples above support your topic sentence.
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Organising your essay
contains three parts
a. beginning (introduction)
b. middle (body)
c. end (conclusion)
introduction has three parts
a. opening sentences ( to attract reader)
b. transition (to set the stage for the thesis)c. thesis statement (sum up the essay)
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opening sentences is to attract the
reader.
techniques used:
a. use a quotation or catchy saying
b. describe a personal experience
c. ask a question
d. give a startling fact or statistics
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the body comprises 3 to 4 paragraphs;
each paragraph discusses one topic
sentence;
supporting details and evidences are
used to support the TS;
transition words are used to give the pp
unity and coherence;
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the conclusion summarizes the ideas
mentioned earlier and concludes the
essay;
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Types of essay
Narrative essay
Compare-contrast essay
Descriptive essay
Process essay
Cause and effect essay
Explanation essay Argumentative essay
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Narrative essay
to describe something;
it :
a. is told from a particular point of view (first &
third point of view)
b. makes and supports a point
c. is filled with precise detail
d. uses vivid verbs and modifierse. uses conflict and sequence as does any story
f. may use dialogue
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Compare-contrast writing
to compare and contrast two items in
order to note what properties they have
in common and what properties each
possesses that the other lacks;
seeks to explain the similarities and/or
differences rather than merely note
them.
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Organising a comparison/contrast
writing
block/ parallel pattern
- listing the points of comparison on one subject firstthen working on the second subject
alternating/ integrated method- present the point on the first subject to be followed
immediately by the second subject
using analogy
- used to show similarity between two subjectswhich have nothing in common
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Descriptive writing
vividly portrays a person, place, or thing
in such a way that the reader can
visualize the topic and enter into the
writers experience;
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Purpose of descriptive writing
to express oneself;
to entertain;
to inform a wide audience;
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The general characteristics of descriptive
writing include: elaborate use of sensory
language:
rich, vivid, and lively detail figurative language such as simile, hyperbole,
metaphor, symbolism and personification
showing, rather than tellingthrough the use
of active verbs and precise modifiers
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Steps in descriptive writing
prominent sensation/ idea
perspective point
choosing facts
organising of facts
planning and drafting the descriptions
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Organising descriptive writing
vintage point/ spatial organisation
- describing an object by moving from top to bottom,or left to right;
- it also uses words that indicate direction and place;
time sequence
- Uses all the five senses
dominant impressions
- use to bring out the outstanding description about afeature of a subject
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Process writing
to explain how to do something or how
something works;
a good process writing: either helps readers perform the steps themselves or
helps them understand how something works
presents the essential steps in a process
explains steps in detail
presents steps in logical order (usually time order -
chronological)
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Cause and effect paragraph
clearly distinguishes between a cause
and an effect;
establishes a clear thesis statement;presents information in an effective
order;
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Steps in writing cause and effect
paragraph make a list of causes or effects. then narrow down that list
to include only the most important causes or effects;
explain each cause or effect in the paragraph in as much
detail as possible;
use transitional words in your paragraph, such as: also, as
a result, because, first and finally;
include in your paragraph a clear topic sentence. this
sentence should state the main idea of your paragraph;
arrange your points in chronological order. use transitional
words like first, second, finally. Lastly, you can use order of
importance, which shows events that are most important.;
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Explanation paragraph
to explain how or why something happens;
topic sentence identifies what is being
explained.
support sentences give a sequenced
explanation of how and why something works
or happens.
concluding Sentence gives a brief summaryof the process in conclusion
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Steps in writing explanation
paragraph
choose a narrowed down topic to be
described thoroughly;
give details of the process in correctorder
give reasons for the order
use chronological order
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Cause Effect
because therefore
since thus
as a result of consequently
is due to hence
For beginning an explanation
at first, initially, to begin with, in the beginning, first of all, the
first step
For continuing an explanationwhile, as, at the same time, the next step, after, next, then
For ending an explanation
finally, eventually, at last, the final /last step
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Argumentative essay
it not only gives information but also
present an argument with the pros
(supporting ideas) and cons (opposing
ideas) of an argumentative issue;
takes a stand and writes as if we are
trying to persuade an opposing audience
to adopt new beliefs or behavior;
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elements of a persuasive argument
a. claim - the point an arguer is trying to make. Theclaim is the proposition or assertion an
arguer wants another to accept.
b. grounds - to the proof or evidence an arguer offersGrounds answers the questions, "What is
your proof?" or "How come?" or "Why?"
c. warrant - it isimplicit (unstated) and requires thelistener to recognize the underlying
reasoning that makes sense of the claim in
light of the grounds.
Toulmins Model of argument
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d. backing - provides additional justification for thewarrant;
- usually consists of evidence to support the
type of reasoning employed by the warrant
e. qualifier-states the degree of force or probability tobe attached to the claim.
- states how sure the arguer is about his/her
claim
f. Rebuttal - acknowledges exceptions or limitations tothe argument.
- admits to those circumstances or
situations where the argument would not
hold.
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a good argumentative essay include:
a. establishing facts (to support an argument)
b. clarifying relevant values (for your audience
(perspective)c. prioritizing, editing, and/or sequencing (the facts and
values in importance to build the argument)
d. forming and stating conclusions
e. "persuading" your audience that your conclusions
are based upon the agreed-upon facts and shared
values
f. having the confidence (to communicate your "persuasion"
in writing)