Constructing Paragraphs

3 Qualities of a Good Paragraph

1. A topic sentence that is written in your own words

2. Evidence to support your topic sentence3. A short conclusion and/or a short transition into

the next paragraph

An Example• (TOPIC) - The value of independence is one reason why

young and old people become isolated from each other. • (EVIDENCE) - Being independent is an important quality of

life for most Americans. Since childhood, people have been taught to be independent. The notion continues through their lives until they become old. Margaret Mead (1971) an American anthropologist writes in her article, “Grandparents Have Copped Out,” that old people don’t want to be a burden to their children so they try to live their lives independently. That is, old people do not want to interfere with their children’s lives. Young people also believe their lives will be better without their parents as constant companions.

• (CONCLUSION) - Consequently, communication between the generations is limited and isolation gradually occurs.

The Topic Sentence• Comes from supporting points in your thesis and

outline• 3 characteristics

1. Logical connection to the focus in the thesis statement

2. Repeats the focus idea3. Repeats one of the supporting points in the thesis but

says it differently

Example• THESIS – Emphasis on individualism, loss of focus

on extended families, and overscheduled lifestyles are three reasons for the generation gap between young and old people.• FIRST SUPPORTING POINT • The value of independence is one reason why young

and old people become isolated from each other. • Fear of appearing too dependent can cause older

people to limit their interaction with their children.• Valuing their independent lifestyles causes adult

children and their parents to lose contact with each other.

Example• THESIS – Emphasis on individualism, loss of focus

on extended families, and overscheduled lifestyles are three reasons for the generation gap between young and old people• SECOND SUPPORTING POINT• The change in family structure from extended families

to nuclear families has resulted in less connection between generations.

• THIRD SUPPORTING POINT• A third cause of the generation gap is the lack of time

that family members have to spend with each other.

Now You Try• THESIS: The negative effects of the Internet can

be defined as a deterioration in courtesy while communicating and an isolation from other people.• Topic Sentence A: The decrease in politeness is common

knowledge to those who work in network communication.• Topic Sentence B: People who use the Internet are lacking

one of the most important things human being need: connection to other people.

Now You Try

1. Alcohol addiction can lead to mental, physical, and social problems.

2. Social expectations, moral beliefs, and consideration of alcohol as a drug are three differences between American and Japanese attitudes towards alcohol.

3. Quitting a bad habit requires four steps: acknowledging the problem, brainstorming solutions, devising a plan to quit, and, most difficult of all, monitoring yourself as you follow the plan.

Using Your Evidence in Paragraphs• Original excerpt from source:• To behave aggressively is no longer considered unfeminine and

unattractive. Girl characters are expected to be assertive and achievement-oriented.

-- Hopkins, Susa, “Bam! Crash! Kapow! Girls are Heroes Now”

• Quotation of the excerpt:• According to Hopkins (n.d., p. 13), “To behave aggressively is no

longer considered unfeminine and unattractive. Girl characters are expected to be assertive and achievement-oriented.”

• Paraphrase/Summary of the excerpt:• According to Hopkins (n.d.), females in movies and books today

are often hard-driving and ambitious; unlike in the past, it is now socially acceptable for women to act boldly and forcefully.

When to Use Quotes• The original source is written in a way that would

be difficult to reword or might take away from the original meaning.

• The original source is a famous and generally recognizable saying.

• ALL OTHER TIMES WE USUALLY PARAPHRASE

Paraphrasing Challenges• Paraphrasing word-by-word• Synonym substitution

• Poetic or Idiomatic language• Focus on the meaning

• Passages with statistics• Present the information using your own chart or table

• Passages with opinions or bias• Include the point of view as well as the facts that the

author states• How strong is the author’s opinion?

• Dealing with long passages• Summarize it

Integrating Evidence

1. Introduce the evidence2. Connect the evidence to the topic sentence

• Typical Paragraph1. Topic Sentence2. Connecting Explanation3. Evidence4. Connecting Explanation5. Concluding Sentence

Example• The value of independence is one reason why young

and old people become isolated from each other. Being independent is an important quality of life for most Americans. Since childhood, people have been taught to be independent and the notion continues through their old age. Margaret Mean (1971), an anthropologist, writes in her article, “Grandparents Have Copped Out,” that old people don’t want to be a burden to their children so they try to live their lives independently. In other words, old people do not want to interfere with their children’s lives. Young people also believe their lives will be better without their parents as constant companions and advisors. Consequently, communication between the generations is limited and isolation gradually occurs.

Now You Try• Handout

Homework• Goal: Find 2 more sources. Start to fill in your

bundle sheets.• HW: 1 page (for Thursday)