Academic Writing Course

Working at the paragraph level

July 2012

Overview of paragraph moduleTopics to be covered:• Paragraph construction

Types of paragraph General to specificProblem/solution

Paragraph issues* using definitions* internal flow – linking words* using articles* summary words

Types of paragraphs – general to specific

Used in introductions and discussionsGeneral structure

a. topic sentence (general)b. then more specific statements c. support/examples from the literatured. summary or lead in to next paragraph

Exercise: Academic Writing (Bailey) pg. 80

Topic Sentences

How to start a paragraph? General statements, statement of facts or definitions

General opening statementse.g. Over the years interest in the economic benefits of meetings

tourism has been growing.

Statements of factse.g. In the last decade, HIV/AIDS drugs have been produced much

more inexpensively allowing access by individuals with low incomes.

Topic sentences

Definitions

Biotechnology, a multi-disciplinary field drawing from molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics, is a rapidly growing science.

Topic sentences….

Definitions- Commonly used- can be full sentences

e.g. We define the haplotype percentage as the ratio of known haploids to the total ploidy.

or part of sentencee.g. The haplotype percentage, defined as the ratio of

known haploids to the total ploidy, is an important measure in genetic diversity.

Topic sentences….DefinitionsCommonly used phrases:

Refers to….Defined as…Is known as ….

Exercise on definitions pg. 53 in Swales & Feak (LI & I)

Topic sentences

Which type? Generalization, facts or definitions

Personal choice but in all cases should be general

Try pg. 48 of Swales and Feak

Types of paragraphs – problem/solution

Used in introduction towards the end where you build up to your hypothesis/central argument.

General structure:Situation – current claimsProblem – reasons for why more information is neededSolution – other ways of looking at the problem/leading into research question or argument

Problem/Solution

• An example: Literature review ending with….the following: These studies indicate that a more accurate percentage for

English would be around 50% rather than 80%. (situation and summary sentence)

However, so far no major international study exists to corroborate such a conclusion. (problem) In an attempt to gain an understanding of the global picture of language use, we present the findings of the first international survey of English in research and scholarship.

Problem/solution paragraphs

You can use a number of phrase to introduce the problem to which your paper offers a solution.

It is not clear, however, whether….Despite this, little progress has been made…Nevertheless, the issue of clarity remains…..It has not been determined….There is some question….We need to know….Another issue raised is….Current studies provide little information…..

Problem/solution paragraphs

Do you use this type of paragraph?

1. Analyze the sample articles

2. HOMEWORK: Analyze your manuscripts for opening statements, type of paragraph, etc.