Paragraphs in Essay: Putting It All Together

Basic Writing

WTUC

June 2007

Goals

• To understand how paragraphs and essays are related

• To understand the basic steps in composing an essay

Four Features of a Good Paragraph

• Topic Sentence- states the main idea

• Only ONE Topic- All the sentences in the paragraph are about one topic.

• Indented Line- The first line of a paragraph is indented.

• Concluding sentence- bring the paragraph to a logical conclusion.

Steps in the Process of Writing a Paragraph

• Brainstorming- Developing ideas

• Focusing the topic- creating the topic sentence

• Writing supporting sentences- developing the ideas

• Ending the paragraph- writing concluding sentences.

What is an Essay?

• An essay is a collection of paragraphs that presents facts, opinions, and ideas on a topic.

• An essay could be as short as three or four paragraphs or as long as ten or more typed pages that include many paragraphs.

• A research paper is a special paper that answers a research question. A Research paper is actually a kind of essay.

Similarities between Essays and Paragraphs, p180

• Discuss one topic• Use similar organizational elements to

help the reader understand the information• Essays have supporting and concluding

paragraphs, just as paragraphs have supporting and concluding sentences.

• Have introduction (or topic sentence), a body (supporting information, and a conclusion.

Differences between a Paragraph and Essay, p 181

• Length

• Scope of information

• Paragraph topic is very specific

• Essay topic covers a wider scope

Activity 2, p. 181:

1. a. E, b. P.

2. a. P, b. E.

3. a. P, b. E.

4. a. E, b. P.

5. a. E, b. P.

What does an essay look like?

• See page 183

An Essay Outline, p. 184

I. Introduction (paragraph 1)

II. Body/Paragraph 2- Reason 1

III. Body/Paragraph 3- Reason 2

IV. Body/ Paragraph 4- Reason 3

V. Conclusion/Paragraph 5

The Thesis Statement

• Tells the reader what the essay is about

• Indicates what the organization of the essay will be

• Usually the last sentence in the introduction paragraph

Thesis statement: Examples

• Three things make traveling to Southeast Asia an unforgettable experience.

• Serving in the military offers not only professional advantages but also personal advantages.

• Computer literacy is one of the fastest growing needs for young adults.

• The person I most respect and admire is my aunt.

Supporting Ideas

• 2-3 supporting ideas that support the thesis statement

• Each idea will become a separate paragraph

• Provide specific examples and details within the paragraph

Some questions to ask and ideas to develop about the thesis statements

• Three things make traveling to Southeast Asia an unforgettable experience.– Question: Why is it an unforgettable

experience?– Ideas to develop: The people are very

friendly; there are beautiful places to see; the food is exotic.

– See pages 185-186 for more examples.

Activity 3, p. 186:

• Possible answers include: (computer literacy)

I. Introduction.

II. Body (paragraph 2): It is needed in academic situations.

III. Body (paragraph 3): It is needed in the workforce.

IV. Body (paragraph 4): It is needed for personal reasons.

V. Conclusion (paragraph 6).

(aunt Josephine)

I. Introduction.

II. Body (paragraph 2): She taught me to be strong.

III. Body (paragraph 3): She taught me to be kind.

IV. Body (paragraph 4): She gave me unconditional love.

V. Conclusion (paragraph 6).

Activity 5, p. 188:

1. a story.

2. opinion.

3. paragraph 3.

4. paragraph 4.

5. paragraph 5.

Activity 6, p. 189:

I. B. This disregard for the native language is a mistake as there are many benefits to being bilingual.

II. A. One of the most basic advantages of being bilingual is a purely linguistic one.

II. B. 3. Bilinguals can understand both the literal and historical significance of an expression.

II. C. Finally, widespread bilingualism can contribute to global awareness.

II. C. 2. Bilingualism can increase sympathy among nations.

III. B. The real tragedy is people who ‘lose’ a language that they knew in the past.