Lecture Notes: Effective Writing and Paragraph Structure

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on paragraph organization, concrete details, and eliminating wordiness in academic writing.

Abstract Topic Sentence

A general statement placed at the beginning of a paragraph that outlines what the details add up to before zooming into specific details.

Concrete Writing

Writing that brings a scene to life by placing the reader in a specific time, place, and moment using detailed sensory information, feelings, and sounds.

Wordiness

The use of repetitive or unnecessary filler words that obscure the message and create potential grammar issues.

"Due to the fact that"

A wordy phrase that can be replaced with the concise single word "because".

"At the present time"

A wordy phrase that can be efficiently replaced with the single word "now".

Formal Writing Assignment Number 2

An assignment where students structure their paragraphs properly, zoom in on concrete moments, and revise for clarity, directness, and conciseness.