eapp

building blocks of a paper

paragraph

usually consists of three parts. It helps you to write and organize

paragraph

• consist of several sentences that are grouped together

• discuss one main subject/idea in detail and aid the development of an overall topic for the essay

• may vary in length depending on the purpose of the paragraph

paragraph

parts of paragraph

• topic sentence

• supporting details

• consluding sentence

the main idea of each paragraph

topic sentence

• will show how the idea relates to the thesis statement or overall focus of the paper

• generally the first sentence of each paragraph and each sentence that follows will support it.

topic sentence

• elaborate upon and prove the topic sentence

• should be drawn from a variety of sources and based on research, experience, etc., plus the writer’s own analysis

supporting details

final statement that ties together the ideas brought up in the main idea. if the essay is longer, it could help serve as a transition to the ideas of the next paragraph.

concluding sentence

6 types of paragraph

• expository

• descriptive

• narrative

• persuasive/argumentative

• cause and effect

• comparative

• Present facts

• Give directions

• terms

• Example: textbooks

expository paragraphs

• Presents a single, clear picture of a person, a place, a thing or an idea.

• Includes sensory details (imagery)

• Example: Word Photos

descriptive paragraphs

• Tell a story

• Answers the 5 Ws about the experience (Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?)

• Example: short stories

narrative paragraphs

Express an opinion and tries to convince the reader the opinion is valid

persuasive paragraphs

• Contains supporting points that help solidify argument

• Example: An essay/paragraph on why capital punishment should be abolished.

persuasive paragraphs

• Shows the relationship between events and their results

• Can begin with either the cause or the effects

cause and effect

• Shows similarities and differences between two subjects

• Example: comparing writing for the stage vs. screenwriting

comparison

types of details (6)

• facts

• statistics

• examples

• anecdotes

• quotations

• definitions

details that can be proven; remain consistent

facts

significant numerical information about the topic

statistics

individual samples to illustrate the main point

examples

brief stories that help make your point

anecdotes

words from another person that provide powerful supporting evidence

quotations

provide meaning of unfamiliar terms; add clarity

definitions

types of details content (5)

• reasons

• explanations

• summaries

• comparisons

• analysis

justify ideas or actions, expand motives, answer the “why” question

reasons

clarify; answer the “how” question

explanations

give a shortened version of something said, written or done

summaries

show similarities/differences

comparisons

break down a complex whole into its major parts

analysis

7 main methods of organization

• classification

• order of location

• chronological

• illustration

• climax

• cause and effect

• comparison

• Effective for explaining a complex term or concept

• To clarify, you break down a topic into categories and subcategories to help readers understand

classification

• Effective for organizing description

• Provides unity by arranging details in a logical way (left-right, right-left, top-bottom, etc.)

order of location

• Effective for sharing a story or explaining a process

• First, second, third, etc.

chronological

• General to specific

• General topic (topic sentence) is stated and followed with specific details that clarify or support the idea.

illustration

• Specific to general

• Specific details lead up to an important summary statement

• Topic sentence would be placed at the end

climax

• Shows the relationship between events and their results

• Can begin with either the cause or the effects

cause and effect

Shows similarities and differences between two subjects

comparison

• Once you’ve arranged your details, you need to tie them together so they read smoothly.

• Uses transitions

connecting details