Handbook Chapter Writing Paragraphs
Paragraph: "group of sentences that work together to develop a unit of thought" (Troyka and Hesse, 84).
Introductory and conclusion paragraphs are usually shorter than body paragraphs.
Introductory paragraphs:
Contain thesis statement.
Contain supports statements.
Relevant background information.
Relate interesting story or anecdote.
Pertinent statistic.
Provocative question.
Appropriate quotation.
Definition.
Brief examples.
Analogy.
Don't announce what you are going to do; just do it!
Don't apologize.
Don't use cliches.
Body Paragraphs:
Come between the introduction and conclusion.
Supports the thesis statement.
Characteristics of "effective body paragraphs":
Unity
Development
Coherence
Topic sentences usually begin body paragraphs when writing academically.
Stop and look at Exercise 3:2.
Think outline format:
Thesis statement in introduction.
Body paragraphs build support for thesis statement.
Conclusion sums it all up.
The RENNS test for supporting detail check (Troyka and Hesse):
R: Reasons
E: Examples
N: Names
N: Numbers
S: Senses
Coherence:
Use transitional expressions
Use pronouns
Use deliberate repetition of key word
Use parallel structure
Use coherence techniques to create connections among paragraphs
Stop and look at Exercise 3:4.
Ways of arranging paragraphs:
By time.
By location.
From general to specific.
From specific to general.
From least to most important.
From problem to solution.
Stop and look at Exercise 3:6.
Rhetorical Patterns or Strategies.
Narrative (telling a story)
Description (describe in detail)
Process (how to do something)
Examples (specific examples of the topic)
Definition (define the key term)
Analysis (break into parts and figure how they all work together)
Classification (organize it)
Comparison and Contrast (how alike, how different)
Analogy (uh, you know it's like when you ummm)
Cause-and-effect (don't write the paper, see if you pass)
Concluding Paragraphs
Should not be abrupt.
Should not announce.
Should not leave the reader hanging.