Paragraph Essay Writing: a foundation to Academic Writing
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Paragraph Essay Writing: A Foundation to Academic Writing This unit shows how to compose a logically organized, well-developed, structurally eloquent paragraph essay. A paragraph essay states clearly an idea and moves the reader through a series of points that illustrate and explain the idea stated in a topic sentence. It is usually eight sentences. We will outline the paragraph essay first before writing it. Here is the generic outline: Prompt: Title (This is centered.)
Before continuing, we will consider a few preliminary pieces of information. There are three types of academic writing. In the table, you will see what each addresses and how this is achieved.
For our purpose, we will focus first on persuasive writing. To adequately use this type of writing, students must distinguish between fact and opinion. What is the difference? This is a central question since the topic sentence in persuasive writing needs to be an opinion. Look at the chart that follows to notice the distinction. 
Answer: A fact is usually observable and can be agreed or verified by many people. An opinion is usually a belief that can be contested as not everyone agrees with the belief. Fact versus Opinion Quiz (2 points each) Directions: Write the word “TRUE” or “FALSE” next to the appropriate item. 1.__________A fact is something that is debatable. 2.__________An opinion requires verification from two or more observers. 3.__________The topic sentence is usually an opinion. 4.__________The supporting points in a paragraph essay are observable facts. 5.__________The concluding remark (clincher) is a restatement of opinion. Point (Main topic) Supporting points (examples) Explanations (Expansions) Before starting to write a well-structured paragraph essay, we need to outline following this generic format: State the prompt (The question that will be answered in the paragraph) (skip two lines) Write the title and center it. (skip two more lines) Indent five spaces and then write the outline. (Note: Have the topic sentence and the clincher as complete sentences. Have the supporting points as phrases.) How are Mr. Albert’s teeth? Mr. Albert’s Horrible Teeth
II.Even now if this unfortunate person would take care of his teeth, they would still be beyond help. Directions: Choose ____ of the following prompts and write a separate paragraph outline for each. Paragraph Essay Prompts (Generic)
Once we have the outlines, then we can start writing the separate paragraph essays. Students need to be aware that each sentence in the paragraph essay serves a particular purpose. To recognize this purpose, we will use a coding system. When writing the paragraph essay, use the following code to understand the function of each sentence in your writing. Label Coding for Paragraph Essay Writing and Application Level 1 (L1) Topic Sentence/ Concluding Remark Level 2 (L2) Supporting Point Level 3 (L3) Expansion Sentence ---------------------------------------------------------------- A1- First supporting point B1- Second supporting point C1 –Third supporting point ---------------------------------------------------------------- A2 – Expansion sentence for first supporting point B2 – Expansion sentence for second supporting point C2 – Expansion sentence for third supporting point Here is an example of how to apply the label coding. Notice that label coding is included at the end of each sentence within the period.
Mr. Albert’s Horrible Teeth As most will agree, Mr. Albert has horrible teeth (L1). First of all, his teeth have plaque build up in varying degrees (A1-L2). Apparently throughout his adult life, he ate Italian food excessively without brushing or flossing, which contributed to the problem (A2-L3). Next some of his teeth are missing which include molars and canines (B1-L2). Because Mr. Albert played hockey in his spare time, he lost many teeth in hockey fights (B2-L3). Not only are his teeth missing, but also his remaining teeth are chipped (C1-L2). As a child, Mr. Albert was walking to church when he tripped on the sidewalk and landed on the concrete (C2-L3). Even now if this unfortunate person were to take care of his teeth, they would still be beyond help (L1). TYPES OF TRANSITIONS Notice that there are different types of transitions. Also refer to your transitional word chart for a variety of choices depending on your purpose. 1. Baby transitions—Single words such as first, second, also, … 2. Just jump in transition—Words used to state the next point of the topic. For example, running events are favorite American activities… Jumping events comprise the next category of activities… 3. Half/half transitions—Not only…but also sentence pattern The pattern indicates the previous point and leads the reader into the next point. These are called correlative conjunctions. Others include: “either/or” and “neither/nor”. Note: Half/half transitions can be placed at different positions within the paragraph essay. But limit yourself to only one time per paragraph. Also never place a half/half transition at the A1-L2 position. Why? Half/half transition at the B1-L2 position: Not only are Mr. Albert’s teeth full of plaque, but his teeth are also incomplete (Bl-L2). Half/half transition at the C1-L2 position: Not only does Mr. Albert have missing teeth, but he also has chipped ones (C1-L2). Guided practice for using half/half transition Requirements for paragraph essay writing. 1. Write half/half transitions in three of your separate paragraph essays. Practice placing them at different positions. Note: Only use one per paragraph essay. 2. Also include subordinating conjunctions in your expansion sentences, and underline them. Guided practice: Read the following outline and write half/half transitions at the B1-L2 position and the C1-L2 position. Prompt: How is the lasagna? Wonderful Lasagna I. Lasagna is the most delicious Italian dish ever.
Not only does lasagna have________________________, but also it has fresh fermata cheese (B1-L2). Not only does the lasagna have___________, but also it has _______________. (C1-L2). Directions: Write a paragraph essay using the lasagna outline. Include one of the half/half transitions from above. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Directions: Label code the following paragraph essay using the symbols on page 4 of the paragraph essay packet. The Horrible Friend Harriet is the worst friend that anyone could have in the entire world ( ). First of all, she calls people profane names ( ). For instance, while waiting at the bus stop, she cursed a poor old man for no reason ( ). Although she had failed a test at school that day, the behavior was totally inappropriate ( ). Next, she does not keep herself physically clean ( ). That is, she does not shower routinely and has bad breadth ( ). Granted, she is not a wealthy person, she does have money to buy soap and mouthwash. Finally, she is physically violent ( ). In this case, students were peacefully standing in the lunch line, and she hit the girl behind her for no apparent reason ( ). Because she has a mean character from years of spoiled living, she is a selfish, mean-spirited person ( ). For these reasons and others, Harriet is the epitome of a terrible friend ( ). Example for Improving Paragraph Essay WritingTo produce a well-developed piece of writing will take time and effort. Often students have not taken the time or put forth the effort to write regularly in this fashion. Here are some examples of good and poor writing .
Example of a Poorly-Developed Paragraph EssayWriting Prompt: If you had to name the time when you experienced the happiest moment in life, when would it have been?
Example of a Better-Developed Paragraph Essay Title_________________________ The time I came closest to sheer bliss was during our winter trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California last year. Upon arriving on that sunny, pleasant morning, my mother, young brother and I were crossing an crowded intersection where we boarded the people tram to the front gate. In eager anticipation, I felt utterly content for this was my first trip to the enchanted amusement park. Its freshly-painted metal girders and the electronic-marquee affixed to the gateway projected cartoon images. While the high-tech presentation occurred, soothing music reminiscent of early animated films poured into my ears. Moreover, the friendly staff dressed in Disney characters disarmed me during this initial scene. As they greeted me, Snow White smiled intently as Goofy tried to dance with my younger brother. Soon after, we headed for Space Mountain, the cosmic ride that appealed to me most of all. Strapped into the rocket seat, I whirled and twirled among the changing interstellar scenes, which were indescribably exhilarating. In brief, the whole experience transported me to another world that will likely never be forgotten. Disneyland Paragraph Essay Critique: In this paragraph essay there is more organization and clearly defined supporting points. It also has expansion sentences that build upon detail for each point. With at least three illustrations, each supports the topic sentence that expresses the quality of the vacation experience. No grammatical errors are present, and the clincher sentence reaffirms the topic sentence. Directions for Extra Practice: Outline the previous paragraph essay. Make sure to include a topic sentence, three supporting point, and a clincher. I. A.
C. II.
Paragraph Essay of Literary Analysis --- Characterization Characterization refers to the techniques a writer uses to develop characters. There are four basic methods of characterization:
As a source of literary criticism, the writer can classify characters as either static (flat) or dynamic (round). Static characters tend to stay in a fixed position over the course of the story. They do not experience life-altering moments and seem to act the same, even though their situations may change. In contrast, dynamic characters evolve as individuals, learning from their experiences and growing emotionally. Example Essay: Ahab’s Frozen Nature Captain Ahab, the main character in Herman Melville’s novel, Moby Dick, can be considered a flat character, that is, someone who is unchanging and static (L1). First of all, Ahab remains unseen particularly in the early chapters (A1-L2). He stays in his cabin and emerges only after the crew has retired for the night (A2-L3). Next, Ahab’s main goal for living is to kill Moby Dick, the whale that maimed the captain (B1-L2). On the ship, Ahab assembles all the men to entice them with a Spanish Guinea that he tacks onto the ship’s mast (B2-L3). Last of all, he is psychologically and socially inaccessible; no one is close to him—not even Starbuck, the chief mate who dines with him every evening (C1-L2). As Ahab, Starbuck, Stubb and Flask, who are all high-ranking mates, are seated in the ship’s cabin, the officers say very little other than acknowledging the passing of food and drink. Apparently Ahab’s obsession to kill the white whale follows him even at the dinner table (C2-L3). Thus because of Ahab’s preoccupation, he appears to have “frozen nature” that qualifies him as a flat character (L1). Directions for Extra Practice: Outline the previous paragraph essay. Make sure to include a topic sentence, three supporting point, and a clincher. I. A.
C. II.
Paragraph Essay of Literary Analysis – Imagery Here is an example of a paragraph essay based upon an analysis of Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death”: Poe’s Skilled Imagery In Edgar Allan Poe’s story “The Masque of the Red Death,” the author uses visual imagery to depict death (L1). First, the lethal “Grim Reaper” character, who arrives at the castle is described as being “tall and gaunt” as well as “shrouded in the habiliments of the grave” (A1-L2). This provides a ghostly image that heightens suspense (A2-L3). Next Poe includes many phrases such as “stiff-frozen” and “pale and corpselike” complexion (B1-L2). These refer to the contagion’s effect on the castle dwellers (B2-L3). Not only does Poe use phrases dealing with sickly appearance, but he also emphasizes the imagery of blood (C1-L2). The “scarlet stains” or “besprinkled, blood-bedewed” surroundings create an almost violent mortal effect (C2-L3). With this visual imagery, Poe attempts to capture the imagination of the reader to stress loss of life in a chilling portrayal of life’s great mysteries (L1). IMPORTANT: Notice the italicized items. These are either one-word transitions or, as in the case of the half/half transition (Not only…but also), phrases that guide the reader along to the next idea. These elements are essential for effective writing development. The underlined words are subordinating conjunctions that help to create complex sentences. Here is the outline for this paragraph essay:
Now it’s your turn. Choose from the following list and write a paragraph essay along with the outline and the label coding:
3. Choose a theme in a short story you have read and support the explanation of theme using evidence from the text in the form of characterization, symbols, imagery and/or motif. For this assignment, choose a character in a piece of literature you have read and determine whether the character is flat (static) or round (dynamic) in a paragraph essay. Make sure your paragraph essay has the following elements:
Paragraph Essays of Literary Analysis Guide Sheet There are several ways to compose a literary analysis. Here is a list based upon various literary ideas:
Directions: You will be using the POINT-ILLUSTRATE-EXPLAIN method (PIE) as the paragraph format. The topic sentence must appear as the first sentence. Three supporting points and expansion sentences must include appropriate transitions and subordinating conjunctions, and a clincher (concluding remark) must be present. Here is the structure:
sentence) Note: The letters, dashes and numbers are known as label coding. L1 represents the most important sentences. L2 represents the second most important, and L3 represents the third most important part of the paragraph’s development. The A1, B1, and C1 are the supporting points that appear usually in the order of significance, that is, least to most strongest point. The expansion sentences explain each supporting point and are labeled A2, B2, and C2. These sentences provide the “expanding development” in your paragraph. Title Rules
2) Capitalize all significant words.
How do you know if a word is significant and hence needs capitalization? Answer: If you can restate the title without the word in question without losing the general meaning, then it is insignificant. Raiders of the Lost Ark Lost Ark Raiders Battle Hymn of the Republic Republic Battle Hymn Guided Practice Directions: Rewrite the following titles to reflect the rules of capitalization.
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