basic skills n writing paragraphsbasic skills in writing paragraphsbasic skills in writing paragraphsbasic skills in writing paragraphs.ppt

Basic skills in writing paragraphs Unit 1 Paragraphs Definitions Basic unit of organization in writing A group of related sentences One main idea Long enough to develop the main idea clearly Paragraphs Consist of A topic sentence (Head) Supporting sentences (Body) Concluding sentence (Tail) Paragraphs A topic sentence A main idea + controlled area(s) Introductory; hook the readers A good topic sentence is concise and emphatic. i.e. It is no longer than the idea requires, and it stresses the important word or phrase Where should the topic sentence be? Usually the first sentence; However, it can occur anywhere in the paragraph; Or, it can be implied Where should the topic sentence be? If you want readers to see your point immediately, open with the topic sentence. This strategy can be particularly useful in letters of application or in argumentative, expository writing Contrast paragraphs; Where should the topic sentence be? When specific details lead up to a generalization, putting the topic sentence at the end of the paragraph makes sense. . Where should the topic sentence be? Occasionally a paragraphs main idea is so obvious that it does not need to be stated explicitly in a topic sentence How to produce a good topic sentence: 1. Remember what a topic sentence paragraph is 2. One main idea 3. Be brief and clear 4. Include a key general word 5. include an attitude word 6. Sometimes a brief mention (list) of the main sub-points you will cover in your paper can be included e.g. You will eat better if you can cook your own meals, grow a few vegetables, and learn about nutrition. Some don’ts to remember 1. Do not write a fact as a topic sentence e.g. All dogs need food 2. Don’t provide too many details 3. General but not too much e.g.: The United States suffered a lot during the Civil War 4. Narrowed but not too much e.g.: Christmas trees are either cedars or firs Some not-so-good examples Original: My hometown is famo