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PARAGRAPH WRITING

Writing good paragraph makes other people understand your written work.

WRITING A GOOD PARAGRAPH

Study the expository paragraph below.

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPH

In an expository paragraph, you give information. You explain a subject, give directions, or show how something happens. In expository writing, linking words like first, second, then, and finally are usually used to help readers follow the ideas.

Studying at home due to coronavirus challenges many young people to stay positive. First, some students start doing things that made them smile and that gave them energy in the past. For example, making origami stimulates their creativity. Another example to free their emotions is to put their thoughts on a piece of paper or in a document on their laptop. Second, other students find other ways to entertain themselves through reading. When they are running out of books and the bookstores are closed, they access the Internet via their phone or laptop. Finally, other young people make handcrafts and play musical instruments to keep their mood up. They believe this is an opportunity to try new things and not only to do homework. So, doing different types of creativity makes these young people more prepared for current situation.

Let's analyse the paragraph above.

• The topic sentence (in green) in the example lets the reader know that the paragraph will talk about the activities done by students at home due to coronavirus.

• Immediately following the topic sentence is the first supporting sentence (all underlined) and followed by detail/example sentence(s) in red. Finally, the closing sentence neatly ties back to the topic sentence - in blue - by rephrasing it.

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• Notice the use of transitional words (First, Second, Finally) to help the reader follow the ideas.

• Also, notice that there is no “I” or “you” words anywhere in the paragraph.

Introduction Paragraph - Writing Bootcamp

Why is the Introduction SO important?

The Introduction paragraph (or Intro) is important because it sets the tone for the entire essay. In the intro you introduce readers to the essay topic, your main points/reasons and even a bit of background information.

Elements of an Introduction

• Hook: An attention grabber. Typical hooks are questions, facts, anecdotes, or famous quotes. The hook must be relevant to the topic and point of the essay.

• Bridge/Background information: The bridge builds on the hook and connects it to the thesis. May offer some background information about the topic.

• Thesis: the central idea of your essay. The thesis should answer the question of the prompt.

• Ideas to develop: The ideas to develop support the thesis and will be expanded upon in the body paragraphs. (These are your main points/reasons)

• Wrap-up: Signals the end of the introductory paragraph and transitions to the body paragraphs.

Hook

• Remember, this is how you grab your readers attention and HOOK them! Here's some examples of essay hooks.

• How many of you have a hard time balancing school, working, family and personal time?

• Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs. These are all great inventors and innovators that have had an enormous effect on everyone living in the world today.

• The famous Roman philosopher Ovid once said "We can learn, even from our enemies."

• In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell phones; that's 1.3 million car crashes.

Creating a Thesis Statement

• A thesis is a sentence that let the reader know what you will write about and it helps you to stay organized while writing.

• This is also the MOST IMPORTANT sentence in your entire essay!

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  Steps to Creating a Thesis Statement

• Turn the prompt into a question

• Restate/answer the question.

• Include 2-3 main points/reasons to support your “answer” (these are the main points you will elaborate on)

Need an example, No problem!

Prompt: Write an article to the schools newspaper explaining how your generation is similar to m previous generations.

Prompt Question: How is Generation Z similar to Gen X and Milinneals?

Thesis: Generation Z is similar to Gen X and the Millennials because they all are driven by economic success and share common life experiences.

More Examples of Thesis Statements

Prompt: Write an article for the schools website to inform the student body of the dangers of driving while distracted.

- Prompt Question: What are some of the dangers of driving while distracted?

- Thesis: Some of the dangers of driving while distracted are injuries and fatalities

Prompt: Write an explanatory essay on why it is important to recycle.

- Prompt Question: Why is it important to recycle?

- Thesis: It is important to recycle because it conserves energy and reduces air pollution.