Paragraph writing - Training 2024

Academic paragraph writing

By: Refiloe & Wonder

2. YouTube Video Preparation

​1. Lesson Outcomes

What to expect...

​3. What is paragraph writing?

4. Components of an academic paragraph

5. Reflective quiz

5. Good & Bad Paragraphs

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Examine different types of communicative functions of paragraphs
• Examine the structural components of an academic paragraph
• Understand the purpose of each of these main parts of an academic paragraph

Lesson Outcomes

1. What is an academic Paragraph?

2. What are the structural components?

Watch this Youtube video &
help answer these 2 questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1J9ZPVydrc

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Body paragraphs that substantiate arguments and convey critical analysis.

• Purpose: Each paragraph within an essay elaborates a specific main idea & presents evidence, developing that one main idea and maintaining logical progression from the one paragraph to the next.

• Structure: Academic paragraphs typically consist of 3 parts ensuring clarity and coherence.

• Function: These paragraphs facilitate the organisation of ideas, enable effective communication, and enhance the overall readability and persuasiveness of the essay.

  Academic paragraphs are important for crafting well-structured essays that engage readers and effectively answer the intended essay question or convey intended message.

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What is Academic Paragraph

• Topic Sentence:

  • Clearly states the main idea or argument of the paragraph.

• Supporting Sentences - Evidence & Analysis:

  • Presents relevant facts, examples, or quotations to support the topic sentence.

  • Interprets and explains the significance of the supporting evidence in relation to the main idea.

• Concluding Sentence:

  • Summarises the main point of the paragraph and transitions to the next idea.

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Components of an Academic Paragraph

Open Ended

Why is it necessary to be able to write a well-structured academic paragraph at university?

Poll

What is the purpose of an academic paragraph?

• 
  To include personal opinions and anecdotes

• To summarise the entire academic paper

• To present and develop a single idea or topic within an academic paper or essay.

• To list random facts about a topic

Multiple Choice

Choose the better academic paragraph.

(A) Research shows that exercise is good for you. It helps you stay healthy and feel better. I don't like exercising personally, but I know it's important. Maybe I'll start someday.

(B) Research consistently demonstrates the manifold benefits of regular exercise. Engaging in physical activity promotes overall health and well-being, enhancing physical fitness and mental vitality. While I may not personally enjoy exercise, acknowledging its significance underscores its importance in fostering a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps in the future, I will prioritise incorporating exercise into my routine to reap its rewards.

• A

• B

Open Ended

Why was 'B' the better academic body paragraph? In your own words.

(B) Research consistently demonstrates the manifold benefits of regular exercise. In fact, engaging in physical activity promotes overall health and well-being, enhancing physical fitness and mental vitality (Van Tonder, 2021). What's more, personally exercise is enjoyable, acknowledging its significance underscores its importance in fostering a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps in the future, one should prioritise incorporating exercise into their routine to reap its rewards.

• What is usually most challenging in your class sessions? Or What do you expect to be a challenge in your class session?

• Any take-aways from this mock session?