1

PARAGRAPH WRITING
Paragraph: A paragraph is a series of sentences that are about one topic. A paragraph is made
up of three parts: a topic sentence, supporting ideas, and a clincher.
Outlines:
A. Topic Sentence: expresses the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence answers one or
more questions like why, how, or where? It must support, prove, explain, or describe a topic
sentence.
B. Supporting Ideas
 Paragraphs 1-2-3-4
C. Clincher: A clincher summarizes the main ideas or feelings in a paragraph and let the reader
know when the paragraph is done. Clinchers don’t just restate the topic sentence; restating the
topic sentence as the clincher is too easy and usually dull. The clincher can be the same idea as
the topic sentence, a question, an amusing thought, or an unexpected twist. The clincher cannot
be another supporting sentence.
A paragraph must come full circle from the topic sentence to the clincher
II. Development and Organization
a) Unified— All of the sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single
controlling idea [often expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph].
 Clearly related to the research problem— The sentences should all refer to the central
idea, or the thesis of an essay.
 Coherent— The sentences should be arranged in a logical manner and should follow a
definite plan for development.
 Well-developed—Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained
and supported through evidences and details that work together to explain the paragraph's
controlling idea.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY WRITING

Definition: An argumentative essay presents both sides of an issue. However, it presents one
side more positively or meticulously than the other one, so that readers could be swayed to the
one the author intends.
1. Introduction: Attention Grabber/ hook, Background Information,
Thesis Statement: should be one to two sentences.
It should clearly present the main idea of your essay and make some kind of assertion.
It should not make an “announcement” about what your essay will cover. Instead, it should
just present your assertion.
An argumentative thesis takes a position, asserting the writer’s stance. Questions, vague
statements, or quotations from others are not an argumentative thesis because they do not
assert the writer’s viewpoint.
For Example:
In this paper, I will persuade you to vote for candidates who support education reform.
(incorrect)
Because our education system is in need of reform, we should vote for candidates who are
willing to make the necessary changes.(correct)
2

2. Body: Three or more body paragraphs (major arguments) to convince the reader. The
valid claim should be backed with an evidence.

3. Conclusion: Rephrasing the thesis statement, major points, call to attention,

or concluding remarks.

ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS
1. Problem-Solution Patterns
A problem-solution pattern divides information into two main sections, one that describes a
problem and one that describes a solution. This pattern is typically used in persuasive
writing, where the writer's general purpose is to convince the reader to support a certain
course of action. The pattern is designed to compel the reader to make some kind of change
in opinion or behavior by establishing that a problem exists, then providing a solution. In the
problem section, the writer identifies different aspects of the problem being discussed and
offers evidence of these problems. In the solution section, the writer identifies a potential
solution and supports the effectiveness of this solution over others.
For example, suppose a writer's stated purpose is to persuade his/her readers to ride bicycles
as their primary form of transportation. First the writer will attempt to establish that common
forms of motorized transportation create compelling problems that require a solution. Then
he/she will show how the proposed solution - riding bikes - provides a beneficial alternative
to driving.
Problem-Solution Example
I. Problem: Motorized Transportation
Increasing traffic congestion
Increasing pollution
Increasing "road rage" from traffic-related stress
II. Solution: Riding Bicycles
Bike riding reduces the number of motorized vehicles in use
Bike riding is not a source of pollution
Bike riding has physical and psychological health benefits

2. Cause and Effect: Cause-Effect Patterns

This pattern is used to show the different causes and effects of various conditions. This
pattern is particularly effective when writing a persuasive document in which the writer
advocates some action to solve a problem, because it demonstrates important relationships
between variables. There are two major variations to this pattern; (a) dividing the outline into
two major sections comprised of causes and effects; or (b) dividing the outline according to
the different causes, with the effects of each cause contained within the larger "causes"
section. See the examples below.
Suppose a writer's stated purpose is to explain the causes of conflict escalation and their
effects. He/she could organize the information in one of the following two ways. Again,
notice that either method could work equally well.
Cause and Effect Pattern Example One
I. Causes of Conflict Escalation (rise in)
Expanding the issues
Personal attacks
3

II. Effects of these causes

Lose focus on original issue
Cycle of defensive responses
Win-Lose orientation
Negative emotions
Cause and Effect Pattern Example Two
I. Cause: Expanding the issues
Effect: Lose focus on original issues
Effect: Cycle of defensive responses
II. Cause: Personal attacks
Effect: Negative emotions
Effect: Win-Lose orientation

3. Advantages-Disadvantages Patterns
This pattern organizes information about a topic by dividing it up into its "good" and "bad"
parts, or pro's and con's. It is effective to use when a writer wishes to objectively discuss both
sides of an issue without taking a persuasive stance. This allows the reader to weigh both
sides of an issue. As with the compare-contrast pattern, there are a number of possible
variations to an advantages-disadvantages pattern. The simplest form of this pattern is shown
below.
Suppose, for example, that a writer's stated purpose is to describe the advantages and
disadvantages of attending a two-year college. One way to arrange the information is to
divide it into two main sections, one for the advantages and one for the disadvantages. In this
scenario, the information contained within each main section will represent the specific
topics of analysis (cost, accessibility, etc).

Advantages and Disadvantages Example

I. Advantages
Cost
Accessibility
II. Disadvantages
Number of educational programs
Quality of instruction

ACTIVITY:
Outline the Essay.
1) Describe your role model. Why do you admire this person?
2) A piece of technology that has changed my life for the better
3) Describe a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1900s.
4) Growing Intolerance in the world
5) Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of
teenagers?
6) Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
7) Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
8) What are the adverse effects of smartphones on health?
9) Does technology limit creativity?
4