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AndyVinz Summarizes (Chapter2)

Chapter 2 focuses on paragraph writing skills, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach that includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. It outlines four essential elements for effective paragraphs: unity, order, coherence, and completeness. The chapter also highlights the need for detailed supporting information to enhance the quality and engagement of academic writing.

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7 views3 pages

AndyVinz Summarizes (Chapter2)

Chapter 2 focuses on paragraph writing skills, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach that includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. It outlines four essential elements for effective paragraphs: unity, order, coherence, and completeness. The chapter also highlights the need for detailed supporting information to enhance the quality and engagement of academic writing.

Uploaded by

labiosmerryjoy1202
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 2: Paragraph Writing Skills

Lesson1: Elements of Good Paragraph

What is a paragraph?

 A paragraph is a structured group of sentences centered around a


central topic, focusing on one idea. Mastering the paragraph leads to
writing "gold-star" essays, term papers, and stories.

How to Write a Paragraph Using the four Essential Elements

 The key to effective paragraph writing lies in four essential elements:


the topic sentence, three supporting sentences, and a concluding
sentence.

Element#1. Unity in a paragraph is achieved through the topic sentence,


which expresses the controlling idea. Write a good topic sentence by
considering the theme and points to make, and then writing it as the main
idea.

Element#2. Order in a paragraph is crucial for easy reader comprehension


and avoids confusion by establishing a clear pattern and logical presentation
of details.

Element#3. Coherence in writing is crucial for understanding and


connecting sentences. Transition words, such as order, spatial relationships,
or logic, help create bridges between sentences. Consistent verb tense and
point of view are also essential for coherence.

Element#4. Completeness in a paragraph refers to its well-developed


structure, with all sentences supporting the main idea. Incomplete
paragraphs lack sufficient information, typically requiring three supporting
sentences, a topic sentence, and a concluding sentence.

Lesso2: Paragraph Development

Basic Paragraph Structure

 A paragraph is the fundamental unit of composition in many


languages, consisting of three principal parts: topic sentence, body
sentence, and concluding sentence, discussing a main subject.

The Topic Sentence


 A topic sentence is the first sentence in a formal academic paragraph
and the most general sentence, introducing an overall idea that will be
discussed later in the paragraph. It usually comes at the beginning of
the paragraph.

▪︎In a paragraph about your hometown's natural landmarks, the first


sentence should be indented to avoid confusion. The second and third
sentences should focus on specific details about the town's geography, not
general statements. Some examples of inappropriate topic sentences
include:

1. My hometown is famous for its wide Wheaton River and steep Wheaton
Hill.
2. There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic
transmission and two reasons why others like manual transmission.
3. The shapes of clouds are determined by various factors.

To make the paragraph more effective, rewrite sentences #2 and #3 as


follows:

1. There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic
transmission.
2. There are two reasons why some people like cars with manual
transmission.

Supporting Sentences

▪︎The paragraph discusses Wheaton, a town famous for its wide and
beautiful Wheaton River and steep Wheaton Hill. The paragraph is indented
on the first line, allowing readers to expect the rest of the paragraph to
answer the question "What are the natural features that make Wheaton
famous?" The second and third sentences are called supporting sentences,
explaining the topic sentence. At least five to seven sentences should be
included in the paragraph. The paragraph also includes a supporting
sentence about the Big Old Tree, which stands two hundred feet tall and is
likely about six hundred years old. This lesson will discuss supporting
sentences in detail in the next section.

The Concluding Sentence


 A concluding sentence is a summary of information presented in a
paragraph, similar to a topic sentence in reverse. It summarizes the
information presented, holding the supporting sentences in the
paragraph. For example, a hamburger has a top bun, meat, cheese,
lettuce, and other elements, and a bottom bun. The top and bottom
buns "hold" the supporting sentences in the paragraph. In a sample
paragraph about Wheaton, the concluding sentence summarizes the
information in the paragraph, but is not exactly the same as the topic
sentence.

Details in Paragraph

▪︎The short paragraph about Wheaton lacks details about its natural
landmarks, such as the wide and beautiful Wheaton River, steep Wheaton
Hill, and the Big Old Tree. These landmarks are famous for their beauty and
are covered in golden snow in autumn. To improve the paragraph, additional
details could be added, such as the river's width and its significance.
Supporting details, such as the meat, cheese, and lettuce, are crucial for the
paragraph's overall interest and the overall quality of the text. This would
help readers understand the significance of these natural features and make
the paragraph more engaging.

 Academic paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays differ from


ordinary writing in terms of structure and expressions. They should
avoid contractions and use full words instead of contractions. First and
second person pronouns are not allowed, and we and us are
sometimes used in some fields, but should be avoided unless allowed
by the professor.

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