mr. mehrotra eng 2p0 writing paragraphs. mr. mehrotra eng 2p0 important points a paragraph must be...

Mr. MehrotraMr. MehrotraENG 2P0ENG 2P0

Writing ParagraphsWriting Paragraphs


Important PointsImportant Points

A paragraph must be about A paragraph must be about one thing. one thing.

This one thing should be so This one thing should be so clear that you could make a clear that you could make a heading for each paragraph heading for each paragraph if needed.if needed.


Important PointsImportant Points

When writing a series of When writing a series of paragraphs, connections paragraphs, connections within each paragraph must within each paragraph must also be clear. also be clear.

Every paragraph will contain Every paragraph will contain at least 4 important at least 4 important elements.elements.


1. Topic Sentence1. Topic Sentence

A typical paragraph begins with a A typical paragraph begins with a topic sentence, a general topic sentence, a general “umbrella” statement that “umbrella” statement that explains what the rest of the explains what the rest of the paragraph is about. paragraph is about.

Anything that does not relate to Anything that does not relate to this controlling idea should be this controlling idea should be left out. left out.


2. The Supporting Details2. The Supporting Details

Your support may take several Your support may take several forms: forms: examplesexamplesstatisticsstatisticsconnected reasons/definitionsconnected reasons/definitionsauthoritiesauthorities


2. The Supporting Details2. The Supporting Details

The sources of support will depend The sources of support will depend on the nature of the assignment: on the nature of the assignment: a formal research essay may require a formal research essay may require

all fourall four a less formal paper will rely chiefly on a less formal paper will rely chiefly on

reasons and examples for its strength. reasons and examples for its strength. You should try to focus on one You should try to focus on one

aspect of the topic.aspect of the topic.


3. Conclusion3. Conclusion

Your conclusion is not only your Your conclusion is not only your last word on the subject but also last word on the subject but also an opportunity for you to an opportunity for you to reinforce your argument. reinforce your argument.

Try not to repeat what you have Try not to repeat what you have already said, but ensure that you already said, but ensure that you bring everything together in a bring everything together in a logical fashion. logical fashion.


4. Transitions4. Transitions

Transitions are signals of a Transitions are signals of a turn in thought. turn in thought.

Transitions are used in Transitions are used in everyday speech just as they everyday speech just as they are in paragraphs. are in paragraphs.



You may say, for example, You may say, for example, “And you know what else?” “And you know what else?” to add or elaborate on a to add or elaborate on a point; “Sure, but,” to point; “Sure, but,” to disagree with another’s disagree with another’s argument.argument.



Many of these transitions Many of these transitions cannot be easily transferred cannot be easily transferred to the printed page. to the printed page.

They are too casual to suit They are too casual to suit formal writing. formal writing.

Instead, formal transitions Instead, formal transitions must be used.must be used.



To Add:To Add: AndAnd AlsoAlso In additionIn addition FurthermoreFurthermore As wellAs well



To Illustrate:To Illustrate: For exampleFor example For instanceFor instance In other wordsIn other words That isThat is



To Change Direction:To Change Direction: But But HoweverHowever ConverselyConversely AlthoughAlthough WhereasWhereas



To Summarize or Conclude:To Summarize or Conclude: FinallyFinally ThereforeTherefore As a resultAs a result ConsequentlyConsequently


Language ConventionsLanguage Conventions

In order to ensure that your In order to ensure that your paragraph is effective, you must paragraph is effective, you must use formal language and use formal language and vocabulary. vocabulary.

This includes making sure that This includes making sure that your sentences are complete and your sentences are complete and free of any errors in structure.free of any errors in structure.


Language ConventionsLanguage Conventions

In your paragraph, you must In your paragraph, you must demonstrate a command of grade demonstrate a command of grade appropriate spelling and appropriate spelling and grammar. grammar.

This includes using formal This includes using formal writing conventions; in other writing conventions; in other words, no contractions (don’t, words, no contractions (don’t, won’t, couldn’t, etc.)won’t, couldn’t, etc.)

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