The keys to an effective paragraph
Expository paragraphs need:
•A topic sentence
•Transitions
•Good explanations and examples
•A conclusion
The Topic Sentence
2. POWER (NUMBER) STATEMENTS - Power (number) statements can be short or long; in fact, they can be any grammatical structure you need or want. A power (number) statement is a sentence that contains a number word. The number word is the focus of the sentence and tells the reader that a list of information will follow.
3. HOWEVER STATEMENTS - However is one of several conjunctive adverbs that will help you organize your thoughts into a topic sentence. Use however in the middle of the sentence. You will need a semicolon before the word however and a comma after the word however. This will cause you to create a compound sentence. The first part will be the occasion and the second part will state your position.
4. COMPOUND SENTENCE - Use a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. Think of the memory trick BOY FANS to help you remember these conjunctions. (b=but o=or y=yet f=for a=and n=nor s=so) Remember to use a comma before the conjunction.
5. INFINITIVE - Try using an infinitive ("to” plus a verb) to start your paper. An infinitive is a main verb preceded by the word to. Some example of infinitives are to succeed, to accomplish, to finish, to win, and to teach.
Examples: To win at chess, players need to master three skills.
To attract customers, the ice cream parlor hired a clown who did magic tricks.
To succeed takes more than just a good idea and a dream.
6. THE LIST STATEMENT - A common method for writing a topic sentence is to list the categories you wish to address in your paper. Use a list of words: All college students need money, courage, and friends.
7. GET THEIR ATTENTION - A declarative statement uses a strong verb or action word.
Examples: Children will love the new flavored cereals.
Clay’s gas station offers the best service.
Fourth grade test scores at Lincoln Elementary soared.
8. A RHETORICAL QUESTION - This is the kind of question you ask when you want to get someone’s attention, but you don’t really expect an answer. However, it can be difficult to know what to write after the rhetorical question. This does take a lot practice.
9. SEMICOLON STATEMENTS - Sometimes using two simple sentences - one for the occasion and one for the position - is the right way to go. It is especially powerful if your goal is to put emphasis on your position. Examples: Young children belong in car seats; the car seat belongs in the back, not in the front.
Throwing a party is a challenge; planning ahead can prevent stress.
10. APPOSITIVES - When we set off a noun or a noun phrase with commas, we call this an appositive. An appositive does not have a verb; it is simply a noun followed by a description that tells more about the first noun.
11. USING A QUOTATION - Using a quotation in the topic sentence is an easy yet powerful way to start your paper. Begin with a topic sentence from earlier in this handout and add on the quotation for effectiveness.
From Step Up to Writing by Maureen Auman
***************************************************************************************
This is the most important part of any paragraph
or essay. It tells your reader exactly what you
will be discussing in your paragraph or essay.
It also helps you, the writer, maintain focus and
not write about unrelated things. These are some
of the ways that you can write a topic sentence.
My favorites are Power Statements.
However Statements, Rhetorical Questions and using a Quote are also easy.
See which one you feel most comfortable using and practice, practice, practice.
1.OCCASION/POSITION STATEMENT- A complex sentence begins with a subordinate conjunction. An occasion is the first part of the topic sentence and your reason for writing. It starts with a subordinate conjunction and is the dependent clause in the complex statement. The position is the second part of the topic sentence and states what you plan to prove or explain. It is the independent clause in the complex sentence. Remember to place a comma after the dependent clause. Example: Before you make the decision to light up a cigarette, consider the problems caused by smoking.
or essay. It tells your reader exactly what you
will be discussing in your paragraph or essay.
It also helps you, the writer, maintain focus and
not write about unrelated things. These are some
of the ways that you can write a topic sentence.
My favorites are Power Statements.
However Statements, Rhetorical Questions and using a Quote are also easy.
See which one you feel most comfortable using and practice, practice, practice.
1.OCCASION/POSITION STATEMENT- A complex sentence begins with a subordinate conjunction. An occasion is the first part of the topic sentence and your reason for writing. It starts with a subordinate conjunction and is the dependent clause in the complex statement. The position is the second part of the topic sentence and states what you plan to prove or explain. It is the independent clause in the complex sentence. Remember to place a comma after the dependent clause. Example: Before you make the decision to light up a cigarette, consider the problems caused by smoking.
2. POWER (NUMBER) STATEMENTS - Power (number) statements can be short or long; in fact, they can be any grammatical structure you need or want. A power (number) statement is a sentence that contains a number word. The number word is the focus of the sentence and tells the reader that a list of information will follow.
Examples: Tourists traveling to Rome will want to visit three spectacular sights.
The new recruits learned four important procedures.
The new recruits learned four important procedures.
3. HOWEVER STATEMENTS - However is one of several conjunctive adverbs that will help you organize your thoughts into a topic sentence. Use however in the middle of the sentence. You will need a semicolon before the word however and a comma after the word however. This will cause you to create a compound sentence. The first part will be the occasion and the second part will state your position.
Example: The new rules for the school cafeteria seemed unfair to the students; however, the rules have made the cafeteria a better place to eat lunch.
4. COMPOUND SENTENCE - Use a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. Think of the memory trick BOY FANS to help you remember these conjunctions. (b=but o=or y=yet f=for a=and n=nor s=so) Remember to use a comma before the conjunction.
Examples: Some people find it difficult to program a VCR, but most will succeed if they remember to follow these guidelines.
I enjoy music, but jazz is my favorite.
I enjoy music, but jazz is my favorite.
5. INFINITIVE - Try using an infinitive ("to” plus a verb) to start your paper. An infinitive is a main verb preceded by the word to. Some example of infinitives are to succeed, to accomplish, to finish, to win, and to teach.
Examples: To win at chess, players need to master three skills.
To attract customers, the ice cream parlor hired a clown who did magic tricks.
To succeed takes more than just a good idea and a dream.
6. THE LIST STATEMENT - A common method for writing a topic sentence is to list the categories you wish to address in your paper. Use a list of words: All college students need money, courage, and friends.
Use a list of phrases: Problems with the new school include: poor ventilation, small classrooms, inadequate lighting, limited parking.
Use a list of dependent clauses: When I found my lost puppy, when I won the trip to Florida, and when I met a group of teachers from Russia, I realized that life is great and full of surprises.
Or use a list of independent clauses: Run for office; join a club; march in the band. Activities like these will make high school more rewarding.
7. GET THEIR ATTENTION - A declarative statement uses a strong verb or action word.
Examples: Children will love the new flavored cereals.
Clay’s gas station offers the best service.
Fourth grade test scores at Lincoln Elementary soared.
8. A RHETORICAL QUESTION - This is the kind of question you ask when you want to get someone’s attention, but you don’t really expect an answer. However, it can be difficult to know what to write after the rhetorical question. This does take a lot practice.
Examples: What is your school doing to improve test scores?
Why can’t college graduates find the jobs they want?
How will future generations solve the ozone problem?
Why can’t college graduates find the jobs they want?
How will future generations solve the ozone problem?
9. SEMICOLON STATEMENTS - Sometimes using two simple sentences - one for the occasion and one for the position - is the right way to go. It is especially powerful if your goal is to put emphasis on your position. Examples: Young children belong in car seats; the car seat belongs in the back, not in the front.
Throwing a party is a challenge; planning ahead can prevent stress.
10. APPOSITIVES - When we set off a noun or a noun phrase with commas, we call this an appositive. An appositive does not have a verb; it is simply a noun followed by a description that tells more about the first noun.
Examples: The medulla, an important part of the brain, controls your breathing.
Ben Franklin, a colonist from Pennsylvania, helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence.
Ben Franklin, a colonist from Pennsylvania, helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence.
11. USING A QUOTATION - Using a quotation in the topic sentence is an easy yet powerful way to start your paper. Begin with a topic sentence from earlier in this handout and add on the quotation for effectiveness.
Examples: Although I usually appreciate the advice I receive from my grandmother, I wish that she would follow the advice of Horace: “Whatever advice you give, be short.”
From Step Up to Writing by Maureen Auman
***************************************************************************************
Once you write an essay, don't forget to revise!
Follow these guidelines after we have peer edited in class:
- Check information: Are all your facts accurate? Are any of your statements misleading? Have you provided enough detail to satisfy readers' curiosity? Have you cited all your information appropriately?
- Check conclusion: Does the last paragraph tie the paper together smoothly and end on a stimulating note, or does the paper just die a slow, redundant, lame, or abrupt death?
- Check the focus of the paper: Is it appropriate to the assignment? Is the topic too big or too narrow? Do you stay on track through the entire paper?
- Think about thesis: Do you agree with it? Should it be modified? Does it make a sophisticated, provocative point, or does it just say what anyone could say if given the same topic? Does thesis generalize instead of taking a specific position? Should it be changed altogether?
- Think about purpose of the essay: Does introduction state clearly the purpose?
You should do this with all your essays!
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