English Comp 1 - Module 2: Paragraphs (Wordsmith)

What are some ways to organize your paragraphs?

1) Chronological (time) order 2) Chronological (step-by-step) order 3) Importance order -build your paragraph to a climax and arrange items in order of increasing importance to your thesis. 4) Spatial order -When describing a location describe how you would see it from top to bottom, left to right, or vise versa. 5) General to specific order - Begin with an overall discussion and then move to details, examples, and other support. 6) Problem-solution order - First outline a problem that needs solving, and then propose a solution.

What are the three functions of a topic sentence?

1) It provides a thesis link by mentioning the general subject of the essay. 2) It mentions the specific thesis point that will be developed within the paragraph. 3) It provides transitions from one paragraph to the next.

What are the different types of support for a body paragraph?

1) Word or Phrase Examples Sentence-length Examples Extended Examples Specific Examples Typical Examples

What is a simile?

A comparison using like or as. (The car was crumpled like a used tissue.)

What is the difference between a body paragraph and a paragraph?

A paragraph is the smallest multiple-sentence unit of communication in the English language. A body paragraph is a paragraph that offers several examples related to one idea in support of a larger idea: the essay's thesis.

What are the four characteristics of effective body paragraphs?

Direction: a strong topic sentence that states the main idea and sets the course. Unity: makes one main point and sticks to it. Coherence: Ideas are logically connected and easy to follow. and Support: Contains a specific and detailed discussion of the idea stated in the topic sentence. When considering which details to include, think about your topic sentence as a question.

What composes a good topic sentence?

Limited Topic + Controlling idea. When brainstorming about topics choose a limited subject that can be covered in a single paragraph. The controlling idea is the writers opinion about that topic.

What are transitional expressions?

They are generally found at the beginning or end of a paragraph. They link one paragraph to the next, setting the reader up for information in the next paragraph. They ease a reader from one idea to the next within paragraphs. Different types of transitional phrases are used to indicate: 1) Cause and Effect, 2) Compare and Contrast, 3) Examples or Intensity, 4) Place or spatial reference 5) Time and Sequence.

What are some characteristics of unity and coherence in body paragraphs?

Unity Characteristics: Each sentence and idea is necessary. Each sentence supports the topic sentence. Every paragraph supports the essay's thesis statement. Coherence Characteristics Your ideas are logically related to the topic. Sentences are well thought out and organized. Ideas flow smoothly. Use transitional phrases to connect ideas and sentences.