PARAGRAPHS: Opening and Closing Paragraphs, paragraph editing

Select the closing paragraph that is more effective, satisfying readers and summarizing the main idea.

The most underused and valuable real estate in the country may be the hidden spaces currently paved for sprawling parking lots. Many planners and architects believe that by rethinking the uses for this land, communities can be revitalized. Although it will require both developers and local governments to think more creatively about their projects, Americans must demand thoughtful development that replaces asphalt parking lots and limits sprawl.

Besides summarizing the author's main point, concluding paragraphs can discuss the implications of the argument, ask a question, refer to something discussed at the beginning, or propose action.

True

Select the opening paragraph that more effectively engages readers and states a thesis.

News reports surface regularly that feature a driver who uses a GPS navigation gadget, follows turn-by-turn directions obediently, then crashes. Some of these drivers, caught up in following visual or verbal GPS instructions, forget that any map can contain flawed information. Others may be distracted from the world outside by the visual displays themselves. New research questions whether drivers focused on maps and directions are prepared to handle the unexpected on the road. Even as more people drive with the assistance of computer devices, safe drivers must be active, alert, and mindful of surroundings.

Select the opening paragraph that more effectively engages readers and states a thesis.

As long as there have been dress codes in school there have been students testing the limits of what is appropriate. While testing high school dress codes is nothing new, some current students are defying rules by challenging gender norms for clothing. In response, some schools are working to accept students who experiment with gender norms, while other schools struggle with what is acceptable. For example, some openly gay students have been sent home or disciplined for dress that was not deemed appropriate for their gender. Schools that discipline these students for violating dress codes may be found to be suppressing student free speech or political expression.

Select the closing paragraph that is more effective, satisfying readers and summarizing the main idea.

In the debate over media violence and its effects on youth, studies are often contested and complex. Although the goal of this research is to find causes in order to reduce violence in our culture, violent media should more accurately be described as one factor among many. Addressing aggressive children's inability to interact successfully with other people may be a more fruitful approach. As Maggie Cutler points out, "However strong media influences may be, real life is stronger" (689).

Select the opening paragraph that more effectively engages readers and states a thesis.

In the race to realign college sports leagues in 2010, the only losers were the fans. As universities publicly considered severing deep rivalries and beloved traditions, the loyalty of fans of college sports was taken for granted. Although the officials in charge of negotiations claimed to have other criteria, the schools involved joined new leagues or stayed put only after carefully calculating national television exposure and revenues for their football teams. While the schools involved made smart business decisions, followers of college sports should remain skeptical about how much the commissioners of these leagues care about average fans.