domingo, 2 de junio de 2013

Entry # 6 - "Structured Paragraph Writing". (Fares-Alvarenga).

STRUCTURED PARAGRAPH WRITING.

Bulleted list of the most important issues.

  • PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH IN ENGLISH ACADEMIC WRITING IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Specific structure).
    1. TOPIC SENTENCE: It instroduces the topic or subject. Writers should  choice an interesting topic and avoid details here.
    2. BODY: It is the heart of the paragraph. It contains the supporting details (either by order of importance or chornologically). 
    3. CLOSING SENTENCE: It has two functions:
                1. as a reminder of the topic sentence
                2. as a trigger to keep the audience thinking.
What follows is an interesting video about Structured Paragraph Writing in US Universities:


What follows is another interesting video on Structured Paragraph wiritng from Massei University:


WRITING STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS:
There are three elements for successful paragraphs:

  1. The Style
  2. Correct Punctuation
  3. Paragraphing: A paragraph is an expression of organized thought. Evidences understanding of the material. A good paragraph:
          •  Can be narrative, persuasive, declarative, expository, etc
          • Is a distinct section in a piece of writing (starts on a new line).
          • Is a number of related sentences with one main idea.
  • Elements:
    • A distinct piece of writing (easy to identify - new line).
    • Focused on the main idea.
    • Well organized: COHESION (ideas clearly linked to each other).
  • Qualities:
    • Unity: all sentences are focused on the main idea. Point of discussion must not be changed.
      • Topic Sentence:
      1. Parts: 
        1. Topic or subject.
        2. Controlling idea (specific comment about the topic)
          • Use WH-questions to generate controlling ideas (who, when, what, where, why and also how).
      2. Position of Topic Sentence:
        • It can be the first sentence of a paragraph, or
        • It can be placed elsewhere, even at the end.
    • Coherence: all sentences are clearly related to each other.
      • Create logical bridged from one sentence to another:
        • by repeating key words
        • by using synonyms
        • by using pronouns to refer to previous nouns or the topic
        • by using transition words (as a result, furhtermore, etc).
    • Development: the main idea is supported with sufficient details.
      • Details and evidence.
      • Illustrate point with examples (do not re-state it)
          • Structure: TEE (topic sentence - explanation - examples or evidence)
Some paragraphs may not have a concluding sentence.
A concluding sentence helps to summarise the most important ideas.


Sources:

AlexESLvid, Parts of a Paragraph. English Academic Writing Introduction. Available at : http://academicwriting-now.blogspot.com.ar/ Retrieved May 30, 2013

Massei University, Writing Structured Paragraphs, Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w183qB0KDFg Retrieved: May 30, 2013.

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