FUNDAMENTALS OF WRITING Class 2 March 6, 2014

Paragraphs A paragraph is…?! - Several sentences grouped together. - These sentences discuss one main subject.

Paragraph Structure A paragraph is a lot like…

Writing Paragraphs Parts of a Paragraph: - Topic sentence - Supporting details (Development) - Concluding sentence

Topic sentence States the main idea of the paragraph. Clearly states the topic and the controlling idea of the paragraph. Gives only main idea(s). No specific details. Must contain at least one subject and one verb. Is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.

Topic sentence Topic names the subject of the sentence. Controlling idea limits or controls the topic to a specific area. Convenience foods are easy to prepare. There are several advantages to growing up in a big city. Driving on the highway requires strong nerves and aggressiveness.

Topic sentence Do not include too many ideas. Independent films are characterized by experimental techniques, low production costs, and provocative themes. VS. Independent films are characterized by experimental techniques.

Examples English has been influenced by other languages. The slang expression so long (meaning “good bye”) is probably a corruption of the Arabic salaam. The Arabic origins of many English words are not always obvious. too general too specific Just right

Topic sentence States the main idea of the paragraph. e.g.) “Learning how to turn in homework assignments on time is one of the most valuable skills that college students can take with them into the working world.”

Supporting details - Explanation of the controlling idea. - Examples/Evidence. -explanation of evidence.

Explanation The writer's explanation of his/her thinking about the main topic, idea, or focus of the paragraph. Paragraph development continues with an expression of the rationale or the explanation that the writer gives for how the reader should interpret the information presented in the topic sentence.

Explanation “Though the workforce may not assign homework to its workers in the traditional sense, many of the objectives and jobs that need to be completed require that employees work with deadlines. The deadlines that students encounter in the classroom may be different in content when compared to the deadlines of the workforce, but the importance of meeting those deadlines is the same. In fact, failure to meet deadlines in both the classroom and the workforce can have serious consequences.”

Example/ Evidence The evidence serves as a sign or representation of the relationship established in the idea and explanation portions of the paragraph. Paragraph development progresses with the expression of some type of support or evidence for the idea and the explanation that came before it

Example/ Evidence “For example, in the classroom, students form a contract with the teacher and the university when they enroll in a class. That contract requires that students complete the assignments and objectives set forth by the course's instructor in a specified time to receive a grade and credit for the course.”

Explanation (of example) The reasoning behind why you chose to use this (or these) particular evidence to support the major claim of your paragraph. NONE of your examples should be left unexplained

Explanation (of example) “When a student fails to complete assignments by the deadline, the student breaks her contract with the university and the teacher. This often leaves the teacher with no other recourse than to fail the student and the university with no other recourse than to deny the student credit for the course.”

Conclusion A review for your reader about the relevance of the information that you just discussed in the paragraph.

Conclusion “Developing good habits about turning in assignments now will aid your performance as a future participant in the working world.”

Assignment ‘Who or what is behind the events in this film?’ Write a paragraph in response to this question: - Topic sentence - One piece of evidence - Remember to clearly explain this evidence! REVIEW THE ppt. FIRST

Assignment Submit to:

Reading Check the “Files” section of the website. Do the short reading about sentence structure. This information may be review for many of you. We will examine sentence basics as needed throughout the semester.