Models for Writers – Chapter 7 Paragraphs Models for Writers – Chapter 7

How to build a good paragraph The main idea is stated at the beginning in a topic sentence Other sentences in the paragraph support this idea with examples, concrete details and statistics, or vivid examples Longer adequately developed paragraphs are the kind you should use in all but journalistic writing

develop your topic sentences with Explanations Concrete details and statistics Vivid examples

A good paragraph is unified: it avoids detours and develops its main idea.

Distinguishing characteristics Unified every sentence and every idea relates to the main idea, stated in the topic sentence Coherent the sentences and ideas are arranged logically and the relationships among them are made clear by the use of effective transitions Adequately developed it presents a short but persuasive argument supporting its main idea

How long should a paragraph be? In modern essays, most paragraphs range from 50 to 250 words, but some run a full printed page or more, and others may be only a few words long. The best answer is that a paragraph should be long enough to develop its main idea adequately.

Now it’s your turn  Read and annotate “Simplicity” by William Zinsser Class will then discuss and respond to “thinking critically” questions After class discussion, it will be your turn to write a definition essay WRITING PROMPT: How does Zinsser support his claim that “we are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills,, and meaningless jargon” (1)? What does his claim mean for writers in general and for you in particular? You are responding to this prompt by identifying how (with what) Zinsser supports his claim and by stating a claim as to what effect his claim means to all writers, particularly you. You MUST, however, use evidence from the reading to support your claim! (direct quotes and proper citations)