Fundamentals of Writing Class 2 March 6, 2015

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

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 is one main advantage to growing up in a big city. Driving on the highway requires strong nerves and aggressiveness.

Topic sentence VS. 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 too general too specific Just right  English has been influenced by other languages. The slang expression so long (meaning “good bye”) is probably a corruption of the Arabic word, 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.) “Writing an essay is a complicated process.”

Supporting details Explanation of the controlling idea. Evidence (examples, statistics/data, expert opinions, etc.) -Explanation of evidence.

Explanation The writer's explanation of his/her position on 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 “A writer cannot simply start typing on a keyboard and expect an excellent product as a result. In fact, writing a high-quality essay requires a time investment and several steps.”

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

Evidence “For example, before writing an essay about a chosen topic, the writer must research the topic and make a formal outline of the essay.”

Explanation of evidence 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) “These initial steps of the writing process can take hours or days, and the writer may not even have started a first draft, yet.”

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

Conclusion “Indeed, writing can be a difficult, time-consuming activity.”

Example Paragraph 3 “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.”

Assignment 1 In Example Paragraph 3: - Find: Explanation, evidence, explanation of evidence, and conclusion. - Label each part. Bring the example paragraphs handout to next class.

Assignment 2 ‘Who (or what) is responsible for the events in this film?’ Write a paragraph in response to this question: - Topic sentence - Explanation - One piece of evidence - Remember to clearly explain this evidence! REVIEW THE ppt. FIRST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nlFfZ7PtX4

Assignment 2 Submit to: kachomework@gmail.com File name: YOURNAME_FOW SAMPLE e.g. JINSU KIM_FOW SAMPLE Subject line: FOW Sample Deadline: Monday (March 9) (8:00 pm)

Reading Check the “Files” section of the website. Do the short reading about sentence structure.