The Keys to Writing an Effectively Organized Paper Lyla Nabulsi

What does expository mean? Expository writing is writing that explains It can be personal It can be through research

Types of expository themes Process Classification (division) Cause and effect Extended definition Comparison/contrast Analysis

What do all sentences, paragraphs and compositions need? UNITY – a single purpose EMPHASIS - repetition of the single purpose COHERENCE – logical arrangement of details

How are unity, emphasis, and coherence achieved? Strong thesis statement A controlling purpose Logical points of development Transitional devices Concise topic sentences with keywords Vivid details

What is a thesis statement? A clear, concise sentence stating the main idea in a theme or composition clearly stating the writer’s attitude toward the subject of the theme What does it contain? Topic Controlling Purpose Points of development Where does it go? The end of the introduction is best In a statement, not a question How many sentences? One is best The topic and the cp must be in the sentence with the mentioning of the POD’s as optional.

What is the controlling purpose? Often known by governing principle, central idea, controlling idea. It is the idea that the authors wants to prove about the topic. It is decided after the topic and before the points of development. It determines the points of development It is emphasized in every paragraph It unifies the entire paper.

Examples of controlling purposes Process: How to organize a book fair to make the most profit Classify: Classify fuels to determine which gives the best gas mileage Comparison/contrast: Compare/contrast fossil fuel to hydrogen fuel to determine which is the safest to use Position: Americans need to vote in this election in order (not) to bring about change

Determining the Points of Development Once the topic and controlling purpose has evolved, the author determines the points that prove the controlling purpose. How to organize a book fair in order to make a profit by 1. Finding sponsors 2. Determining a location 3. Using volunteers That’s all of the example

Composing a thesis statement It must be a statement. Should NOT contain “I think.” Should not refer to the paper. Should not be a blanket statement Should not contain elements that are not related Should not be expressed in vague language Should not be too narrow. Should not contain obscure or garbled language

Use the thesis statement as the foundation of the composition It should appear as the last sentence in the introductory paragraph Its points of development should be the basis of the outline before writing the rough draft It should serve as the focal point for each sentence written in the composition

Outline the Introduction I. Introduction A. Method – to gain the attention of the audience B. Transition – move from the specific to the thesis statement C. Thesis Statement – keywords for topic, cp, and POD’s (POD’s are optional).

Methods of introduction Question Definition Startling statement Newspaper headline Incident Personal experience Analogy Description are examples Give background material (Position paper)

Outline the Development II. Development or Body A. POD One 1. Topic sentence 2. Details to prove cp 3. Clincher B. POD Two C. POD Three

Methods of Developmental Paragraphs Definition Description Spatial Chronological Analytical Comparing/contrasting Cause and effect Restatement Statistics Listing Single example Multiple examples

Structure the development by Arranging the Details As Follows: Climactic – least important to most important Semi-climactic – second, least and most important Cause and effect – C to E, E to C, P to S, Q to A Chronological order – time sequence

Outline of Conclusion Conclusion A. Use a method B. Emphasize the CP

Methods of Conclusion Warning Call for Action Analogy Summary – avoid Show significance of topic Solution No new information in a conclusion

Write the first draft Write down the ideas Use key words in the topic sentences Use key words and synonyms for the CP Type the word Use Shift F7 for thesaurus on computer Emphasize the CP in each paragraph Write effective sentences Write effective paragraphs Use transitional words to connect within and between paragraphs

Composing Effective Sentences Use subordination Use parallelism Correct pronoun reference No split constructions No awkward sentences Maintaining one point of view and tense Use of active voice Use of repetition Logical details

Composing Effective Paragraphs Limit the topic idea to a single idea Write a clear, concise topic sentence with keywords Select the best method to develop details Place details in a logical order Use necessary transitions Restate at the end if necessary (Clincher sentence)

Transitional words Chronological – First, next, after Cause and effect – In effect, as a result, consequently Comparison – likewise, in comparison, similarly Contrasting – on the other hand, conversely, in contrast Restatement – in other words, in effect, to put another way

Write a final draft Edit – Make changes in the following Placement of thesis Placement of topic sentences Arrangement and completeness of details Sentence structure Mechanics Grammar Proofread – Print a copy and have someone else proof Typos Punctuation Capitalization Publish – Post in Write Only and MAIN