Accordion Paragraph Structure English 9 Ms. Hurt
Accordion Paragraphs 8 Sentence Paragraph Occasion-Position Statement (Topic Sentence) Reason/Detail/Fact 1 -Explanation or Example Reason/Detail/Fact 2 Reason/Detail/Fact 3 Conclusion
Occasion-Position Statements Make great topic sentences Are easy to write. Guarantee successful paragraphs Are two part sentences (complex sentences). Begin with the occasion. The occasion is any event, problem, idea, solution, or circumstance that gives you reason to write. End with the position. The position states what you plan to prove or explain in your paragraph. Example: Although there are a myriad of conflicts in “The Most Dangerous Game,” the internal conflict Zaroff struggles with about the hunt is the most important.
Occasion-Position Statements Begin with the following words: If After Since Before So that Whenever As long as In order that Even though Although Unless While As if When As Until Where Though Because Wherever As soon as
More examples: Before you make the decision to light up a cigarette, consider the problems cause by smoking. Even though bike helmets are sometimes unfashionable and uncomfortable, all cyclists should wear them. If students use chemicals to do science experiments, it is important that they learn the proper way to dispose of them.
Common Transitional Expressions Additionally Again Along with Also Another At the same time Beside Equally important Third Finally First First of all Fourth Furthermore In addition In contrast Last Therefore Likewise Next On the contrary On the other hand One Other Second Similarly Still
Transitional Expressions Transitional expressions are used when a new idea is introduced in a paragraph. Use transitional expressions with sentences that introduce a new reason/detail/fact. Always read a paragraph aloud to make sure that you have selected the transitional expression that works best.
Conclusions Restate your position; remind the reader of your topic. Use the key words from your topic sentence. Summarize your paragraph, convince the readers of you position, challenge them to think about the issue, or encourage them to take action. DO NOT: Introduce a new topic. Use phrases such as…. As I have said, As I proved As you can see
Words to start your conclusion: In fact Obviously Clearly Certainly In conclusion Truly Definitely Surely To sum up All in all