©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E and College Writing Skills with Readings, 5E John Langan The Third Step in Essay Writing Chapter Four The Third Step in Essay Writing

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Step 3 Organize and Connect Specific Evidence common methods of organizationcommon methods of organization transitions transitions other connecting wordsother connecting words Organize and connect your supporting material by using:

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Common Methods of Organization 2: emphatic order 1: time order

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Time Order aka chronological order time. this this this this Details are listed as they occur in time. First this is done; next this; then this; after that, this; and so on. Ex: To exercise successfully, you should follow a simple plan consisting of arranging the time, making preparations, and warming up properly.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Emphatic Order Emphatic Order aka “saving the best for last” Emphasis the most important detail near the end Emphasis is placed on the most important detail by positioning it near the end of a paragraph or an essay. Ex.: Celebrities lead very stressful lives. Most important, celebrities must deal with the stress of being in constant danger. Ex.: Thesis: Celebrities lead very stressful lives. Last detail supporting thesis: Most important, celebrities must deal with the stress of being in constant danger.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Transitions Transitions direction road signs. Transitions signal the direction of a writer’s thought. They are like road signs that guide travelers. you’ve snagged the job of TV sports reporter, you have to begin working on the details of your image. invest in two or three loud sports jackets [...]. Ex.: After you’ve snagged the job of TV sports reporter, you have to begin working on the details of your image. First, invest in two or three loud sports jackets [...].

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Transitional Sentences Transitional, linking, sentences Transitional, or linking, sentences are used between paragraphs to help tie them smoothly together. Many of the other patrons are even more of a problem than the concession stand. Ex.: Many of the other patrons are even more of a problem than the concession stand. (Concession stand reminds us of the previous supporting paragraph, while Many of the other patrons introduces the point to be developed next.)

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Other Connecting Words Repeated WordsRepeated Words PronounsPronouns SynonymsSynonyms

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Repeated Words Repeating key words Repeating key words helps tie together the flow of thoughts in a paper. Ex.: One reason for studying psychology is [...]. Psychology is also useful in [...].

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Pronouns Pronouns he, she, it, you, they, this, that, Pronouns ( he, she, it, you, they, this, that, and others) connect ideas and help you avoid needless repetition. Another way for people to economize at an amusement park is to bring their own food. If they pack a lunch, they will avoid high prices. Ex.: Another way for people to economize at an amusement park is to bring their own food. If they pack a lunch, they will avoid high prices.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Synonyms Synonyms pretty attractive. variety interest Synonyms are words that are alike in meaning, like pretty and attractive. They can be used to help writing flow. (They also add variety and interest to your sentences.) There are several methods of fund-raising [...]. One technique is to hold an auction [...]. Ex.: There are several methods of fund-raising [...]. One technique is to hold an auction [...].

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Introductions, Conclusions, and Titles introduction, conclusiontitle organizeconnect A well developed introduction, conclusion, and title can also help organize and connect your essay.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Introductory Paragraph introduction several functions The introduction to an essay serves several functions: attractsIt attracts the reader’s interest. suppliesIt supplies background information. presentsIt presents the thesis statement. previewsIt previews the plan of development.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Common Methods of Introduction general statement 1: Begin with a general statement of your topic. idea or a situation opposite 2: Start with an idea or a situation that is the opposite of the one you will develop. importance 3: Explain the importance of the topic to your reader. incident or a brief story 4: Use an incident or a brief story. questions 5: Ask one or more questions. quotation 6: Use a quotation.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Common Methods of Conclusion 1: End with a summary and a final thought. 2: Include a thought-provoking question. 3: End with a prediction or recommendation.

©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 4 Titles Titles Titles are brief summaries of what your paper is about. Exs.: How to Complain; Student Zombies Note: You should not underline or put “quotation marks” around the title, but you should CAPITALIZE all but small connecting words.