2. Writing A Paragraph and The Academic Writing Process ENL 207, Fall 2015

3. Objectives  What is the structure of a paragraph?  What is the writing process?

4. Writing A Paragraph ENL 207, Fall 2015

5. Structure of a Paragraph

6.  Title  Topic Sentence:  First sentence in your paragraph  Presents main idea and controlling idea or focus  Is not too general, nor too specific  Supporting Sentences (Details):  Fully develop the main idea and focus  Vary according to the topic and rhetorical mode(s) being used  Include a variety of cohesive devices such as transition words and pronouns  Concluding Sentence:  Provides a final thought that refers back to the main idea and focus

7. The Topic Sentence  Examples of a topic sentence with the same main idea, but difference controlling ideas 1.Some hobbies are relaxing. 2.Some jobs are repetitive and boring. 3.Some jobs are dangerous.

8. Topic Sentences  Turn to a partner. Decide whether or not the following sentences are good topic sentences. Explain your answer. 1.It is estimated that leisure travelers spend more than $500 billion in the United States. 2.Research shows that there are three main purposes for leisure travel. 3.Digital cameras have several advantages over film cameras. 4.Digital cameras are a common form of technology these days.

9. Supporting Details – Main Points  Supporting details are the main points you want to include in your paragraph. These points MUST relate to the topic sentence. Topic Sentence: Leisure time is important for three specific reasons. Main Point 1:Relaxation reduces stress that can lead to serious health problems Main Point 2:Encourages creativity Main Point 3: Interests outside of work can lead to a more positive attitude

10. Supporting Details – Main Points  Turn to a partner. Come up with three main points that could be used to support the following topic sentence: Topic Sentence: Reading helps English language learners to improve their English.

11. Supporting Details – Examples  Each main point must be accompanied by one or two examples:  Topic Sentence: Whether it lasts for a couple of hours or days, leisure time has specific benefits.  First Main Point: First of all, relaxation reduces stress that can lead to serious health problems.  Example 1: For example, some people spend their leisure time watching movies to relax.  Example 2: Other people like to read books.

12. Concluding Sentence  The concluding sentence ends the paragraph. It should:  Restate your topic sentence in different words; specifically focusing on the controlling idea  May give a final warning, prediction, or thought… however, NEVER introduce a new or unrelated idea in the concluding sentence. Example: All in all, leisure time helps people stay healthy and has the additional benefit of allowing them to work more industriously and productively.

13. Concluding Sentence  Read the following paragraph. Then work with a partner to determine a good concluding paragraph. Children’s TV for Language Learning Watching children’s programs on television is a good way to learn a foreign language. In fact, the spread of English has been helped by Children’s TV. First the actors speak slowly and repeat often. Also, the vocabulary they use is not difficult. Finally, there is always a lot of action, so you know what is happening even if you don’t fully understand the words….

14. Structure of a Paragraph Topic Sentence Main Ideas Examples Concluding Sentence

15. Structure of a Paragraph  An effective paragraph:  Communicates a SINGLE main idea  Contains between 7-15 sentences  Cohesively contains the topic, support, and concluding statements

16. The Academic Writing Process ENL 207, Fall 2015

17. Writing Process 1.Prewrite  Gather ideas, make a list 2.Organize your ideas  Make a simple outline 3.Write the first draft  Get your ideas from your head onto paper!

18. The Writing Process 4.Revise and edit the first draft  Peer review works best  Work on grammar, punctuation, spelling 5.Write a new and improved draft  Include final revisions and edits  Be proud of your work

19. Let’s Practice! In-Class Writing Assignment  PROMPT: Write what you do when you want to relax. State what your favorite leisure time activity is. Why do you prefer this type of activity when you want to relax? Present main points and give examples to explain your choice.  When you hand in your paragraph at the end of the class period, I should see:  Prewriting: either a list or a topic web  Organization: a brief outline  First draft: A paragraph that has an introductory sentence, at least two main points with related examples, and a concluding sentence