1. Paragraph Writing for Academic Papers

2. What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic.
The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph.

3. Elements of a strong paragraph
Topic Sentence
Unity – a single focus that does not wander.
Coherence
A) logical bridges:
1)The same idea is carried from sentence to sentence.
2) Parallel structures are used
B) Verbal bridges:
1) Repetition. Key words are repeated
2) Synonyms are used
3) Determiners (pronouns that refer to previously mentioned nouns)
4) Transitions words –they links ideas from sentence to sentence
Adequate Development

4. Example of cohesion through repetition and use of synonyms
Activity: Write a similar paragraph, but choose a different characteristic for: “What is the most important characteristic in a good friend?”

5. Development Methods/Adequate Development –Some methods to make sure that your paragraph is well developed.
Use examples and illustrations
Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
Use an anecdote or story
Define terms in the paragraph
Compare and contrast
Evaluate causes and reasons
Examine effects and consequences
Analyze the topic
Describe the topic
Offer a chronology of an event (time segments)

6. Some notes regarding body paragraphs in persuasive/argumentative essays
Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).
The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.
Expressing differing points of view
“…argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.”

7. Activity: Brainstorm for possible methods of development that you can use for each of your body paragraphs.
Thesis statement: My thesis statement here.
TS1 My first “working” topic sentence here.
Mention three possible appropriate methods
TS2 My second “working” topic sentence here.
TS3 My third “working” topic sentence here.
Mention three possible appropriate methods
TS4 My fourth“working” topic sentence here.