1. The Keys to Writing an Effectively Organized Paper
Lyla Nabulsi

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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).

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. 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

23. 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