PARAGRAPH WORKSHOP (FOR ADVANCED SECOND-LANGUAGE WRITERS) FORM Paragraphs are groups of sentences which typically express a common meaning.

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1 BASIC COMPOSITION.COM PARAGRAPH WORKSHOP (FOR ADVANCED SECOND-LANGUAGE WRITERS) FORM Paragraphs are groups of sentences which typically express a common meaning. Paragraphs are indented; that is, the first sentence is moved 5 or more spaces from the left side of the margin. Note: If a paragraph is not indented, then we refer to the paragraph as being in block-style; we simply call these "blocks" instead of paragraphs. Good paragraphs have adequate development. That is, a good paragraph has enough matter for a topic sentence, a good number of supporting sentences (at least, three additional sentences), and a concluding sentence. Short paragraphs are not necessarily good, since they seem, at best, underdeveloped. WHAT DO GOOD PARAGRAPHS DO? Good paragraphs adhere to their subject matter and do not deviate from it. That is, a paragraph focuses on one particular idea. Paragraphs work towards supporting the matter of the topic sentence. So, they may do the following: 1. define terms, concepts, or other 2. give examples (discuss specific conditions) 3. illustrate ideas, contexts, or situations mentally 4. compare and contrast ideas, contexts, or situations ideas. 5. offer analogies and/or anecdotes (discuss similar conditions) 6. offer analysis 7. discuss cause and effect 8. discuss a process (present step by step instruction) 9. narrate (tell a short story or a part of a story) 10. summarize 11. describe or offer description 12. answer questions (providing insight into who, what, when, how, why, etc)

2 Good paragraphs generally stay in one verb tense (e.g. all in the present tense, all in the past tense, or all in the future tense). In addition, good paragraphs generally stay in one point of view (e.g. all in the first person - I, me -; all in the second person - you, we; or, all in the third person - he, she, it, they, etc. TYPES OF PARAGRAPHS (CONTENT) 1. ILLUSTRATIVE/SUPPORTIVE -provides facts and commentary to support the thesis of a paper, using a topic sentence and supporting sentences this paragraph supports a larger essay structure. Typically, this type of paragraph provides one point of support. (Facts and Commentary) Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

3 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

4 2. NARRATIVE -provides or describes a sequence of events from the first-person point of view -or, discusses personal subject matter from the first-person point of view EX: One day, my son was really sick. He woke up feeling very tired and had a very sour stomach. He did not want to eat his breakfast, and he did not eat lunch. We would not drink anything. I asked him how he felt, and he said, "I have a pain in my stomach." I asked him to describe the pain. He mentioned that "It felt like a nail was stabbing his belly." So, I asked him if he had made any movements. He said "no." So, I took him to the hospital. The doctor examined him and recommended a scan of his intestines. After the scan was complete, the doctor returned and said "Your son has a bowel obstruction... luckily, it is not serious. We will give him some medicine which will help to relieve the obstruction and monitor him afterwards." He took the medicine, and after a few minutes asked to be taken to the restroom. After about twenty minutes of moaning and groaning, he returned and said, "I feel much better." Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

5 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

6 3. DESCRIPTIVE -provides a description of topics +Subjective -> Uses the author's own thoughts, biases, and emotions (uses first-person) EX: Fish are slimy, scaly things which swim in the water. They have protruding eyes on either side of their flat, bulbous bodies, which reminds me of keyholes on either side of a door. Then, they have these rubber-like fins on the top, sides, and back of their bodies, which helps them to swim gracefully through the ocean. I like how fish swim in groups. People call these schools. But, I don't see a teacher anywhere. Is there even a leader, or do they use some kind of mental power to say turn left, turn right, go up, go down, or swim straight? Finally, they taste wonderful. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

7 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

8 DESCRIPTIVE (CONTINUED) +Objective -> Attempts not to use the author's own thoughts, biases, or emotions (uses thirdperson) EX: Fish are aquatic animals, which live in salt-water or fresh-water. Most fish are vertebrates, contain tiny skeletons, and are ectothermic or cold-blooded. Most fish are covered with scales and have fins to serve them in propulsion and direction. They use gills to convert water into oxygen; moreover, they are able to exist in shallow water and very deep depths (where they are subjected to pressure most humans could not tolerate). Finally, they maintain many of the same anatomical systems which humans possess, including respiratory systems, circulatory systems, and digestive systems. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

9 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

10 4. COMPARISON (Similarities) -explores similarities between two topics/subjects EX: Daedalus and Icarus share similarities with Pinocchio and Geppetto. Daedalus and Icarus undertook the feat of escaping Minos by wearing wings of feathers and wax and flying. Daedalus was the older and the wiser one, just as Geppetto was older and wiser. Although young, Icarus and Pinocchio both failed to listen to the elders. Icarus flew too high causing his wings to melt in the hot sun, which caused him to fall into the ocean. While Pinocchio did not listen to his father, he failed to go to school. As a result, both Icarus and Pinocchio fall prey to foolishness for not obeying their father's wishes. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

11 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

12 5. CONTRAST -explores differences between two topics/subjects (Differences) EX: The stories of Daedalus and Icarus and Pinocchio are very different. The story of Daedalus and Icarus is a story from ancient Greece, while Pinocchio is a story from Tuscan folklore. The stories have very different outcomes. Icarus dies as a result of not listening to his father. While in the other story, Pinocchio does not die, but he encounters some perilous circumstances as a result of not listening to his father. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

13 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

14 6. PROCESS -identifies the steps/tasks involved in completing a process (Step-by-Step) EX: To properly change a tire, you must adhere to the following procedure: Remove the jack and the wrench from the trunk. Next, remove the hub from the flat tire. Loosen the nuts on the tire. Do not remove them. Then, slide the jack under the car. Make sure the jack is in a secure position. Press the level on the jack to elevate the car to an adequate height. Remove the nuts, and remove the tire. Place the new tire in its place. Place the nuts onto the bolts, and tighten the bolts. Press and hold the level on the jack to return the vehicle to the ground. Finally, remove the jack from underneath the car. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

15 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

16 7. DEFINITION -provides a single definition which is expanded into more specific detail (discussing qualities). EX: A bicycle is a bi-pedal locomotion device. However, bicycles are much more than two pedals. A bicycle has a metal frame which allows the pedals, gears, and steering apparatus to be connected to it. The pedal provides force which pulls the chain and allows the gears to turn. The combination of motion allows for the tires to turn and produces motion to the rider. The rider can control his direction by turning the steering apparatus left or right. In addition, on most bicycles, pushing the pedals counterclockwise produces motion in the opposite direction. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

17 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

18 8. CLASSIFICATION -allows different components of a topic to be explained. EX: The radio show explains three types of political spaces: the conservative space, the liberal space, and the moderate space. Conservative spaces tend to foster groups of people who want "things to stay the same." They like what they are doing, how they are living, and want things to remain. Liberal spaces tend to foster groups of people who want "things to change." They want things to progress, to change, and to see movement. Finally, moderate spaces tend to foster groups of people who want to see the best of conservative and liberal spaces. They seek conservation and change when appropriate. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

19 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

20 9. CAUSE AND EFFECT -provides the reader with details about the cause and the effect; you may choose to inverse the sections (put the effect first, then the cause). EX: Global warming is an important occurrence to consider in the coming years. Global warming refers to the idea of increasing temperatures on the surface of the Earth. Global warming is thought to be caused by the release and prevalence of green house gases in the atmosphere. The effect of these gases is cause a rise in the annual temperatures recorded by scientists. These increases are causing substantial melting of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers, reducing streams and the presence of fresh water on land, and may result in the extinction of particular species on the planet. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

21 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

22 10. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION -discusses the problem/concern, then provide the solution/recommendation for solving the problem. EX: The presence of religious undertones in many public laws is problematic and needs to be addressed. Many laws contain religious interests, which are loosely translated into a basis for morality. Laws should only be made which help to provide for the happiness and safety of all citizens (e.g. protection from mental and bodily harm, from loss of property, etc). However, some civil and even regional laws which require limitations on stem cell research, requiring businesses to close on holy days, or which prohibit same-sex marriage are reprehensible. Encouraging secular government may help to provide the greatest good for all citizens and for the economy. Allowing Stem-Cell research allows for more medical treatments to be investigated; allowing businesses to be open all days of the week encourages much needed commerce; and, same-sex marriages allow for the happiness of all citizens regardless of sexual orientation. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

23 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

24 11. ANALOGY -provides a method of comparing a subject to something else familiar to the audience. (Example of Similar Circumstances/Conditions/Contexts/Concepts) EX: Eliminating employees is detrimental to the morale of the workplace. This situation is similar to losing a limb. While the rest of the body can function, something always seems to be missing. This missing component may help the organism to maintain a sense of balance and even help it to accomplish particular things which support the organism. Therefore, eliminating employees might not be a good thing. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

25 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

26 12. DIVISION -provides a listing and an explanation of the parts, sections, or properties of a single place, thing, concept, or condition. EX: The human body is broken into eleven main systems: the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the reproductive system, the lymphatic system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the integumentary system, the immune system, the urinary system, the respiratory system, and the nervous system. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, and tendons. The cardiovascular system includes veins, arteries, and capillaries. The reproductive system includes reproductive organs. The lymphatic system includes lymphoid tissue and lymphatic artifacts. The digestive system includes the stomach, pharynx, esophagus, mouth, the small intestine, the large intestine and the anus. The endocrine system includes the glands which regulate hormones and other chemicals in the body, including the adrenal gland, the thyroid gland, the pancreas, ovaries, and testes. The integumentary system includes all layers of skin on the human body. The immune system includes all organs and cellular activity responsible for fighting off disease. The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, and the urethra. The respiratory system includes the lung, the heart, and any respiratory muscles. And, the nervous system includes the brain, the nerves, sensory organs, and any organs processing electrical impulses. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

27 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

28 PARAGRAPH ORIENTATION 1) CHRONOLOGICAL ORIENTATION -provides movement from one event or item to the next within time EX: First, purchase a hammer and nails from a local hardware store or framing shop. Second, use your visual acuity to visually balance the picture on the wall. You may have to have a partner help you. Third, use a pencil to draw a point on the wall, where you plan to insert the nail. Fourth, grasp the nail firmly between your thumb and index finger. Fifth, use the hammer to push the nail into place. And, sixth, hang your picture. You may need to adjust the picture and/or the nail depending on the slant and texture of the wall. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

29 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

30 2) GENERAL-TO-SPECIFIC ORIENTATION -provides general information first and moves towards specific information; typically, the topic sentence comes at the beginning of the paragraph. EX: Pests need to be dealt with in a humane way. Rats, mice, and insects are all considered pests. For years, the prominent ideal was to use pesticides and other poisons to eradicate pests. However, in hindsight, many consumers have discovered that they were unknowingly affecting their own environments. Therefore, the best policy for dealing with pests may be finding humane ways of eradicating them. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

31 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

32 3) SPECIFIC-TO-GENERAL ORIENTATION -provides specific information first and moves towards general information; typically, the topic sentence comes at the end of the paragraph. EX: Go out and have fun! People have been riding the slopes of ski resorts for years. Snowboarding is very different from skiing and allows for a different type of movement. People can ride a variety of snowboards and purchase a variety of different types of accessories for snowboarding. Regardless, snowboarding is a fun and exciting sport. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

33 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

34 4) QUESTION AND ANSWER ORIENTATION -provides a question (or a series of question) and an answer directly beneath. EX: What is the meaning of life? Many scholars and philosophers have proposed an answer to this age-old question. The answer is never quite attainable, since the answer is actually individual. Many psychologists have suggested that individual intent and a sense of purpose actually point to meaning on an individual basis. For example, a person may be good at a task and/or talent and follow that talent into a career. Thus, the task/talent becomes the meaning of life. Another person may find the meaning of life in finding satisfaction in being a parent. And, still, another person may find meaning in a profession, such as being a doctor, a teacher, a policeman, or a firefighter. Regardless, the answer is almost as perplexing as the question. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

35 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

36 5) ENDING QUESTION-ORIENTATION -provides supporting information yet ends with questions (usually, rhetorical questions or questions of implementation/application). EX: Driving in inclement weather can be dangerous. Snow, rain, and ice can affect a driver's traction, and affect their ability to steer. Thus, many drivers who brave inclement conditions may face the potential for accident and even injury. So, why not require better regulations on tires? Why not spend more money to focus on amending road conditions when the weather is not satisfactory? Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

37 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

38 6) CLIMATIC ORIENTATION -provides a movement of ideas which leads to a climatic ending or to climatic details towards the ending of the paragraph. EX: Sexually Transmitted Diseases have been around for centuries and have affected teens just as much as adults. However, teens are suffering from Sexually-Transmitted Diseases at an alarming rate. Cases of Chlamydia, Syphilis, AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis, and Gonorrhea have increased at an alarming rate. In fact, the Centers for Disease Study have projected cases to double, possibly even triple in the next year. Those projections contain estimates that 1 in 3 individuals could have an STD. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

39 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

40 7) SPATIAL-ORIENTATION -focuses on describing details from the outside perspective towards the inside perspective -orfrom the surface elements towards deeper elements - or- from a macroscopic view to a microscopic view -or- from behind an object to the front of it; this orientation may reverse directions or cover other types of movement spatially. (for Referential and Narrative Writing) EX: The outer membrane of a cell (sometimes called the Cell Wall) is comprised of a double layer of lipids. Beyond the membrane is the cytoskeleton, the filaments and microtubules which act to hold the shape of the cell. Pushing inward towards the center of the cell, one can find the organelles of the cell (tiny organs of the cell) surrounded by cytosol, a gelatinous fluid that fills the cell. Organelles, either anchored to the membrane or free-floating in the cytosol, include mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vacuoles. At the center of the cell is the core of the cell, the nucleus. Inside the core, one can find the cell's chromosomes. Pre-write your paragraph by creating individual sentences

41 Now, place these sentences into paragraph form (make sure to indent your paragraph).

42 8) BLOCK ORIENTATION -uses block-style formatting (no indentation is required) and may exist in few lines than conventional paragraphs; blocks are used in letters, memos, proposals, and other forms of business and technical writing. (for Business, Technical, and Digital Writing) EX: Welcome to the Maycon Corporation! Enclosed you will find a new employee handbook. This handbook contains all of the policies and procedures which you will need for orientation. Be sure to read the entire text from start to finish. Finally, make sure to arrive promptly on the day of your orientation. We hope you will enjoy working with us. Pre-write your block-style paragraph (or block) by creating individual sentences

43 Now, place these sentences into block-style paragraph (or block) form.