How to Write - Paragraphs

Hamer’s Guide on Writing

How To Write - Skills to Learn Today

• Intro Paragraph

• Body Paragraph

• Conclusion Paragraph

Starting Off - The Introduction

• Think of the introduction as a pick up line. You want it to get the reader’s attention, but it can’t be too cheesy.

• Your introduction should ease the reader into the essay by moving from the broader world to your specific idea.

Structure of the Introduction

Interesting Hook

Useful background information

Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs• The paragraphs in the body of your paper

are like little mini papers.

• They should start by saying what they are going to say, say it, and then segue (transition) to the next paragraph by relating the two.

• Remember that body paragraphs should follow the map set out by your thesis sentence.

Structure of Body Paragraphs

Introductory sentence

Information supported by specific details

Segue sentence that links this paragraph to the next

Wrapping it Up - The Conclusion

• The conclusion is like an after-dinner mint. It should leave the reader satisfied and comfortable without overstuffing them at the end.

• Your conclusion should be the opposite of your intro, moving from your specific idea back to the broader world.

Structure of the Conclusion

Restatement of your thesis with back-ups

Relate your thesis or idea to the bigger world (why we should care)

Entertaining closure

DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW INFO HERE!!!!!

Writing Topic for Today

• 2001 The Jacksonian Period (1824-1848) has been celebrated as the era of the “common man.” To what extent did the period live up to its characterization? Consider TWO of the following in your response.

• Economic development

• Politics

• Reform Movements

Thesis

• Sketch out an outline and write a thesis statement for this paper

Introduction

• Using what we learned about introductions, write a simple introduction for your paper.

Share Your Intro• Exchange your Intro with your partner• As a reader, you are examining your partner’s:

– Structure - is it appropriate?– Hook - is it interesting?– Info - does it move from broad to specific?– Thesis - is it appropriately placed and does it mesh with

the intro?

• Once you have both finished reading each others’ introductions, explain your findings to your partner.

• Make any necessary changes.

Body Paragraph #1

• Using what we learned, write a short body paragraph for your paper.

Sharing Your Body Paragraphs• Exchange your paragraphs with your partner• As a reader, you are examining your partner’s:

– Structure - is it appropriate?– Introduction Sentence - does it explain what the paragraph

will be about?– Details - do they support the point of the paragraph?– Transition sentence - does it link what was said with the

next paragraph?

• Once you have both finished reading each others’ paragraphs, explain your findings to your partner.

• Make any necessary changes.

Body Paragraph #2

• Using what we learned, write a second body paragraph for your paper.

Sharing Your Body Paragraphs• Exchange your paragraphs with your partner• As a reader, you are examining your partner’s:

– Structure - is it appropriate?– Introduction Sentence - does it explain what the

paragraph will be about?– Details - do they support the point of the paragraph?– Transition sentence - does it link what was said with the

next paragraph?

• Once you have both finished reading each others’ paragraphs, explain your findings to your partner.

• Make any necessary changes.

Conclusion

• Using what we learned, please write a conclusion for your paper.

Sharing Your Conclusion• Exchange your conclusion with your partner• As a reader, you are examining your partner’s:

– Structure - is it appropriate?– Restatement of Thesis - does it restate the thesis in a

stronger and original way?– Info - does it move from specific to broad? Does it link the

paper with the bigger world?– Concluding Sentence - is it interesting?

• Once you have both finished reading each others’ conclusions, explain your findings to your partner.

• Make any necessary changes.

Put It All Together

• Read your paper to your partner.

• Without stopping, read the intro, body, and conclusions.

• Listen to your partner’s comments about flow and organization.

• Make any necessary changes.

Thesis Practice

• 2005b To what extent was the American Constitution a radical departure from the Articles of Confederation?

• 2007 In what ways did the Second Great Awakening in the North influence TWO of the following?

• Abolitionism

• Temperance

• The cult of domesticity

• Utopian communities

• 2004 Analyze the impact of the American Revolution on both slavery and the status of women from 1775-1800.