lesson 5 paragraphs
TRANSCRIPT
Lesson FiveParagraphs
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Lecture Series
A Brief HistoryLatin: Paragraphus
"A horizontal stroke drawn below the beginning of a line in which a break in sense occurs."
English: Pilcrow
A Brief History
Modern English: Paragraph
“A unit of writing focused on a single idea or topic.”
A Brief History
“…an effective paragraph has three fundamental features: a central idea, supporting evidence, and close connection between sentences.”
-pg 90
(read Sample 1, page 89)
Features of a Paragraph
Elements of a Paragraph
1. Topic Sentence
2. Unity
3. Coherence
4. Adequate Development
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic SentenceSubject + Controlling Idea = Topic Sentence
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic Sentences1. A topic sentence must be a complete sentence, not a fragment.
2. A topic sentence is usually a direct statement, not a question.
3. The subject of the topic sentence is usually the subject idea of the paragraph.
Elements of a ParagraphTopic Sentences
4. The verb and complement of the topic sentence usually show the controlling idea of the paragraph.
5. The focus part or controlling idea of the topic sentences usually presents a judgment or attitude about the subject.
6. A subordinate word group is sometimes used in the topic sentence to define the focus still further.
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic SentencesExample 1
People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions.
What do you expect to see?The precautions one can take in order to avoid
burglaries
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic SentencesExample 2
There are several advantages to growing up in a small town.
What do you expect to see?The advantages of growing up in a small town
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic SentencesExample 3
Most US universities require a 550 point TOEFL score for a number of reasons.
What do you expect to see?
The reasons for requiring this score
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic SentencesExample 4
Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop.
What do you expect to see?
The qualities of effective leadership
Elements of a Paragraph
Bad Topic Sentences “New Orleans is famous because it is located by the Mississippi River, which is very wide, and because it
has many swamps which are called bayous by the local people.”
Elements of a ParagraphBad Topic Sentences
This topic sentence contains too many details.
Topic sentences are general, and details should appear later in the paragraph. A better topic sentence would be:
New Orleans is famous for several amazing geographical features.
Elements of a Paragraph
Bad Topic Sentences “There are two reasons why some people like to
buy cars with automatic transmission and two reasons why others like cars with manual
transmission.”
Elements of a Paragraph
Bad Topic SentencesThis topic sentence is not good because it
mentions two topics, not just one.
Paragraphs are usually about one main thing, so their topic sentences should also be about only
one main thing.
There are various reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmissions.
Elements of a Paragraph
Bad Topic Sentences “Clouds are white.”
Elements of a Paragraph
Bad Topic SentencesThis is not a good topic sentence because it is
too general.
The color of clouds are determined by various factors.
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic Sentences Regardless of whether you include an explicit or
implicit topic sentence, you should be able to easily summarize what the paragraph is about.
Elements of a Paragraph
Topic SentencesA carefully thought out topic sentence will serve
two important functions:
1. Provides the author with a focus or objective.
2. Provides readers with the tools they need to clearly understand what you have to say.
UnityThe entire paragraph should concern itself with a
single focus. If it begins with a one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end
with another or wander within different ideas.
Elements of a Paragraph
Elements of a Paragraph
CoherenceCoherence is the trait that makes the paragraph
easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.
Elements of a Paragraph
CoherenceLogical Bridges
The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence.
Elements of a ParagraphCoherence
Verbal Bridges• Key words can be repeated in several sentences • Synonymous words can be repeated in several
sentences • Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences • Transition words can be used to link ideas from
different sentences
Elements of a Paragraph
Adequate DevelopmentThe topic should be discussed fully and adequately by using supporting evidence.
Next Week:Developing Paragraphs
Writing Assignment
State, explain, and describe to a general academic audience one social problem that can be fixed
during your lifetime.Due in 2 weeks
Underline the topic sentence of each paragraph.
Writing Assignment
DefinitionSocial: of or relating to human society, the
interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society
Writing AssignmentHints:
•What is the problem? •Does it affect the whole world or just a specific
region/location? •What is the history of this problem?
•What is the current situation of this problem? • Whom does it affect? •Why is it a problem?
•What can you do to solve it in your lifetime?
Reading AssignmentRead Chapter 4.
You will have about two weeks to read the chapter.
Review notes from Chapter 3.