|
<< DOWNLOADS
<< WRITING ESSAYS
<< WRITING SKILLS
How to write Paragraphs
1. The purpose (and definition) of a paragraph is that it deals with just one topic or major point of argument in an extended piece of writing.
2. That topic or subject should normally be announced in the opening
sentence, which is for that reason sometimes called a 'topic sentence'.
3. The sentences which immediately follow the topic sentence
should expand and develop the statement, explaining and
relating its relevance to the subject under discussion.
4. This opening statement and amplification should then be
followed by evidence to support the argument being made.
5. You should provide illustrative examples which are discussed as an explanation of the central idea.
6. The following example is itself the definition of a paragraph:
The central thought or main controlling idea of a
paragraph is usually conveyed in what is called a topic
sentence. This crucial sentence which states,
summarises or clearly expresses the main theme, is the
keystone of a well-built paragraph. The topic sentence
may come anywhere in the paragraph, though most
logically and in most cases it is the first sentence. This
immediately tells readers what is coming, and leaves
them in no doubt about the overall controlling idea. In
a very long paragraph, the initial topic sentence may
even be restated or given a more significant emphasis
in its conclusion.
7.
These guidelines are based on academic writing, and the standard essay in particular. But if you grasp the basic structure, it can be adapted for other types of writing.
Stylewriter is a software program which offers help with writing skills such as summarising, editing, and proof-reading your work. It also offers a selection of writing styles to choose from - academic writing, journalism, formal prose, and so on. Mistakes and suggestions for improvement are highlighted and made with a single click.
8. Paragraphs in most ordinary prose writing should normally be between 50 words minimum and 200 words maximum in length. They could be longer if you were explaining
a topic in detail in an extended piece of work.
9. Paragraphs in popular journalism (tabloid newspapers) are often quite short, and in some specialist prose writing (scientific reports) might be very long.
10. The last sentence of a paragraph should try to round off
consideration of the topic in some way. It may also contain some statement which links it to the one which comes next.
11. Consecutive paragraphs may be linked with terms such as
'However' and 'On the other hand' so as to provide a sense of
continuity and structure in your exposition. If you are in any doubt however, let them stand separately and speak for themselves.
12. The recommended structure of a typical paragraph in academic writing is as follows. It is rather like a smaller version of the structure of a complete essay.
- The opening topic sentence
- A fuller explanation of the topic sentence
- A discussion of its significance
- Consideration of examples or evidence
- A concluding sentence
13. What follows is an example taken from an essay written in
response to the question 'Discuss the case for and against
political censorship of the media.'
The arguments against political censorship however
can be made on grounds which are surely just as firm.
The moral arguments usually centre on notions of
'freedom of information' and the individual's 'right to
know'. The legal arguments point to inconsistencies in
current regulations as applied to the various forms of
media (books, television, newspapers) and to differences
in the law between the UK and other western
countries. There are also a number of social and
political arguments ranging from objections of class
bias in the composition of those bodies which frame
regulations, to similar objections to the ownership and
control of the various forms of media. Exploring each
one of these arguments in turn, it is possible to see
that the case against political censorship can be just as strong.
14. The following example [written by the novelist E.M.Forster] shows the skilful use of an attention-grabbing first sentence, and a concluding sentence which whets the reader's appetite to know more about the subject:
John Skelton was an East Anglian: he was a poet, also a clergyman, and he was extremely strange. Partly strange because the age in which he flourished - that of the early Tudors - is remote from us, and difficult to interpret. But he was also a strange creature personally, and whatever you think of him when we've finished - and you will possibly think badly of him - you will agree that we have been in contact with someone unusual.
Improve your Writing Skills shows you how to develop the quality and effectiveness of your writing. Packed with good examples and handy hints, it features clear advice written in non-technical language, and quick solutions to common problems. Suitable for anybody writing reports, business proposals, memos, or academic documents. This will help you to clarify and sharpen your written communication skills.
|
