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Paragraph Writing - Steps

The document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs, including having a clear topic sentence, using specific details to develop and explain the main idea, and ensuring coherence and cohesion. It discusses asking questions to help decide the main topic, determine if supporting details fit the topic, and check for errors. An outline example is given to illustrate how to structure a paragraph around a main idea and supporting points.

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Valen Funes
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
93 views

Paragraph Writing - Steps

The document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs, including having a clear topic sentence, using specific details to develop and explain the main idea, and ensuring coherence and cohesion. It discusses asking questions to help decide the main topic, determine if supporting details fit the topic, and check for errors. An outline example is given to illustrate how to structure a paragraph around a main idea and supporting points.

Uploaded by

Valen Funes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Body Topic Sentence

of the Concluding
Paragraph
Sentence

Coherence
Unity
Emphasis
5 Steps in Paragraph Writing
• Decide on the controlling idea and
create a topic sentence.
• Explain the controlling idea.
• Give an example/s.
• Explain the example/s.
• Complete the paragraph’s idea or
transition into the next paragraph.
Example:

We should raise city taxes. First of all, we


need money to repair old roads and build new
roads. We also need more to pay teachers’
salaries and to pay for services such as trash
collection. Finally, more tax money is needed to
give financial help to the poor citizens of the
city. It is clear that the city will have serious
problems if taxes are not raised.
Principles in Writing Effective
Paragraphs
• Focus on a Main Idea
The main idea is simply what the paragraph is
about and may be stated in a topic sentence.

• Use specific details.


Too little detail produces boring and abstract
paragraphs.

• Develop using a pattern.


The structure of a paragraph can take almost an
infinite variety of forms.
Principles in Writing Effective
Paragraphs
• Make paragraphs coherent.
A paragraph has coherence when the details of
the paragraph fit together in a way that it’s clear to the
reader.

• Observe cohesion.
Cohesion refers to how group of sentences “hang
together”.
Question/s – Before Writing a
Paragraph

• What is my paragraph all about?


Specify the topic or idea to be tackled.
Mistakes and word-order are to be overlooked.
Question/s – During Writing a
Paragraph
• Are my supporting details related to
my main idea?
• Are my examples enough for the readers
to understand?
• Is my paragraph too long?

One or two supporting ideas make the paragraph


less convincing and not worth the effort done to provide
it. There should be at least three supporting details.
Question/s – After Writing a Paragraph

• Do I have any “obvious” grammar


or spelling errors?
• Do my paragraphs stand alone and
include transitions?
• Does my paragraph/article make sense?
Make your paragraphs short, clear and effective.
Outline/Draft:
Topic sentence:
A. Supporting Idea 1
1.
2.
3.
B. Supporting Idea 1
1.
2.
3.
C. Supporting Idea 1
1.
2.
3.
Concluding sentence:
Outline/Draft:
Topic sentence: Choosing a college or university can be
difficult for high school graduates.
A. Good preparation
1. Thorough, solid curriculum
2. Qualified professors
B. Affordability
1. Ability to pay tuition and living expenses
2. Possibility of scholarships
C. Good location
1. Study environment
2. Possibilities of part time job in major
Concluding sentence: Students should consider these
points carefully so they can choose the most
appropriate college of university for them.

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