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paragraph-structure-kh

The document outlines the structure of a paragraph, emphasizing the importance of a clear Thesis Statement (TS) and Development Statement (DS) to support the argument. It highlights the need for evidence in various forms to strengthen the argument and discusses the ideal length and content of a paragraph. Additionally, it suggests that paragraphs should connect logically to enhance the overall essay.

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catseyestiktok
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5 views

paragraph-structure-kh

The document outlines the structure of a paragraph, emphasizing the importance of a clear Thesis Statement (TS) and Development Statement (DS) to support the argument. It highlights the need for evidence in various forms to strengthen the argument and discusses the ideal length and content of a paragraph. Additionally, it suggests that paragraphs should connect logically to enhance the overall essay.

Uploaded by

catseyestiktok
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Paragraph Structure

Thesis Statement (TS)


The job of your TS is to introduce
“How do I effectively communicate Development Statement (DS)
The job of the 2nd (sometimes 2nd
your reader to the argument
the argument I’m trying to make?”
& 3rd) sentence in any paragraph is
presented in the paragraph that to expand on the logic behind your
follows. It should NOT contain facts, argument. As the name suggests,
but explain why the reader should it’s where you dig into the detail
care about what is to follow. It is Your main goal is to convey a clear argument and nuance of the argument.
strictly limited to one sentence. It’s Remember the paragraph
usually the first sentence, but as you structure: “State, Relate, Prove” –
improve you stylistic writing you’ll be
able to try other forms. 1 Paragraph = 1 Idea fully explored the DS is the ‘relate’ component.

A Paragraph about Writing Paragraphs

every sentence the same length…


break up the monotony of having
ONE shot, snappy sentence to
It can be very effective to include
(It does exactly what it says on the tin!)
TS
The most important thing about a paragraph is that its Thesis
Statement makes a clear argument. Ideally, the Development
Statement will show how this argument will support the other
DS themes of the essay and will link to the preceding and following
paragraphs. It could be considered like the leg of a stool; not enough
on its own to make stool stable, but an absolutely indispensable tool
to achieve stability. But the argument presented will only be as
strong as the evidence used to support it. This data/evidence takes

Examples, Names, Numbers, Senses)


the RENNS system: (Reasons,
For your supporting evidence think of
multiple forms, both qualitative and/or quantitative. Sometime a
quotation will be effective. Think of Paul Auster who wrote, “For me,
Evidence a paragraph in a novel is a bit like a line in a poem. It has its own
shape, its own music, its own integrity” (but you can cite a Key
Thinker). Similarly, according to Jerome Devitt’s very reliable
handout, in 83.25% of paragraphs a statistic can be used to give real
punch to your argument. You may want to refer to an article that you
read in the “Made Up Times”, or a report from the government of
Your “I”
Fredonia, or an NGO. I have always found it effective when Pol-Soc
Sentence students use an “I” sentence to ensure that they’re offering a
personal perspective on the issue at hand. A strong way to conclude
Conclusion a paragraph is to return to the core idea of the paragraph, namely to
or Link show how it makes a clear argument.

How long is a Paragraph? How much DATA should I have? A Paragraph never stands alone

There’s no specific set length to a Ermmm…. How long is a piece of string? Have you ever poked somebody in the
paragraph. The general rule in a discursive arm with your finger? Sure, it’s
essay is that it should be around 2/3-3/4 There can’t be a definitive answer to this, because annoying, but is it effective? No…
of a copy page (with normal size hand different kinds of paragraph require different
writing). amounts of supporting data! If you’re talking Now, consider how much more
about something qualitative, like an abstract powerful that index finger is when it’s
Why is this? Well if it’s less than ½ a page, concept, a quotation will be most effective. If combined with all the other fingers,
chances are that it will feel under- you’re talking about anything quantitative, the and your thumb, and your knuckles…
developed. If it’s longer than a page, reader will be expecting to see at least 1 or 2 Suddenly, it’s a fist, and has the power
chances are that your argument has statistics. You’ll know it when you see it! to achieve something far more potent.
gotten out of hand and that you’ll move
For the moment, think of Data as you’d use it in a That’s what a paragraph is - it’s one
away from the core issues in the question.
paragraph as being defined as the following: argument that amplifies other ideas
That said, there are times when a short, (and is in turn amplified itself by those
punchy paragraph can be very effective… “Data is information that’s sourced and evaluated” other paragraphs). So, the evidence
But for the moment, let’s try and master should flow logically within a
You don’t have to go mad with source and
one thing, before getting ahead of paragraph, just as the paragraphs
evaluation info, but show the reader you can do it.
ourselves! should flow throughout the essay…

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