Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2012 17:32:36 GMT -5
Have you ever read a post or a paper that was difficult to understand or follow? Have you ever wrote anything that others said was hard to follow and unorganized? Well, I've got some answers here for you to help fix your problems or for you to help others fix their problems. This is a fairly basic guide that is really meant to help get less advanced members get up to speed and to help everyone that doesn't already follow these guidelines or ones close to them become better writers.
Definition of a paragraph: "A paragraph is a group of sentences organized around a main point."
When writing a paragraph, you should try to keep everything in the paragraph centered around one thought or idea.
Ex: Puppies are the best pets in the world because they are cute. They are also funny and playful. Puppies chase cats.
The sentence "puppies chase cats" should be moved to a different paragraph because it doesn't go along with the rest of the paragraph which talks about why puppies are the best pets in the world.
A well written paragraph is like a mini essay and should include the following things:
- Introduction: A good topic sentence that relates back to your thesis statement.
- Body: Details that support and reinforce your main points. (Role players are generally good at this.)
- Conclusion: An effective end that concludes that section and transitions to the next paragraph. This is crucial for writing that is easy to follow.
Topic sentences:
A topic sentence tells readers what your paragraph is about. So, if your topic sentence is about nature, the paragraph should contain things about nature.
Fact: Your topic sentence does not have to be the first sentence of the paragraph. A writer can choose if they want to build up to the topic or, if they would rather, they can make it the first sentence.
- When deciding where to put a topic sentence, choose the place that is more effective and makes the most sense.
- Use your best judgement.
Supporting details
The body is where you include all the details that will help your audience understand your subject or topic.
- Include details that bring the topic to life but, be selective so you have unity.
- Do no include sentences that disrupt the flow of the paper or post.
- Make sure that details are clearly related to the topic. Always tie arguments, ideas and stories back to the topic sentence.
Closure and Transitions
Closure sentences will go after all the body sentences and details in the paragraph.
Use closure sentences to:
- Remind readers of your topic sentence
- Keep readers thinking about your topic
- Linking one paragraph to another
Avoid thinking paragraphs as individual chunks of a paper or post. Use closing sentences as part of each paragraph to link all your ideas together smoothly.
Your goal is to transition smoothly throughout ideas in your paper or post.
Plan the order of your paragraphs carefully because transitions will be easier if the order is better.Basic things to know:
- An effective paragraph will have no fewer than three sentences. Remember my puppy example? Yeah, not very effective.
- The number of paragraphs will vary based on what the requirements are for the paper or, however many ideas you have for a post.
- The five paragraph essay: Introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion. This formula usually will give you an effective post or paper.
Remember these things:
Unity: State main idea of the paragraph in a clearly constructed topic sentence. Make sure each sentence is related back to the topic sentence or main idea of a paragraph.
Coherence: arrange ideas in a clear and logical way. Provide appropriate transitions.
Adequate development: Develop your paragraph with specific details and examples.