Entry #6: How to write a WELL WRITTEN PARAGRAPH


EngVid.com: online English video lessons

Parts of paragraphs with Alex McArt and English lessons with Adam.



  • Structure the essay by indenting the first sentence of each paragraph or by leaving a line between paragraphs. Do one or the other, but not both.
  • In terms of length, a paragraph can contain any number of sentences. “Technically, a paragraph could be one sentence long”1, but generally it isn’t.
  • Topic Sentence: each paragraph must have one central idea that is expressed in the thesis statement/topic sentence2:
    • It is very general and not over detailed. Introduces the topic of the paragraph.
    • What the idea is? What are you writing about? What is the subject?
    • “A good formula for writing an effective topic sentence would be to come up with an interesting topic and give your opinion of it”3.

  • Body: The hearth of the paragraph. Includes supporting details and arguments for the topic sentence. It must state why the topic is important to the overall idea of the essay.
    • Each detail must either:
      • Give reasons of why the topic supports the essay, or;
      • Give examples to make the reader see exactly what the writer is trying to say.
    • Details can be ordered in two ways:
      • Order of importance: what makes the argument stand out. The strongest part of the argument.
      • Chronology: ordering of events.
    • Each idea or detail must be connected by flow bridges. Every sentence must have a link to the next sentence in the paragraph.
    • Use key terms as necessary, but avoid repetition of function words (eg. don’t repeat connectors like “moreover” more than once).

  • Closing sentence: it has two functions.
    • It reminds the audience what the paragraph is about by restating the topic sentence.
    • It keeps the reader thinking by adding something extra.
    • If a following paragraph continues with the idea, this sentence must function as a bridge. Otherwise, conclude definitely the idea and start the next paragraph with a bridge.

1 Writing Skills: The Paragraph (3:14)
2 it is referred to as “topic sentence” in Parts of a Paragraph - English Academic Writing Introduction, but as “thesis statement” in Writing Skills: The Paragraph.
3 Parts of a Paragraph - English Academic Writing Introduction (0:51)

Edge Hill University: Introduction to Academic Writing


  • Academic Writing includes:
    • Essays
    • Reports
    • Presentations
    • Reflective Pieces
    • Summaries
    • Annotated Bibliographies

  • Some tips for successful academic writing:
    • Understand what is expected of you.
    • Read your module handbooks
    • Check learning outcomes

  • An effective Assignment
    • Shows your understanding of learning outcomes
    • Shows you have interpreted and answered the question
    • Is well structured with sentences and paragraphs that link logically
    • Uses several theories and examples to create a discussion of the topic
    • Is referenced correctly in the style of your subject
    • Uses formal language with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.

  • Make sure your writing flows by:
    • Showing a range of arguments, even if you disagree with them. Remain objective and see things from all sides.
    • Using linking sentences to make your writing flows. Re-read and edit your work.
    • Don’t forget to proofread to check for errors and typos.

By Daniel Rossy. Individual work.

Webgraphy
  • Edge Hill University. Introduction to Academic Writing. Retrieved September 10, 2017 from Youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CelpkwseU5U
  • EngVid.com. Parts of a Paragraph - English Academic Writing Introduction. Retrieved September 10, 2017 from Youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCuExRE6N-4
  • EngVid.com. Writing Skills: The Paragraph. Retrieved September 10, 2017 from Youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IFDuhdB2Hk

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