Paragraphs
description
Transcript of Paragraphs
PARAGRAPHS
Natasha Luepke
Paragraphs
Unit of text, usually 5 – 7 sentences. Can be longer or shorter Centered on one topic Sentence Variety
Paragraph Elements
First sentence: Topic sentence Other sentences: supporting details
Supporting Details
Concise but detailed Too many short paragraphs = choppy Large (one page) paragraphs = hard tp
read
When do I need a new Paragraph? New idea Emphasis Dialogue Pause Breaking up long text by moving to
subtopic
Sentence Types
Declarative: Make a statementThe echo always has the last word.
Imperative: Make a demandLove your neighbor.
Interrogative: Ask a questionAre second thoughts always wisest?
Exclamatory: Make an exclamationI want to wash the flag, not burn it!
Development
Use examples and illustrations Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others) Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes
and paraphrases) Use an anecdote or story Define terms in the paragraph Compare and contrast Evaluate causes and reasons Examine effects and consequences Analyze the topic Describe the topic Offer a chronology of an event (time segments) (OWL at Purdue, 2009)
Paragraph in action
I have a cat. Her name is Alegria. Her name means “happiness” but we usually call her Allie, Fluffs, or Fluffy. She is a very fluffy calico. She is thirteen years old and a very cranky old lady. Allie likes to hide under the coffee table or sit on piles of clothes.
Editing!
I spent five minutes editing I moved things, deleted things, and
added things Editing is important, no matter what we
write
Questions, Comments, Concerns?