WHAT IS GOOD
WRITING?
An introduction to good writing, paragraph structure, essay structure, and thesis
statements
What is Good Writing?
• Good writing is clear, direct, and succinct. It does not include unnecessary information
or details.
• Good writing makes an argument. All writing is an argument!
• Good writing uses evidence to support the argument. Evidence can be statistics,
anecdotal information, specific real-life examples, etc.
• Good writing indicates the author is an expert. It does not use words or phrases that
undermine authority, such as “I think” or “I believe.”
• Good writing uses strong adjectives and strong verbs.
What is a paragraph?
• First of all, how long should a paragraph be? Four sentences? No! Mature and
sophisticated writing has paragraphs that are anywhere between five or six sentences
to an entire page in length!
• Paragraphs should focus on one main idea and provide at least two examples with
explanations for support. These examples can be literary, historical, statistical, etc.
• Paragraphs can stand alone or can be a part of a larger essay or report. If they are
part of a longer document, the topic of the paragraph must relate to the essay as a
whole and the other paragraphs in the paper.
How are paragraphs structured?
Here is an outline for the “ideal” paragraph:
I. Topic Sentence: This gives the main idea or argument of the paragraph.
II. Explanation of position: This sentence explains your position on the topic of the paragraph.
III. Example 1: This is the first example of support for your argument.
IV. Explanation of Example 1: This explains how example 1 supports your argument.
V. Example 2: This is the second example of support for your argument.
VI. Explanation of Example 2: This explains how example 2 supports your argument.
VII. Counterargument: This sentence indicates what someone opposing you might say.
VIII. Refutation of the counterargument: This sentence explains why the counterargument is
wrong.
IX. Concluding sentence: This is the last sentence in your paragraph. It wraps up your
argument and/or transitions to the next paragraph.
How about essays? How is a five
paragraph essay structured?
• A five paragraph essay is easy and follows a pretty simple formula!
• Here is an outline:
• I. Introduction
• II. Body Paragraph I
• III. Body Paragraph 2
• IV. Body Paragraph 3
• V. Conclusion
• Remember to follow the structure for paragraphs you already learned!
I’ve always felt weak with
introductions. What do I put in those?
• We will go into introductions more at a later date, but here is a basic outline of what
should go into an introduction:
I.
Hook: This sentence grabs your reader’s attention. It can be a quote, a question, or
an interesting fact. It can also be a rewording of the essay prompt.
II.
Background information: This should be 2 – 3 sentences of relevant information about
the topic. What makes it relevant? Well, this would be information you feel your
reader MUST know in order to understand your argument.
III. Thesis statement preview: This sentence should lead into your thesis statement by
reminding the readers of the essay prompt and how it opens up an argument.
IV. Thesis statement: This statement should be a clear statement of your argument and it
should set up the structure of your essay.
What do you mean the thesis
statement should set up the structure
of your essay?
• Remember, your thesis statement is your argument.
• Your thesis statement sets the structure of your essay by including talking points your will
cover in your essay. For example, you are writing a five paragraph essay about cell
phone use in school. You will use a three-part thesis. Why? Let’s see…
• Thesis: Cell phones should be allowed in school because they are useful educational tools, they
allow students to communicate with friends, and they are necessary in the event of an
emergency.
• Part 1: They are useful educational tools
• Part 2: They allow students to communicate with friends
• Part 3: They are necessary in the event of an emergency.
** How does this set up the structure of your essay? Think about it. How many parts are there in the thesis
statement? How many body paragraphs in a five paragraph essay? Which part becomes the topic for
which paragraph?
Last question…I’ve always felt weak
with conclusions. What do I do with
those?
• Like introductions, we will go over those at a later date, but here is a basic outline for a
conclusion:
I.
Restate your thesis: Do not copy and paste. Rephrase what your thesis statement
was.
II.
Sum up your major points in the essay
III. Closing statement: This should be a zinger! If you opened your essay with a quote or
question, don’t do the same thing. It’s juvenile.