Paragraph
Writing
Types of Paragraphs
• Introduction
• Body Paragraph
• Conclusion
What is an Introduction? What does it
do?
• Introductions are the roadmap to your argument. You want to briefly spell out the argument you will make (your thesis)
and give the reader an idea of how you get there.
• Tell the reader why this topic matters and inform them of any relevant details about the context in which it emerged.
• Don’t include irrelevant or extraneous facts or ideas.
Structure
• Hook
• Background
• Thesis statement
• Roadmap
What is an
Introduction?
What does it
do?
What is an Introduction? What does it
do?
• Make a strong first impression with an effective hook.
• Provides Context of the topic
• Outlines the thesis statement that reveals the author’s purpose for writing.
When should I write the introduction?
• Two Perspectives
• Write it First:
• When you have a clear idea of the essay’s thesis
• organization, and structure and
• prefers to write each section in chronological order
• Starts with planning
When should I write the introduction?
• 2. Write it Last
• Allow the you to introduce what you have covered
• Your introduction will matches and accurately reflects the essay’s content.
Things to Avoid when writing an
introduction
• Don’t elaborate on your argument or provide specific supporting evidence
• Don’t begin with a dictionary definition
• Don’t provide excessive or irrelevant information. Stay focused.
• Don’t be too vague.
Problems Associated with Bad Intro
Paragraphs
• Lack of Thesis statement
• Poor/Vague thesis statement
• Lack of/Poor knowledge on the topic
Examples
of an intro
Precariousness has recently received much attention in the labour discourse in an attempt to
explain the increased job insecurity and in-formalisation of labour with the intensification of the
neo-liberal capitalism. The concept prercarity help us raise more questions about the future of
labour and labour relationships. Moreover, it also raises concerns about the furture of organising
and resistance in the labour industry. The intention here is to explore the idea of precarity as class
concept as argued for by Standing (2011) and investigate the periodisation and the characteristics
of the precariat. The argument here is that Standing’s periodisation of precariousness is flawed and
that precarity is not a class on its own. This short essay will discuss the concepts above in an
attempt to first prove that the periodisation of precarity is flawed. Lastly, it will show that precarity
is not class on its own but a fragmentation of the working class.
What is an academic
body paragraph?
• Academic paragraphs are the body
paragraphs of your essay and account for
about 75% of your word count and marks. They
may also be the structure of short answer
questions in other types of writing (e.g. exams).
• Academic paragraphs contain the points you
want to make with supporting arguments and
evidence. These paragraphs use a basic pattern
(recipe) you can follow. The sentences in your
body paragraphs may include citations from
information sources, examples and anecdotal
evidence.
Further explanation
• What is a Paragraph?
Paragraphs are comprised of sentences, but not random sentences.
• A paragraph is a group of sentences organized around a central topic.
• In fact, the cardinal rule of paragraph writing is to focus on one idea.
• A solidly written paragraph takes its readers on a clear path, without
detours.
• A basic paragraph structure usually consists of five sentences: the topic
sentence, three supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
Paragraph
structure
• Topic sentence
• Supporting sentences
• Concluding sentence
Examples
HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH USING THE
FOUR ESSENT IAL ELEMENTS
• Element #1: Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic
sentence. Every paragraph has one single, controlling idea that is
expressed in its topic sentence, which is typically the first sentence
of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea, with
the supporting sentences providing detail and discussion. In order to
write a good topic sentence, think about your theme and all the
points you want to make. Decide which point drives the rest, and
then write it as your topic sentence.
• Element #2: Order. Order refers to the way you organize your
supporting sentences. Whether you choose chronological order, order
of importance, or another logical presentation of detail, a solid
paragraph always has a definite organization. In a well-ordered
paragraph, the reader follows along easily, aided by the pattern
you’ve established. Order helps the reader grasp your meaning and
avoid confusion.
HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH USING THE
FOUR ESSENT IAL ELEMENTS
• Element #3: Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing
understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each
other and work together as a whole. One of the best ways to achieve
coherency is to use transition words. These words create bridges from one
sentence to the next. You can use transition words that show order (first,
second, third); spatial relationships (above, below) or logic (furthermore,
in addition, in fact). Also, in writing a paragraph, using a consistent verb
tense and point of view are important ingredients for coherency.
• Element #4: Completeness. Completeness means a paragraph is welldeveloped. If all sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea,
then your paragraph is complete. If there are not enough sentences or
enough information to prove your thesis, then the paragraph is incomplete.
Usually three supporting sentences, in addition to a topic sentence and
concluding sentence, are needed for a paragraph to be complete. The
concluding sentence or last sentence of the paragraph should summarize
your main idea by reinforcing your topic sentence.
Structure and elements of a conclusion
• Restate thesis
• Summary
• Concluding thoughts and comments
Conclusion
Concluding Paragraphs
• So much is at stake in writing a conclusion.
• This is your last chance to persuade your readers, to impress yourself upon them as a writer and thinker.
• The end of an essay should convey a sense of completeness as well as a sense of the lingering possibilities of the topic, its
larger meaning, its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion without closing it off.
Concluding Paragraphs
• To establish a sense of closure, you might do one or more of the following:
• Conclude by linking the last paragraph to the first, perhaps by reiterating a word or phrase you used at the beginning
• Show the reader that you have proved your thesis statement
Examples
Thank you
for your
attention