Writing
Concept Definition Paragraphs
Wonderfully organize definition paragraph!!!
10/10
A good paragraph includes:
 A Topic Sentence - this is the main idea or subject of the writing.
 Detail Sentences - these are the sentences that describe and give more detail about the
main idea.
 Logical Order - the sentences have to be put together in a way that makes sense.
Topic Sentence
Supporting/Detail Sentences
Explanation of concept
Examples/Details
Topic
Controlling Statement
Transitions (only if there is a previous
paragraph)
Concluding sentences are often included in longer paragraphs or to transition to the
next paragraph.
Example Paragraph
In addition to being either positive or negative, functions can be either manifest or
latent. A manifest function is the intended and recognized consequence of some element
of society. For example, a manifest function of the automobile is a to provide speedy
transportation from one location to another. A latent function, on the other hand, is the
unintended and unrecognized consequence of an element of society. A latent function of
an automobile is to gain social standing through the display of wealth.
Directions: Highlight the explanation concept and underline the examples/details.
Interactionists are particularly interested in the role that symbols play in our daily
lives. A symbol is anything that represents something else. In order for something to be
a symbol, however, members of society must agree on the meaning that is attached to it.
Such things as physical objects, gestures, words, and events can serve as symbols. The
American flag, the bald eagle, Fourth of July celebrations, and Uncle Sam are examples
of symbols used to represent the United States. In the case of gesture, a salute is a sign of
respect for authority.
Directions: Find the parts to the paragraph as listed above and change the font,
highlight, and underline appropriately.
People who employ the conflict perspective focus on the forces in society that
promote competition and change. Following in the tradition of Karl Marx, conflict
theorists are interested in how those who possess more power in society exercise control
over those with less power. Conflict theorists do not limit their attention to acts of
violent conflict. They are also interested in nonviolent competition between various
groups in society—men and women, people of different ages, or people of different racial
or national backgrounds. Some of the topics that conflict sociologists research include
Writing
decision-making in the family, relationships among racial groups, and disputes between
workers and employers.
Class Paragraph:
A functionalist would have a unique perspective on marriage.
The functionalist perspective analyzes how people work
together by completing their roles and fulfilling their purpose
to have social stability. Marriage is a small group of two people,
a husband and a wife. The functionalist would be interested in
the role and functions of the husband and wife. For example,
the functionalist would be interested in the man’s
responsibilities as a husband and the female’s responsibilities
as a wife. There responsibilities could include doing household
chores, earning the money, taking care of the kids, faithfulness,
and many more. These types of responsibilities help maintain a
stable relationship between the two of them.
Personal Paragraph:
People who use conflict perspective would focus on the
importance of conflict in school. Conflict theorists consider
about how power effects the sharing of resources and how
conflict changes society. It believes that conflict is normal and
natural, even needed for society to function because it
motivates people to change behavior or circumstances. People
who employ the conflict perspective would be interested in how
conflict effects school. For instance, students compete with
other students about their grade. Usually, students want good
grade so that they study hard to get it, but some students do
not try to do it. However, if there is a competition between
other students, it motivates students to work hard to get good
grade. Therefore, competition inspires people to change their
behavior.