TEW ch. 3 Flashcards
What’s in a well-organized paragraph?
introduce the topic of the paragraph; develop that topic with evidence; and summarize the paragraph.
Topic Sentences
introduces the main idea in the paragraph. Therefore, it often expresses a general, rather than specific, idea.
Concluding Sentence
Will show how the ideas you presented in your paragraph supported the topic and have resulted in a logical conclusion. When you write essays, each paragraph’s concluding sentence connects back to your essay’s thesis to show that your supporting paragraph has done its job.
Paragraph Wrap
a satisfying way to conclude a paragraph as it reminds the reader what the paragraph was about. It is especially effective in a longer paragraph where the reader might lose track of the main idea
Transition words
guide the reader from one sentence to the next, showing the relationship between them. Too many can clutter the paragraph and the essay. Avoid wordy transitions. The dependent clause acts as a transition, then the independent clause introduces the new topic.
Unified Paragraph
All sentences relate to the main idea being presented. An essay should contain one idea per paragraph.
Coherent paragraph
Each sentence is skillfully connected to the next so that they stick together and convey a single idea.
Repetition
Repeating key words or phrases in a paragraph reinforces your main idea and helps your reader understand it. Use alternative words and expressions, such as synonyms, to aid understanding.
Parallel Structures
Experienced writers also use parallel, or balanced, structures to achieve coherence. Parallel sentences can also repeat structures to make the ideas clearer
Analogy
a comparison between two objects that share a characteristic. The analogy helps the reader understand the original object.
Description
used at any point to add concrete, physical detail, but it should play a limited role. Try to evoke the five senses in your descriptions.
Definition
not only tells the reader what you will be talking about but also helps you understand your topic better and organize your main points. You will often define in your opening paragraph, so that your audience is clear about the meaning of the terms you will use in your thesis and in your essay.
Examples
a way of supporting a point and clarifying an abstract idea. Examples can often be combined with other methods, such as cause–effect, cost–benefit, or comparison and contrast.
Narrating
can be an effective way to introduce or reinforce your topic. Narration is used in personal essays but can also be used in other types. typically informal.
Personal Paragraph
focuses on an aspect of the writer’s life or a significant experience that illustrates the thesis of an essay. In a successful personal paragraph, the writer is able to make their experience seem relevant to the reader. Informal.
