Writing Terms Paragraphs

Topic Sentence Covers the main idea of the paragraph better than any other sentence. Should be a strong, attention getting sentence.

Elaboration (supporting details) Reasons: strengthen an argument. Anecdote: a brief story that engages your reader and brings your subject to life. Quotations: Words of an expert validate your point.

Elaboration (supporting details) Examples: Strengthen your writing by making it more concrete. Sensory details: bring description to life by creating vivid word pictures. Facts and statistics: support an opinion or develop a point.

Unity All sentences must support the main idea.

Coherence All sentences relate to one another, and each idea flows clearly and logically to the next. Coherence includes order of information as defined on the following slides…

Chronological (time) Gives sequence of events, tells what happened first, second, third, and so on. Used for telling a story, describing an action, explaining a process Transitions include: after, first, later, now, next, then

Spatial (space) Arranges detail from nearest to farthest, top to bottom, left to right, and so on. Used for describing a person, place, or thing—descriptive writing. Transitions include: above, ahead, below, behind, inside, near

Order of Importance Ranks information from least important to most important and vice versa. Used for writing that states a personal belief or preference; typically builds from least important to most important. Transitions include: another, even greater, finally, furthermore, most significantly

Comparison and Contrast Presents similarities and differences between two or more items When comparing A and B, the pattern can be either AAA-BBB or AB-AB-AB. Transitions include: again, also, although, both, however, instead, similarly

Developmental Arranges information from one point in the sentence to another. Used when the topic sentence divides the topic into categories, when supporting details are equally important, or when no other order suggests itself. Transitions include: along with, for example, in fact, namely, therefore, furthermore, finally

Concluding Sentence This sentence should support and sum up your writing purpose and goals

Sample Paragraph 1 I had the worst day of my life. It started when I overslept and missed the school bus. Next, I failed my science test, and I realized I forgot my homework on my desk at home, so I earned a zero. Finally, I tripped over my shoelaces and dropped all my books. I did eat a healthy lunch. Perhaps the next time I oversleep, I shouldn’t get out of bed at all.

Sample Paragraph 2 The banquet hall is absolutely gorgeous. A marble staircase and, above it, an extraordinary chandelier grace the entrance area. When visitors walk into the ballroom, they will see a beautiful hard wood dance floor to the left and plush oriental carpeting below their feet. The elegant settings on top of the large, circular tables are of the finest china. Any couple would be thrilled to host a wedding reception here.