College Composition

College Composition Study Guide

Chapter 4: Writing Basics Objectives 1. To construct sentences, paragraphs, and essays that convey a clear point. 2. To learn writing organization techniques. 3. To determine how to properly integrate sources into writing. The writing process is more than putting words together to convey ideas. In order to successfully reach a specific audience, or accomplish the writing goal, one must pay close attention to the organization of sentences within the paragraphs that make up the writing. When a writer carefully constructs sentences and paragraphs within a response, the writing will be more effective. 4.1 Constructing Effective Paragraphs A strong paragraph must have a clear focus while organizing ideas in a way that make sense to a reader. While a paragraph can have a lot of useful information, if it isn’t coherent it won’t make an impact on the reader. When writing a long response or essay, it’s important to make each paragraph its own point. There is no minimum or maximum number of sentences required for a paragraph. If the point is just a couple of sentences, that is an acceptable paragraph length. The purpose of a paragraph is to give the reader a visual clue to help in understanding that the writing is covering a different topic or point. There are four main types of paragraphs. • Introductory paragraph: This paragraph begins the document. Its purpose is to provide the foundation for the writing. It announces the topic, clearly states the writer’s stance or purpose for writing, and helps the reader understand the significance of the writing. The introductory paragraph may also allude to how the document is organized. • Body paragraph: The body paragraphs are the bulk of a writing. These are used to cite information from sources to support a point, allow for elaboration on ideas, or to explain topics to the reader. Each body paragraph should cover just one topic or point. In longer writings, it may be appropriate to break up one point into multiple body paragraphs. • Concluding paragraph: This ends the document. It is used to summarize the document or explain what the audience should have learned. The concluding paragraph may include a call to action or suggestion of what to do next for the audience. • Transition paragraph: This type of paragraph is needed in longer documents. Its function is to summarize what the document has done and preview what the document will do next. This allows the audience a break in reading and a chance to review the information they have already read. Introductory Paragraphs An introductory paragraph sets the tone for the writing. It outlines what will be covered within the

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