English Composition

English Composition Study Guide

Chapter 3: Developing a Writing Objectives 1. To understand the basic structure and organization of a writing. 2. To distinguish between different paragraphs types and their purpose. 3. To learn how to vary and incorporate transitions into academic writing. 4. To properly cite sources in writing. 3.1 Essay Organization The organization of a writing is how the writer composes and arranges information. A writer needs to determine how the document will be organized to guarantee that the correct information will be presented clearly and logically. Every piece of writing should have a clear focus, with an identifiable beginning, middle, and end. A paragraph is simply a group of sentences. Each paragraph should have one main topic, at least two supporting details, transitions, and a concluding remark. In general, a paragraph is both an individual unit and a piece of the larger document. Each one should stand on its own as a complete thought, as well as provide a link back to the thesis statement. Writers use three types of paragraphs: • Introductory paragraph: This paragraph begins the document. Its purpose is to provide the foundation for the document. It announces the topic, describes the writer’s interest in the subject, and the significance to the audience. The introductory paragraph may also describe how the document is organized. It should contain a well-thought out thesis statement. • Body paragraph: Body paragraphs help prove or expand on the thesis. Each body paragraph should have one main idea, with at least two pieces of support to back up that idea. Within body paragraphs transitions are used to help the reader move from one idea to the next. A body paragraph should have a topic sentence that the other sentences help prove. • Concluding paragraph: This ends the document. It may be 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. Introductory Paragraphs The purpose of the introductory paragraph is to setup the rest of the writing. After reading the introduction, it should be clear what the topic, stance, and organization of the writing will be. Writers should work to compose an introductory paragraph that goes beyond a simple restatement of the prompt. Writers will often use a hook to grab the attention of the reader. A hook can be a brief anecdote, a quote, a definition, a fact, or anything that will make the reader want to continue. The hook should be just a sentence or two, and make the reader interested in the topic of the essay. After the hook there should be a bridge. A bridge is a sentence that discusses the topic or issue and acts as a transition into

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