UNIT 5: PARAGRAPH REVIEW

4 main features of a paragraph:

1.
2.
3.
4.

A paragraph has a topic sentence with controlling ideas.

All of the sentences in the paragraph relate to the main topic.
The first line of a paragraph is indented.
The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a logical ending.
It is important to be able to identify the topic, topic sentence, and writers purpose in a
paragraph. Understanding how the parts of a paragraph are arranged, you will be able to
write better paragraphs.

Proofreading your work:

Always proofread your work check it for mistakes.

Make sure that you have used correct punctuation and capitalization.
Make sure that you have intended the first line of each paragraph.
Make sure every sentence has a subject and a verb.

It is a good idea to have someone else proofread your writing for you, too. Sometimes another
reader can see mistakes that you might miss.

UNIT 6: DEFINITION PARAGRAPHS

A definition paragraph:

Explains what something is.

Give facts, details, and examples to make the definition clear to the reader.

Quotation Marks
When you use another persons words, you must let the reader know that these words are not
yours by putting the borrowed words in quotation marks.
Including examples: Good writers include examples, especially when they are writing about a
difficult or abstract topic.

When to use an example

Where to put an example
How to begin an example

Citing ideas to avoiding plagiarism

Plagiarism is using someone elses words as if they were your own words.
You must cite, or show, the source of the idea whether you use a persons exact words or not. 2
most common ways to cite an original source:
1. Use the persons name and the date of the publication where his or her words are
found.
2. Include the persons name and the date of the publication after the borrowed idea.
Combining sentences for variety: limit use of simple sentences. Writing different kinds of
sentences is a way to improve your writing. For variety, combine 2 short sentences with a
connecting word, such as and, but, or, so.

UNIT 7: PROCESS ANALYSIS PARAGRAPHS

A process analysis paragraph:

Explains a sequence or process.

Presents facts and details in chronological order.
Uses time words or phrases.
Ends with a specified result.

Using index cards to help you organize

Write each step on a 3-by-5 index card to arrange and rearrange the steps.
Using technical terms
In your first draft, underline all the technical terms you use. This step will remind you to rephrase
them or write a simple definition when you use them if your readers may not understand these
technical terms.
Checking possessive adjectives
Check to see if your possessive adjectives agree with the noun or pronoun that they refer to. Be
careful with singular and plural usage.

UNIT 8: DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS

A descriptive paragraph

Describes
Give impressions, not definitions.
shows the reader.
Create a sensory image in the readers mind.

Using adjectives to connect with your readers

Use adjectives that you know will help your audience image and relate to the person or thing
that you are describing.
Using denotation and connotation to describe
Distinguish between the denotation and the connotation help your writing convey your specific
meaning.
Using prepositions of location to describe: use prepositions of location to help you place people
and things description.

UNIT 9: OPINION PARAGRAPHS

A good opinion paragraph:

Gives the writers opinion or opinions about the topic.

Interprets of explains facts.
Is often about a controversial issue.
Causes the reader to think about an issue seriously, perhaps even causing the reader o
reconsider his or her own opinion about the issue.
Considers both sides of an argument

Including an opposing opinion

It is a good idea to include one opposing point in the paragraph. You should acknowledge this
other opinion, but you should downplay, or minimize, it by using weak words, such as some,
may, might...

UNIT 10: NARRATIVE PARAGRAPHS

A narrative paragraph

Tells a story
Gives background information in the opening sentence or sentences
Has a clear begging, a middle, and an end.
Entertains and informs
Use vivid, descriptive language that paints a picture that is so real that the reader can
almost feel that he or she is witnessing the event live

The beginning: the main action begins after the topic sentence.
The middle: the main action or problem occurs.

The end: if there is a problem or conflict in the story, the solution is presented here.
Including background information
The topic sentence of a narrative paragraph gives background information about the action that
is going to happen in the story. The background sentence is not usually the beginning of the
story it sets up the story.
Using vivid language to help readers see your story
Use vivid language to help your readers image that they are actually there with you at the event.