Russell writenow ch03-1 chapter 3 power point

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3Writing Sentences, Paragraphs,

and Essays

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Learning Objectives

• Writing complete sentences, including topic sentences and thesis statements.

• Writing and developing effective paragraphs using transitional words and phrases to create better flow.

• Writing effective multi-paragraph essays that include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

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Sentences (LO 3.1)

Incomplete sentences

• Unable to stand on their own.

• Missing at least one of the 3 elements required to be a complete sentence.

Complete sentences

Contain 3 elements:• Subject (Topic)• Verb (Action)• Complete thought

(Allows the sentence to stand on its own)

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Parts of Speech (LO 3.1)

Nouns – Name of a person, place, or thing (e.g.,

Mr. Smith, hotel, dog)

Pronouns – Replace a noun (e.g., he, she, it)

Verbs – Show action or a state of being (e.g.,

climb, moved, are)

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Parts of Speech (contd.)

Adjectives – Modify or describe a noun (e.g., shiny,

smart, colorful)

Adverbs – Modify or describe verbs, adjectives, or

other adverbs (e.g., slowly, quickly)

Prepositions– Link a noun to another word (e.g., under,

beneath)

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Parts of Speech (contd.)

Conjunctions – Join clauses, sentences, or words (e.g.,

for, and, but)

Interjections – Express a strong feeling(e.g., Wow!, Oh

no!)

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Sentence Variety (LO 3.1)

• Vary your sentence length.• Short sentences emphasize a key

point.• Longer, complex sentences can

illustrate relationships among the ideas presented.

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Writing a Paragraph (LO 3.2)

Topic sentence• Contains a topic.• Contains an opinion about the topic.• Must be a complete sentence.

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Writing a Paragraph (contd.)

Supporting sentences• Main points that support the opinion in

your topic sentence.• Usually require 3-5 supporting

sentences.• More common to have too few

supporting sentences than too many.• All sentences should support the topic

sentence.

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Writing a Paragraph (contd.)

Transitions help notify the reader that the writer is changing directions or making a new point:• To give examples: for example, for

instance• To show time or order: first, later• To show location: above, near• To compare: similarly

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Writing a Paragraph (contd.)

Transitions continued: • To contrast: in contrast• To show a cause: because• To show an effect: as a result• To add information: additionally, along

with• To show emphasis or repetition: in other

words, in fact

• To conclude or summarize: finally, as a result

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Writing a Paragraph (contd.)

A Concluding sentence is used for a standalone paragraph.• Restate the main idea and opinion you

wrote in the topic sentence.• Use different words than the original

thesis.• Consider writing an additional

memorable sentence for the reader.

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Writing an Essay (LO 3.3)

Introductory paragraph• Should capture the audience’s attention.• Should state the thesis .• Should provide an overview of the main

points which will be covered in the body of the paper.

• Should contain an attention-getter.

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Writing an Essay (contd.)

Attention-Getters• Usually come at the beginning of

the paper• Convince the audience that the

paper is worth reading

• Introduce the thesis statement

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Writing an Essay (contd.)

Attention-Getter Ideas

• Brief description or story

• Comparison or contrast

• Dialogue• Inspiring or intriguing

quote• Relevant statistic

• List of relevant examples

• Short summary• Surprising

statement• Thought-provoking

question

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Writing an Essay (contd.)

• State your thesis.– Identifies the main idea of your essay.– Usually comes in the first or second

paragraph.– Similar to a topic sentence but

represents the idea of an entire essay versus one paragraph.

– Contains a topic and your opinion of the topic.

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Writing an Essay (contd.)

• Provide an overview of the main points.– Additional sentences may be used if

the main points are not identified in the thesis.

– Avoid a mechanical list of points.– Give the reader a clear idea of what is

going to be covered.

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Writing an Essay (contd.)

Body paragraphs• Often begin with a topic sentence• Include several supporting sentences• Use transitions to help ideas flow

smoothly• Make sure all ideas relate to the overall

thesis of the essay

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Writing an Essay (contd.)

Concluding paragraph• Should wrap up the entire essay• Should restate the thesis• Should summarize the main points• Should end with a memorable thought• Avoid introducing new ideas or

concepts• Avoid clichés