The Keys to Writing an Effectively Organized Paper Lyla Nabulsi
Jan 22, 2016
The Keys to Writing an Effectively Organized Paper
Lyla Nabulsi
What does expository mean?
Expository writing is writing that explains It can be personal It can be through research
Types of expository themes
Process Classification (division) Cause and effect Extended definition Comparison/contrast Analysis
What do all sentences, paragraphs and compositions
need?
UNITY – a single purpose EMPHASIS - repetition of the
single purpose COHERENCE – logical
arrangement of details
How are unity, emphasis, and coherence achieved? Strong thesis statement A controlling purpose Logical points of development Transitional devices Concise topic sentences with keywords Vivid details
What is a thesis statement? A clear, concise sentence stating the main idea in a
theme or composition clearly stating the writer’s attitude toward the subject of the theme
What does it contain?– Topic– Controlling Purpose– Points of development
Where does it go?– The end of the introduction is best– In a statement, not a question
How many sentences?– One is best– The topic and the cp must be in the sentence with the
mentioning of the POD’s as optional.
What is the controlling purpose?
Often known by governing principle, central idea, controlling idea.
It is the idea that the authors wants to prove about the topic.
It is decided after the topic and before the points of development.
It determines the points of development It is emphasized in every paragraph It unifies the entire paper.
Examples of controlling purposes
Process: How to organize a book fair to make the most profit
Classify: Classify fuels to determine which gives the best gas mileage
Comparison/contrast: Compare/contrast fossil fuel to hydrogen fuel to determine which is the safest to use
Position: Americans need to vote in this election in order (not) to bring about change
Determining the Points of Development Once the topic and controlling purpose has
evolved, the author determines the points that prove the controlling purpose.
How to organize a book fair in order to make a profit by – 1. Finding sponsors– 2. Determining a location– 3. Using volunteers– That’s all of the example
Composing a thesis statement It must be a statement. Should NOT contain
“I think.” Should not refer to the
paper. Should not be a
blanket statement Should not contain
elements that are not related
Should not be expressed in vague language
Should not be too narrow.
Should not contain obscure or garbled language
Use the thesis statement as the foundation of the composition It should appear as the last sentence in the
introductory paragraph Its points of development should be the
basis of the outline before writing the rough draft
It should serve as the focal point for each sentence written in the composition
Outline the Introduction
I. Introduction
A. Method – to gain the attention of the audience
B. Transition – move from the specific to the thesis statement
C. Thesis Statement – keywords for topic, cp, and POD’s
(POD’s are optional).
Methods of introduction Question Definition Startling statement Newspaper headline Incident Personal experience Analogy Description are examples Give background material (Position paper)
Outline the Development
II. Development or Body
A. POD One
1. Topic sentence
2. Details to prove cp
3. Clincher
B. POD Two
C. POD Three
Methods of Developmental Paragraphs Definition Description
– Spatial
– Chronological
– Analytical
Comparing/contrasting
Cause and effect Restatement Statistics Listing Single example Multiple examples
Structure the development by Arranging the Details As Follows: Climactic – least important to most
important Semi-climactic – second, least and most
important Cause and effect – C to E, E to C, P to S, Q
to A Chronological order – time sequence
Outline of Conclusion
III. Conclusion A. Use a method B. Emphasize the CP
Methods of Conclusion
Warning Call for Action Analogy Summary – avoid Show significance of topic Solution No new information in a conclusion
Write the first draft Write down the ideas Use key words in the topic sentences Use key words and synonyms for the CP
– Type the word– Use Shift F7 for thesaurus on computer
Emphasize the CP in each paragraph Write effective sentences Write effective paragraphs Use transitional words to connect within and
between paragraphs
Composing Effective Sentences Use subordination Use parallelism Correct pronoun reference No split constructions No awkward sentences Maintaining one point of view and tense Use of active voice Use of repetition Logical details
Composing Effective Paragraphs
Limit the topic idea to a single idea Write a clear, concise topic sentence with
keywords Select the best method to develop details Place details in a logical order Use necessary transitions Restate at the end if necessary (Clincher
sentence)
Transitional words
Chronological – First, next, after Cause and effect – In effect, as a result,
consequently Comparison – likewise, in comparison,
similarly Contrasting – on the other hand, conversely,
in contrast Restatement – in other words, in effect, to
put another way
Write a final draft Edit – Make changes in the following
– Placement of thesis– Placement of topic sentences– Arrangement and completeness of details– Sentence structure– Mechanics– Grammar
Proofread – Print a copy and have someone else proof– Typos– Punctuation– Capitalization– Grammar
Publish – Post in Write Only and MAIN