Good+Writing

Elements of a good paragraph

1. Topic Sentence – this signals to the reader what the paragraph will be about. It states the argument of the paragraph

2. Textual Support – this is evidence (quotes) from the text that supports the argument the paragraph makes

__3-Steps to using Textual Support__ 1. Introduce the quote – tell the situation or the speaker 2. Give the quote – rewrite the text as it appears in the original work. Be sure to properly document page number for short stories and novels, or line number for poems 3. Explain **how** and **why** this quote proves your topic sentence is true. This explanation should be about two or three lines long
 * select quotes that have a lot of meaning and can be written about in more than one sentence
 * strong paragraphs have about two or three pieces of textual support

3. Closing sentence – This is the last sentence of the paragraph and should wrap up the thought of the paragraph.
 * HOWEVER, IT SHOULD NOT MENTION** **ANY NEW INFORMATION. FOR EXAMPLE INFORMATION THAT**
 * MIGHT BE CONTAINED IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH!**


 * EXAMPLE**

How does the Greek creation story explain the concept of order arising from chaos?

In the Greek myth “The Beginning of Things,” order comes from chaos after Zeus is able to defeat his father Cronus in battle. The titan Cronus originally rebelled against his own father and “became King of Heaven in his father’s place” (3). To ensure his own position as king, Cronus banished his brothers and sisters to Tartarus. Furthermore, he “was determined that his children should not rebel against him…so as soon as one was born, he swallowed it whole” (4). Rhea, Cronus’ wife, disliked this plan and hid her son Zeus. When the boy grew to full size, he freed Cronus’ brothers from the underworld and they all went to battle the King of Heaven. “In the end, they conquered Cronus and bound him in chains and shut him up in dark Tartarus” (6). Without his father controlling the entire world, Zeus reigned supreme. He divided the world among the other gods and peace came to the universe.


 * Elements of an Introduction Paragraph**

1. Lead – Creatively introduces the topic in a general way 2. Author / Title – introduces the author(s) and title(s) of the work(s) 3. Brief plot summary 4. Thesis Statement – This is the argument that the essay will attempt to prove and support. It may be a theme statement as in the example below.
 * Novels and paintings are underlined or italicized
 * Short stories and poems are put in quotation marks


 * Example:**

It is human nature to desire those things we do not have – new clothes, a new CD, a new car. Yet when this desire blinds a person to the good things he or she does have, it can damage relationships. Robert Cormier’s “Mine on Thursdays” and Frank Dillon’s “All I Want” explore this idea of seeking that which one does not have. In Cormier’s story, Howie seemingly ignores the possible meaningful relationship he can have with his daughter in hopes of something better on the horizon. The same can be said for Dillon’s poem. Therefore, these two works offer an insight into the danger one can face when one neglects the world around him or her by focusing on what is missing.


 * Elements of a Closing Paragraph (Conclusion)**


 * 1) Summarize and restate main points in a way different from the introduction
 * 2) Make a strong last impression

What to Avoid:
 * Do not introduce an entirely new idea or add a fact that belongs in the body.
 * Do not merely reword the introductory paragraph or simply list the main points.
 * Don't use absolute claims such as "This proves..."
 * Don't use empty or trite cliches. (“So look before you leap.”)
 * Remember, the conclusion is a paragraph, not just a single sentence. If you find you have a one-sentence conclusion (or any other one-sentence paragraph), you need to re-write it. This type of ending is weak and suggests that the writer could not think of a more effective conclusion.
 * Example:**

Therefore, Cormier’s and Dillon’s works both examine the importance of recognizing the here and now. Howie comes to this realization, but it is too late to salvage his relationship with his daughter. Dillon’s poem “All I Want” also reflects the painful understanding that desiring what one does not have leads to an unfulfilled life. Both leave the reader with a sense of emptiness that can only be filled by being content with one’s world.