Introduction to English Writing

Dr. Peih-ying Lu

November 19, 2009

Outline

I. Organization of a Paragraph

A. Topic Sentence

B. Supporting Sentences

C. Concluding Sentence

D. Model Paragraph II. Organization of an Essay

I. Organization of a Paragraph

A paragraph has three parts: a topic sentence, several supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.

A. Topic Sentence

A topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph gives reader an idea of what they will read.

A topic sentence is neither too general nor too specific.

A. Topic Sentence=a Topic+ a controlling IdeaThe topic sentence tells what topic the paragraph is

going to discuss. The topic sentence is the most important

sentence in a paragraph. It has two parts: a topic and a controlling idea.

A. Topic Sentence

1. The topic names the subject of the paragraph.

2. The controlling idea controls or limits the topic to a very specific point or points.

B. Supporting sentences

The supporting sentence give details about the topic.

Supporting sentences explain the topic by giving more information about it.

Tip: you can use signal phrases, “for example,” or “for instance” to begin a supporting sentence.

C. Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence summarizes the main points or restates the topic sentence in different words.

Tip: Begin with a conclusion signal.

Conclusion signals: All in all, In brief, In conclusion, Indeed, It is clear that…, These examples show that…, You can see that…

D. Model Paragraph: A Hawaiian WeddingThe mix of cultures in Hawaii makes weddings there

very special occasions. Certainly, Hawaiian clothing, music, and other Hawaiian customs play a big role. For example, the bride often wears a long white holoku (wedding dress), and the groom wears a long-sleeved white shirt and pants with a red sash around his waist. Both the bride and the groom wears leis (necklace made of flower) …Another Hawaiian custom is…. Other customs included in the festivities depend on the ethnic backgrounds of the couple. For instance, …. All in all, a Hawaiian wedding is truly a magical, multicultural event.

Questions on the Model

Look at the title. What is the topic of the paragraph?

Look at the first sentence. What does it say about the topic?

Now look at the last sentence. What idea from the first sentence is repeated here?

II. Organization of an EssayIntroductory Paragraph: Thesis statement (like a topic sentence in a

paragraph, it names the topic of the essay.) Body supporting paragraph A (a subdivision of the topic) supporting paragraph B (a subdivision of the topic) supporting paragraph C (a subdivision of the topic)

Concluding Paragraph: Restatement or summary of the main points; final comment.

Student’s Essay Question Answer 2 “Mending Wall” presents the isolation and division in

people. “Birthday Party” shows that it might be possible that even a long-married couple doesn’t deeply know each other. “Mother Tongue” indicates the language estrangement between the author and her mother. I would establish good relationship between me and my neighbor to solve the embarrassing incident if I were the character in “Mending Wall.” “Birthday Party” lets me know the personalities of each person are different. People should learn to give more respect to other’s thought. I would choose to use the same method as the author if I had the situation like her in “Mother Tongue.”

Student’s Essay Question Answer 2The reason in “Mending Wall” is the nature. People want

themselves to be isolated from others. There is a rigid wall between most of us. The reason in “Birthday Party” is that the couple didn’t know each other well. The wife make the husband embarrassed. The reason in “Mother Tongue” is that Amy Tan repelled against her parents’ expectation.

If I were in the “Birthday Party” situation. I would not be indignant on the scene. Instead, I would be thankful for her kindness because she held a party for me. After that, I would find chances to make her know that I am a conservative person. I don’t want the same situation to happen again. I think it is a good way to ease out the conflict.