Expository Paragraph Writing
Introductory Paragraphs contain three elements:
- A. An introduction to the topic which includes the
- textual or historical issue you wish to address
- method for solving the problem or answering the question
- B. A central argument which
- concisely expresses a debatable claim
- unifies the argument
- C. A roadmap, which outlines the structure of the argument to be presented in the body of the essay
Support Paragraphs:
- A. The Topic Sentence must do three things:
- Transition from the last paragraph if needed
- Indicate what the paragraph will be about
- Clearly link to the thesis statement
- B. Supporting Points (a number sufficient to be persuasive) must
- Introduce the evidence/example
- Present the evidence/example
- Interpret/analyze the evidence and connect to the larger argument
- C. Conclusion (if needed) must
- Synthesize the focus of the paragraph by connecting it to the topic of the paragraph and the thesis
- Lead to the next paragraph
Concluding Paragraphs:
- A. Concisely sum up the argument (thesis) in a non-repetitive, unifying way
- B. Not introduce new evidence
- C. Reflect on the argument at a higher level by
- suggesting possibilities for further analysis and/or
- explaining why the argument developed in the essay matters and/or
- applying the specific argument to a more general context
- OWL Purdue: Paragraph Organization & Flow
This vidcast talks about major components of paragraph-level writing such as unity, coherence, and development. Solid, clear paragraphs that are well-connected create a foundation for an argument and contribute to what writers often call "flow."