What is a well written paragraph like?

What is a well-written paragraph like?

• Paragraphs’ structure varies according to the culture.
• North american writing style determines very structured paragraphs.
• Formula of a well-written paragraph:
• Opening/ Topic sentence or Thesis statement
• Very general sentence.
• Interesting topic + writer’s opinion about it.
• Catch reader’s attention.
• Details excluded.
• Body
• Provide supportive arguments for the topic in a specific order.
• 2 ways of ordering arguments/details:
• Order of importance.
• Chronological order.
• Provide lots of solid, concrete details that explain why the topic is important for the overall idea of the essay.
• Provide reasons that explain why what is being written supports the main idea.
• Provide examples that help the reader to understand the point; real examples if possible.
• Closing sentence
• Restate topic sentence.
• Add something more so as to keep audience thinking.
• Leave some kind of bridge to the next paragraph. If this is not possible, make clear that the idea is finished and start a new paragraph with some bridge to the previous one.
• Academic writing has certain rules to follow:
• When beginning a paragraph, indent or skip a line; never both.
• Develop only one central idea in each paragraph.
• The paragraph can have any length, as long as the writer sticks to the one-central-topic.
• Keep the flow by the use of Bridges, i.e. establish a connection that links one sentence to the following one.
• Avoid repetition, but repeat key terms whenever they are needed.

Academic Writing: An effective assignment

• Different types of assignments depending on the subject:
• Essays.
• Reports.
• Presentations.
• Reflective pieces.
• Book summaries.
• Annotated bibliography.
• Other forms of writing.
• Each assignment has different requirements.
• Tips for an effective assignment:
• Understand clearly the assignments’ requirements/criteria.
• Notice the key direction words.
• Read the corresponding module handbooks.
• Check learning outcomes.
• Interpret and answer the question.
• Stick to the set question.
• Features common to all good academic writings:
• Show a range of views or arguments,even those the writer disagrees with.
• Remain objective, showing things from all sides.
• Make a plan before writing, having the title in front.
• Write in chunks.
• Re-read and edit the writing; check whether clarity is needed.
• Go through several drafts before being satisfied with the final product.
• Proofread.
• Assignment structure:
• Respect fond and lay-out.
• Link sentences and paragraphs logically.
• Write using formal language with correct grammar punctuation and spelling.
• Use several theories and examples to create a topic discussion.
• Provide correct references according to the chosen style.

Works Cited

Parts of a paragraph - English academic writing introduction. English video lessons. Retrieved on 3

May 2014. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCuExRE6N-4

Writing skills: The paragraph. English video lessons. Retrieved on 3 May 2014. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IFDuhdB2Hk

Introduction to Academic Writing. Edge Hill University. Retrieved on 3 May 2014. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CelpkwseU5U

Ascolano, Gustavo

Laguarta, Brenda

G-Doc link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TiE9lmJSWLdTAizifzPalk4Qr4qxypiZvZ9wGQua3EM/edit