Paragraphs in Essay: Putting

It All Together
Basic Writing
WTUC
June 2007

Goals
To understand how paragraphs and
essays are related
To understand the basic steps in
composing an essay

Four Features of a Good

Paragraph
Topic Sentence- states the main idea
Only ONE Topic- All the sentences in the
paragraph are about one topic.
Indented Line- The first line of a paragraph
is indented.
Concluding sentence- bring the paragraph
to a logical conclusion.

Steps in the Process of Writing a

Paragraph
Brainstorming- Developing ideas
Focusing the topic- creating the topic
sentence
Writing supporting sentences- developing
the ideas
Ending the paragraph- writing concluding
sentences.

What is an Essay?
An essay is a collection of paragraphs that
presents facts, opinions, and ideas on a
topic.
An essay could be as short as three or four
paragraphs or as long as ten or more typed
pages that include many paragraphs.
A research paper is a special paper that
answers a research question. A Research
paper is actually a kind of essay.

Similarities between Essays and

Paragraphs, p180
Discuss one topic
Use similar organizational elements to help
the reader understand the information
Essays have supporting and concluding
paragraphs, just as paragraphs have
supporting and concluding sentences.
Have introduction (or topic sentence), a
body (supporting information, and a
conclusion.

Differences between a Paragraph

and Essay, p 181

Length
Scope of information
Paragraph topic is very specific
Essay topic covers a wider scope

Activity 2, p. 181:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

a. E, b. P.
a. P, b. E.
a. P, b. E.
a. E, b. P.
a. E, b. P.

What does an essay look like?

See page 183

An Essay Outline, p. 184

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Introduction (paragraph 1)
Body/Paragraph 2- Reason 1
Body/Paragraph 3- Reason 2
Body/ Paragraph 4- Reason 3
Conclusion/Paragraph 5

The Thesis Statement

Tells the reader what the essay is about
Indicates what the organization of the
essay will be
Usually the last sentence in the
introduction paragraph

Thesis statement: Examples

Three things make traveling to Southeast
Asia an unforgettable experience.
Serving in the military offers not only
professional advantages but also personal
advantages.
Computer literacy is one of the fastest
growing needs for young adults.
The person I most respect and admire is
my aunt.

Supporting Ideas
2-3 supporting ideas that support the
thesis statement
Each idea will become a separate
paragraph
Provide specific examples and details
within the paragraph

Some questions to ask and ideas to

develop about the thesis statements
Three things make traveling to Southeast
Asia an unforgettable experience.
Question: Why is it an unforgettable
experience?
Ideas to develop: The people are very
friendly; there are beautiful places to see; the
food is exotic.
See pages 185-186 for more examples.

Activity 3, p. 186:
Possible answers include: (computer literacy)
I. Introduction.
II. Body (paragraph 2): It is needed in academic
situations.
III. Body (paragraph 3): It is needed in the
workforce.
IV. Body (paragraph 4): It is needed for personal
reasons.
V. Conclusion (paragraph 6).

(aunt Josephine)
I. Introduction.
II. Body (paragraph 2): She taught me to be
strong.
III. Body (paragraph 3): She taught me to be
kind.
IV. Body (paragraph 4): She gave me
unconditional love.
V. Conclusion (paragraph 6).

Activity 5, p. 188:
1. a story.
2. opinion.
3. paragraph 3.
4. paragraph 4.
5. paragraph 5.

Activity 6, p. 189:
I. B. This disregard for the native language is a mistake as
there are many benefits to being bilingual.
II. A. One of the most basic advantages of being bilingual is
a purely linguistic one.
II. B. 3. Bilinguals can understand both the literal and
historical significance of an expression.
II. C. Finally, widespread bilingualism can contribute to
global awareness.
II. C. 2. Bilingualism can increase sympathy among
nations.
III. B. The real tragedy is people who lose a language that
they knew in the past.