W2B. Paragraphs, Structure, Transitions

Author

Georgy Gelvanovsky

Published

October 26, 2023

Quiz | Flashcards

1. Summary

1.1 Defining the Paragraph

A paragraph is the fundamental basic building block of any longer text. It is defined as a group of sentences focused entirely on a single subject. The core principle of effective writing dictates that one paragraph should contain only one idea. If a new idea or subtopic emerges, a new paragraph must be started.

1.2 Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph

An effective paragraph must possess five critical characteristics:

  1. Unified: It focuses exclusively on one main idea (the controlling idea). All sentences must directly develop this central idea without deviation.
  2. Logical: The sentences must flow smoothly, establishing clear relationships between concepts. This is often achieved through the known-new contract.
  3. Well-structured: It follows a recognized format, typically including a head, a body, and a conclusion.
  4. Clear: The language and ideas are immediately understandable to the reader.
  5. Concise: It is efficient, using only necessary words and sentences to fully develop the idea.
1.3 Paragraph Structure: The Burger Model

An effective paragraph is usually organized into three distinct parts, often visualized using the burger analogy:

  1. Paragraph Head (Top Bun): Typically one or two sentences that introduce the topic and the writer’s stance. This is the topic sentence.
  2. Supporting Sentences (Meat and Fillings): These form the body of the paragraph. They expand, explain, and prove the main idea stated in the head. This section generally makes up two-thirds of the paragraph’s word count and requires at least three supporting points.
  3. Concluding Sentence (Bottom Bun): The final sentence that wraps up the discussion of that single idea, often rephrasing the head or summarizing the supporting points.
1.4 The Paragraph Head (Topic Sentence)

The Paragraph Head (or topic sentence) is crucial as it states the primary purpose of the paragraph and often provides a smooth transition from the preceding paragraph.

A well-written paragraph head is composed of two elements:

  1. The Topic: What the paragraph is generally about.
  2. The Controlling Idea: What the writer intends to say or prove about that topic. This limits the scope and dictates what the supporting sentences must discuss.

For example, if the topic is “Video games,” the controlling idea might be that “they are beneficial for several reasons.” The resulting topic sentence would be: “Video games are beneficial for social, psychological, and physical reasons.”

1.5 Writing Supporting Sentences

Supporting sentences are the evidence and explanation that develop the controlling idea. They usually follow a two-part approach:

1. Explanation The writer must explain the controlling idea multiple times (usually three) using different approaches, such as providing:

  • Examples: Specific instances that illustrate the point.
  • Reasons: Causes or justifications for the main idea.
  • Steps: If the paragraph describes a process.

2. Details Each explanation must be grounded in specific details to provide credibility and depth. Details can take several forms:

  • Facts: Information generally accepted as truth.
  • Anecdotes: Short, relevant stories or incidents based on experience.
  • Statistics: Numerical data, often derived from surveys or studies.
  • Expert’s Opinion: References to statements or theories from knowledgeable authorities.
1.6 The Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence is the last sentence in the paragraph and serves to signal the end of the discussion on that particular topic.

Crucially, it should never introduce new details or ideas.

There are two main strategies for writing an effective concluding sentence:

  1. Rephrasing: Repeating the controlling idea found in the paragraph head, but using entirely different language and syntax.
  2. Summarizing: Synthesizing the main points made in the supporting sentences to create a unified final statement.
1.7 Ensuring Logical Flow: Transitions

For sentences to flow smoothly, they must connect logically. This is managed through two main techniques: the known-new contract and the use of transitions.

1.7.1 The Known-New Contract (Topic and Stress)

To maintain logical flow (cohesion), sentences should adhere to the known-new contract:

  • Beginning of the sentence (Topic/Known): Start with information the reader already possesses (i.e., information carried over from the previous sentence’s ending).
  • End of the sentence (Stress/New): Place the most unfamiliar, important, or new information at the end of the sentence.

This creates a chain effect, where the new information (stress) of one sentence becomes the known information (topic) of the next.

1.7.2 Direct Transitions

Direct transitions are specific set phrases or words used to indicate the logical relationship between two sentences or ideas. They help guide the reader through the argument.

  • Ordering: First, Second, Finally, Primarily.
  • Adding: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition.
  • Causation: Therefore, Consequently, As a result.
  • Contrast: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand.