Overview: Paragraph Writing

Narration - розповідаю

A narrative paragraph tells a story. Something happens first, second, third, etc.

Useful sentence connectors (transitional words)

Logical order

firstly, secondly, thirdly etc next, last, finally in addition furthermore also at present / presently

Order of importance

more importantly most significantly above all primarily

Elements of the narrative paragraphcharacter(s),settingevents (plot)

 cover

І. Topic sentence: (Main idea)

ІІ. Supporting ideas: (The events (plot))

1. goal2. obstacle or conflict3. climax4. resolution

ІІІ. Conclusion:

The Warmest Memory of My Childhood

My twelfth birthday was originally a disappointment that turned into my best birthday ever. For five or six months preceding the big day, I begged my parents for a certain new bicycle. I had seen one in a medium price range that I figured my folks could afford. I hinted and even pleaded outright, promising to do extra chores if I got it. Pointing out that the only bike I had ever had was a hand-me-down from my older brother. I showed them how rusted the frame was. When my birthday finally came, my hopes were so high. Instead of the bicycle, though, I got a new shirt, a pair of sneakers, and an envelope. At first, I thought it was just a card, but it turned out to have enough money for the bike in it. It also contained five “contracts” for extra work around the house that I could do to earn enough money for a much nicer bicycle. My parents gave me the gift of upgrading from the bike I settled for. I ended up getting a great new bicycle that I helped to buy with money I had earned myself.

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Division - ділю ціле на невід'ємні складові

Example: An ideal friend would be loyal, fun to be with, and mentally stimulating.

І. Topic sentence: Main idea: ... the ingredients of a ...ІІ. Supporting ideas: 1) Transition word 1: For a start,

a) Secondary support:2) Transition word 2: Secondly,

a) Secondary support:3) Transition word 3: The last and probably most important ingredient is

a) Secondary support:ІІІ. Conclusion: Transition word:

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 1

When we go to a restaurant, we probably hope that the service will be helpful, the atmosphere will be pleasant, and the food will be tasty. But many restaurants that are good in all three respects may be hard to find. Write a review of a restaurant, analyzing its (1) service, (2) atmosphere, and (3) food. Visit a restaurant for this assignment, or draw on an experience you have had recently. Freewrite or make a list of observations about such elements as:

Quantity of food you receive Attitude of the servers

Taste of the food Noise level and music, if any

Efficiency of the servers Temperature of the food

Freshness of the ingredients Level of cleanliness

How the food is presented (garnishes, dishes, and so on) Décor

Feel free to write about details other than those listed above. Just be sure each detail fits into one of your three categories: food, service, or atmosphere.

For your topic sentence, rate the restaurant by giving it from one to five stars, on the basis of your overall impression, Include the restaurant's name and location in your topic sentence. Here are some examples:

Guido's, an Italian restaurant downtown, deserves three stars. The McDonald's on Route 70 merits a four-star rating. The Circle Diner in Westfield barely earns a one-star rating.

Comparison - показую, чим два предмети подібні Contrast - показую розбіжність

Transitional expressions used in comparison:in the same wayand, also, in additionas well asboth, neithereach ofjust as...sosimilarlyliketoothe same

Transitional expressions used in contrast:However,In contrast,By contrast,..., but..., yet On the other hand,even though + [sentence]although + [sentence]whereas + [sentence]unlike + [sentence]while + [sentence]nevertheless,

 

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Ex. 1. Fill in the gaps with an appropriate conjunctions from those shown below.

in the same way       likewise      another similarity      similarly      whereas      too  while       both       however 

      Even though we come from different cultures, my wife and I are alike in several ways. For one thing, we are _____ thirty-two years old. In fact, our birthdays are in the same month, hers on July 10 and mine on July 20. _________ is that we both grew up in large cities. Helene was born and raised in Paris and I come from Yokohama. Third, our hobbies are alike _________. My wife devotes a lot of her free time to playing jazz piano. _________, I like to spend time after work strumming my guitar. A more important similarity concerns our values. For example, Helene has strong opinions about educating our children and raising them to know right from wrong. I feel _________. Our children should receive a good education and also have strong moral training.Ex.2. Write your own paragraphs using the forms below.

Point by Point COMPARISON:

My A and my B have several things in common. First, both are ____. For example, my A has ___. Similarly, my B consists of _________. This ____ when _________. A second way in which these two A+B are similar is that they are both _________. A is _________. In the same way, B ________. Thirdly, these A+B are similar in that they contain __________. A, for example, is ____, which is famous for its _________ as well as for its ______. Likewise, B. _______, which is well known for its _______ and also for its _____. All in all, A and B _______ .

Point by Point CONTRAST:

Even though A and B are both __ of the (one unit), they are strikingly different in many ways. For example, the __1-st supporting idea __ of each (unit) is different. A is ________, having a _____, whereas B is only _______, having an ___of only _______. Another difference is in the ___2-nd supporting idea___ of each (unit). A has about _________, but B has less than ________. The two A+B also differ in the kinds of __3-d supporting idea __ that each has. For instance, A is a very ________, consisting of large _____ that do not receive much ________ every time. However, B is _____ in a ____ and Vs a ______ of N per (time). In addition, while A is a _______ and thus has no ____, B Vs on the _____ and does have a significant N. To be honest, if I didn't already know I would never guess that A and B are related to each other because they are complete opposites.

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Description of the place - описую місце

1. Topic sentence:2. Supporting ideas: a) Transition word:

b) Transition word:c) Transition word:

3. Conclusion:

My Apartmentby Martha Torres 

I live in Provo, Utah in a small apartment. It is in the basement of a house. The apartment has three rooms: there are a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen. I like to live here because I live alone, and I feel peace.

When I come in, the first thing I can see is the bedroom. In this room there is a night table next to the bed, a TV, a radio, and a closet. Also, the room has a wall of wood and a window. When I open the blinds, I can see outside to the garden. On the bed I have a big bear, and I like to touch it because it feels soft. I feel very comfortable in the bedroom. When I'm in the bedroom, there are some relaxing things I like to do. For example, I like to listen to classical and romantic music. I feel relaxed and at peace when I listen to classical music. Sometimes I like to watch TV when there is a good program. When I watch TV, this helps me because I can learn more English.

Next to the bedroom there is the kitchen. In the kitchen I have everything I need when I'm going to cook. When I cook, this smell fills my whole apartment, such as lasagna, bread, or chocolate chip cookies. There is also a dining room. In the dining room there is a table and two chairs. I feel free when I'm in the kitchen, because I can take something to eat or something to drink. Also, I like to make my own meal. I feel happy when my meal tastes very good.

The apartment is pretty, and I like to see everything clean. I clean every weekend, and I feel happy when the apartment is clean. I enjoy my time in this apartment.

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Description of the person - описую зовнішність/характер людини

Ex.1. Circle the main idea. Underline the spatial signal words and the sensory details. Cross out the two details that are not relevant to the main idea. http://www.ablongman.com/henry_rh/ch04.pdf

Dressed to Impress

(1) Latoya Bond had been job hunting for months; finally, she landed an interview with a company that she was eager to join. (2) Latoya felt confident that she was well qualified for the position. (3) After all, she was one of the three final candidates chosen from over 100 applications, yet she also knew the importance of making a good impression. (4) From head to toe, Latoya dressed to appear professional and confident. (5) Latoya gathered her hard-to-manage curls into a neat and stylish twist. (6) To complement her no-nonsense hairstyle, Latoya used makeup sparingly but effectively. (7) A little black mascara on her lashes, a touch of blush across her cheeks, and bit of tinted lip balm brought attention to her interested eyes and her earnest smile. (8) She would also be sure to speak with a calm and assured voice. (9) The neatly pressed collar of a white cotton shirt contrasted nicely with her tailored blue pinstriped jacket. (10) Her dark blue A-line skirt reached to just below her knees. (11) Latoya finished her outfit with a flattering pair of blue low-heeled pumps that matched her briefcase and purse. (12) She would offer her prospective employer a firm handshake. (13) Latoya looked as professional and confident as she felt.

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Description of the character - описую характер людиниhttp://jodoran.net/esl090/esl090-paragraph-structure-and-development/

І. Topic sentence: Main idea:ІІ. Supporting ideas: 1) First,

Support:

2) Second,a) support:b) For example:

3) Third,a) support:

Negative trait: 4) Transition word: ІІІ. Conclusion:

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Argumentation - доказую

1. Topic sentence:2. Supporting ideas: a) First of all,

In addition to this,b) Secondly,Support:c) Finally,Support

3. Conclusion: In short,

ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH SAMPLES1. ArgumentativeImportance of University EducationPeople attend university to prepare for a career, to attend for personal fulfillment and to makemore money in the job market. First of all, some attend university in order to prepare for a career. They learn about a particular subject in depth there. In addition to this, employers want employees who have very specific knowledge. Secondly, some attend for personal achievement. Adults may attend university just for the joy of learning. Students also may feel a sense of success by learning new things. Finally, some attend in order to make more money in the job market. Because, If one has specialized skills, one can make more money in the job market. In short, people attend college for many reasons some of which include desire to prepare for a career, personal fulfillment and financial rewards.

2. Argumentative Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.Enemy of CommunicationCommunication between friends and family has been destroyed due to television. Television is such a passive activity that family and friends often forget what meaningful communication is. Therefore, television makes passive. When people watch television, they do not talk with one another. People also enjoy the relaxation of watching television, but forget that communication is important. Although many people watch television in order to relax, they give less time to family and friends. Moreover, Television often causes arguments. Not only family members argue about what to watch on TV but also friends do. In addition to this, children argue with their parents to buy them toys they see advertised on TV. In conclusion, television has destroyed communication between family and friends. People do not communicate in the same way as they did before television was invented. People spend less time with family and friends and more time with TV this is destructive.

3. Argumentative Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, e-mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.Face to Face CommunicationI believe that face-to-face communication is better than other forms of communication. It is morepersonal, more effective and more honest. When you talk to a person face-to-face, it is more personal.You see them, their actions, and their feelings. Besides, when you write a letter or email, you do not get this same kind of experience. Moreover, face-to-face communication is usually more effective because you can easily see the other people’s expression and feelings about a topic. That means you can change your conversation to fit the situation. For example, you want to ask your boss or a raise, but you can see that he is in a bad mood or he is distracted...then you would wait for another time. Furthermore, body language is more effective than spoken language. Seventy percent of communication is through gestures. You can't get this with email, letters and telephone conversations. In short, face-to-face communication is better than other forms of communication. Most people have more personal, effective, and honest conversations when they meet face-to-face.

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Persuasion - переконую перейти на свій бікPersuasion means to convince someone that your opinion on a subject is the right one. There are many forms of persuasion, you might not even know you are being persuaded. For example advertisements are persuading you to buy a certain product. Or family is always trying to convince you to do something or that they are always right. Methods of Persuasion

Facts - A statement of what is. Referring to authority- An expert who can be relied on to give unbiased facts and information. Examples- An example should clearly relate to the argument and should be typical enough to

support it. Predicting the consequence- Helps the reader visualize what will occur if something does or does

not happen. Answering the opposition- Answering possible critics shows you are aware of the opposing

opinion and are able to respond to it. Transitional Expressions for Persuasion ParagraphsGive Reasons

first (second, third) another, next last, finally because, since, for although

 Answer the Opposition

of course some may say nevertheless on the other hand

 Draw Conclusions

therefore thus hence consequently

Organize your writing:

1. Topic sentence: Write a clear opening that is interesting, states your opinion, and stays positive!

2. Supporting ideas:

a) First reason (with transition): Support: State your positionb) Second reason (with transition): your arguments/reasons for arguing about this topic. Then separate each reason into its own sentence followed by support or examples sentences. This helps prove your point!!!Support: Support your statement with examples.c)Third reason (with transition): Save your best argument for last.Support: Summarize your position

3. Conclusion: Finally restate your position and add a call to action.

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Sample Persuasive ParagraphsAgainst: (beginner's level)

No HomeworkWe shouldn't have homework. It takes away from family time. You have to do your homework instead of playing a family board game or playing catch. You can't go outside to play so you get fat. If you bring it home you will rush through it so you can play video games. We should do our work at school because we have better equipment there. We should also do it at school because we can't ask our teacher questions when we do it at home. It's hard to concentrate when you could be outside playing on a sunny day. I hope you agree with me.

For: (intermediate level)PlanTopic: Homework

REASONS: (1) additional practice (2) time for longer assignments (3) review

I. Topic Sentence (opinion): - Homework is an important part of the learning process in middle school.

II. Reasons with supporting ideas

(1) ADDITIONAL PRACTICE - classes too short for adequate practice - independent practice

(2) TIME FOR LONGER ASSIGNMENTS - compositions - reports and special projects - students’ different working speeds

(3) REVIEW - new material and old material - tests and grades

III. CONCLUSION:

Homework is Important Homework is an important part of the learning process in middle school. One reason is that homework gives students additional practice of skills covered in class. Middle school classes are too short to teach a new concept and practice it sufficiently for students to master. Students need both guided practice in class and independent practice at home. Another reason for homework is that it provides time to complete longer assignments. For example, the ideal composition process allows time for students to think and to reflect on their ideas, as well as time to revise and to proofread their writing. Also, reports and special projects often require research that cannot always be done at school. In addition, since all students do not work at the same speed, giving students time at home to finish work keeps them from falling behind. Finally, the most important reason for homework is that it ensures review. New material and old material are practiced in daily assignments. Students who do their homework daily are prepared for tests and make better grades. In conclusion, not only is homework essential to mastering new skills and maintaining previously learned skills, but it also guarantees constant review and provides time for longer assignments, as well as additional time for students who need it. Students, do your daily homework, make better grades, and learn more!

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