Page 89 - DENG103_English - I

English–I

Notes Paragraphs are like conversations. Each conversation is a series of statements, questions, or
explanations that pass along information. Each paragraph is also a series of sentences that pass
along information. A paragraph is different from a conversation because a paragraph can be
edited and changed after you write it down, and a conversation can’t be taken back once you
have spoken the words.
• Defining Paragraphs—these paragraphs give you a definition for some term.
A definition tells you what a word or term means. This paragraph tells you what a defining
paragraph is, so this paragraph is a defining paragraph about defining paragraphs! When you
define something, you want to use simple words so that your reader will understand what
you are saying.
• Classifying Paragraphs-these are paragraphs which divide something into groups or
categories. This entire section is a classifying paragraph which tells you the different
kinds of paragraph that you can use!
• Persuasive or Argumentative Paragraphs-these are paragraphs that try to convince the
reader to agree with something.
Writing a good paragraph just takes practice. You will be able to write well if you keep at it!
Anyone at all can learn how to write a good paragraph, even if they don’t make perfect grades
or speak wonderful English. All you have to do is be willing to practice writing, and you can
do it! A hortatory exposition is a special type of argument that is written in specific language.
To write hortatory exposition, you use words that focus on the writer instead of on the reader
(I, me, mine). You also use more abstract language such as passive voice (“it was done”
instead of “they did it”) and present tense instead of the usual past tense (“I am in town”
instead of “I was in town”). Hortatory exposition is just an argument which is phrased in a
less emotional, more passive voice.
The way that you write paragraphs is simply to pretend that you are talking to someone.
Instead of telling them whatever you want to say, you write it down instead. Here are some
good tips for writing efffective paragraphs:
• “Tell Them What You Are Going To Tell Them”—writing is the same as making a speech
—first, you want to give the audience an idea of what is coming up. This will be your
topic sentence, and should give a pretty good idea of what the paragraph is going to be
about. A good topic sentence should be specific instead of general, and should convey
some sort of emotion—either an attitude, a belief, or a conviction.
• “Tell Them”—next, you write your supporting sentences—be sure that each one supports
the topic sentence—if you think of a sentence that goes off on a tangent or starts a new
topic, put it into another paragraph.
• “Tell Them What You Just Told Them”—your conclusion sentence should repeat the
basic idea of the topic sentence using different words.
You might also keep in mind these additional tips:
• Unity and Coherence—your paragraph should all be about the same topic, without wandering
around discussing many different things. You should also be as coherent as possible—
use simple language instead of big words whenever possible, link your sentences with
bridges (see next tip), and use logical arguments and facts.
• Bridges—you can link the sentences and paragraphs by using key words which you
repeat throughout your writing, by using synonyms and similar words, or by following
a logical argument and proceeding step-by-step throughout. Using some sort of order,

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