PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE: SEQUENCE / PROCESS

English language learners: This is a seven-slide presentation with a few steps and an example to help you revisit information on sequence/process paragraph structure, so you can apply the information in our Module III tasks (RZP - March 2020).

1. Paragraph Structure Sequence / Process 1 1 Created by: RZP Topic: Paragraph Structure - Process OER Audience: English language learners Date: March 2020 Images: courtesy of ClipArt Prewriting -Brainstorming -Graphic Representation -Concept Map -Visualization Writing -Topic Sentence -Introduction -Body -Conclusion 1

2. Prewriting 2 Brainstorming Outline Introduction Thesis statement Body Paragraph 1: Topic sentence Paragraph 2: Topic sentence Paragraph 3: Topic sentence Conclusion 2 Introduction - Thesis statement Conclusion - Restate thesis Graphic organizer Source: Adapted from Susan Verner’s: http://busyteacher.org/11878-help-learners- writing-13-strategies.html

3. Organizing 3 Thesis Statement / Topic Sentence Writing an essay includes many stages as outlined below. There are many stages for students to consider when they write an essay. Students writing an academic essay need to consider five stages. 3

4. Writing 4 Introduction Writing an academic essay may initially seem to be a daunting task for many students. Based on comments by students over the years , brainstorming ideas and organizing thoughts appear to be an insurmountable endeavour at first. As the students identify a more manageable approach to learning, they begin to apply strategies that align with their personality characteristics, status quo on a personal level and academic level, and task at hand. Moreover, they begin to rely on online educational resources such as their instructor, peers, and course content to help guide them through the steps required in paragraph and essay writing. As outlined below, t here are many stages for students to consider when they write an essay . Note to students: vocabulary used in Module II / Webex session 4

5. Writing 5 Body Paragraph 1 – first stage The first stage in paragraph or essay writing for English as a second language (ESL) learners is the organization of thoughts and ideas about a topic. Paragraph 2 – second stage Another stage that seems to be helpful for ESL students is the self-realization of learning preferences and modalities as they identify learning strategies to guide their thought process. Paragraph 3 – third stage An important stage in paragraph or essay writing is the identification of resources that will not only facilitate the thought process but also stimulate the generation of ideas. 5

6. Writing 6 Conclusion It is evident that when students engage in the process of paragraph and essay writing , they experience emotions of both elation and frustration as they undergo the various stages. Writing is a reflective process, and as such, it requires time and effort on the part of the students. Consequently, the process of writing requires moments of introspection to enable students to brainstorm ideas , to realize their own strategies and approaches to learning, and to identify pertinent resources related to the task at hand. When students experience learning episodes that provide them with enough time and space to think, organize, and research, they may find the process of paragraph and essay writing less overwhelming. 6

7. 7 Thank you! 7 Images: courtesy of ClipArt Created by: RZP Topic: Paragraph Structure - Process OER Audience: English language learners Date: March 2020 Paragraph Structure Sequence / Process