Types of Academic Paragraphs. Explanation

Document that explains the types of paragrapghs

1. ACADEMIC WRITING – WEEK 5 TYPES OF PARAGRAPHS 2024

2. REVIEW: THE ACADEMIC PARAGRAPH A paragraph is a group of sentences that convey an idea. Each sentence works together as part of a unit to create an overall thought or impression. A paragraph is the smallest unit or cluster of sentences in which one idea can be developed adequately.

3. Descriptive paragraphs . Narrative paragraphs . Expository paragraphs Persuassive paragraphs . (vs. Opinion paragraphs . TYPES OF PARAGRAPHS

4. DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH The descriptive paragraph describes something and shows the reader what a thing or a person is like. The words chosen in the description often appeal to the five senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste.

5. EXAMPLE: My favorite show is called “Rick and Morty”. It is aired on Cartoon Network. It can be watched on Sunday nights. It can also be watched on Netflix. The show is an animated comedy show, which is based on a comic book. The show sketches the adventures of Rick, the most intelligent man in the galaxy, and Morty, who is Rick’s grandson, in a variety of situations that are usually very dangerous. My favorite character from this show is, obviously, Rick Sanchez. I consider him my favorite character because of the crazy things he does in every episode, which always make me laugh. The thing I like the most from this show is how different all these situations are. Every single episode shows a whole new different adventure that always delivers. That’s why “Rick and Morty” is my favorite show.

6. STRUCTURE OF THE DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH: Topic sentence. Supporting detail #1. Example. Supporting detail #2. Example . Supportin g detail #3. Example. Concluding sentence. (Restated topic s.)

7. NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH The narrative paragraph tells a story. There is a sequence of action or there is a clear beginning, middle, and end to the paragraph. The most important characteristic of the narrative paragraph is Chronology .

8. EXAMPLE: It’s been almost ten years since I first ran for political office. I was thirty-five at the time, four years out of law school, recently married, and generally impatient with life. A seat in the Illinois legislature had opened up, and several friends suggested that I run, thinking that my work as a civil rights lawyer, and contacts from my days as a community organizer, would make me a viable candidate. After discussing it with my wife, I entered the race and proceeded to do what every first-time candidate does: I talked to anyone who would listen. I went to block club meetings and church socials, beauty shops and barbershops. If two guys were standing on a corner, I would cross the street to hand them campaign literature. And everywhere I went, I’d get some version of the same two questions.

9. STRUCTURE OF THE NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH: There are 3 main components in narrative paragraphs: Background information. (Context, setting) Storyline. Conclusion.

10. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The background information sets the scene for the audience. It includes the following pieces of information: A topic sentence . What story/event is about, Who it is about, When it happens, Where it happens, Why it happens (happened).

11. STORYLINE The story or event happens at 3 different stages: the beginning , the development , and the end of the story or event. The beginning of the story : the beginning tells what happens first in the story. It can be the problem which makes the story or event happen. The development of the story : the middle tells the main events or important activities of the story/event. The end of the story : the end tells the final events.

12. CONCLUSION It drives the story or event into the end. It is a concluding sentence. The writer can either: a) restate the topic sentence. b) give a prediction. c) conclude the story. d ) make a reflection.

13. EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPH The expository paragraph explains something or provides instruction. It could also describe a process and move the reader step by step through a method. This type of paragraph often requires research, but it is possible that the writer is able to rely on his or her own knowledge and expertise.

14. EXAMPLE: People often think all planets are alike, but there are actually three types of planets in the solar system. The terrestrial planets are made of rock and metal and are closest to the sun. These include the midsize planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They rotate slowly and don’t have many moons. Farther from the sun are the planets called gas giants, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are called gas giants because they are formed from gases such as hydrogen and helium. Gas giants rotate fast and have many moons. Finally, planetoids are objects made up of rock and ice and are too small to be true “planets.” Planetoids sometimes even get pulled into a planet’s gravitational field and become moons themselves. Whether they are terrestrials, gas giants, or planetoids, the planets in the solar system are fascinating.

15. TYPES OF EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS There are various types of expository writing. These are: a) Definition. (explanation) b) Classification. (categorize) c) Process. (give directions) d) Problem and solution. e) Cause and effect. f) Comparison and Contrast.

16. STRUCTURE OF THE EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPH: There are 3 parts in expository paragraphs: Introduction. Body. Conclusion.

17. INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE: Introduces the issue. Presents the topic and its explanation or clarification. Provides the categories used to explain the topic. Provides the thesis statement.

18. BODY SENTENCES: Begins by reflecting the argument of the thesis statement. Supports the argument with useful and informative quotes from sources such as books, journal articles, expert opinions, etc. Briefly explains each quote and indicate its significance. Ensures that the information provided is relevant to the thesis statement. Transitions into the next body sentence.

19. CONCLUDING SENTENCE: Begins by reflecting the argument of the thesis statement. Briefly summarizes the main points of the paragraph. Provides a strong and effective close for the paragraph.

20. Class Practice (graded activity): Choose one of the options and write an expository paragraph (groups of 3 people): How do eclipses happen? How to become an expert researcher.

21. PERSUASIVE PARAGRAPH This type of paragraph tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of view or understand the writer’s position. This is the type of paragraph that many teachers focus on because it’s useful when building an argument. It often requires the collection of facts and research.

22. EXAMPLE : The Cass School summer carnival in January is a special event everyone should attend. First of all, there are activities for everyone. This year, one classroom had a fishpond for little kids. Another room painted a clown with a huge mouth on a board for a beanbag toss. Other rooms had shoe scrambles and relay races. Secondly, each room gives prizes like yo-yos, bug-eyed glasses, and light-up pens. Winning a prize always adds a little excitement to each activity. The best part is the clown contest. It is pretty funny to see how students become clowns using old clothes, face paint, wigs, big clunky shoes, and wild ties. Adults and kids laugh and laugh at the clowns. For a little summer fun in January, the Cass School carnival is worth a visit.

23. STRUCTURE OF THE PERSUASIVE PARAGRAPH: Persuasive paragraphs also have 3 parts, just like expository paragraphs: Introduction. Body. Conclusion.

24. INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE: Introduces the issue. Previews the argument that will appear in the body. Provides each of the arguments that will later appear in each body sentence. Refutes any counterpoints to the argument. Provides the thesis statement.

25. BODY SENTENCES: Begins by reflecting the argument of the thesis statement. Supports the argument with useful and informative quotes from sources such as books, journal articles, expert opinions, etc. Briefly explains each quote and indicate its significance. Ensures that the information provided is relevant to the thesis statement. Transitions into the next body sentence.

26. CONCLUDING SENTENCE: Begins by reflecting the argument of the thesis statement. Briefly summarizes the main points of the paragraph. Provides a strong and effective close for the paragraph.

27. OPINION VS. PERSUASION Writing or expressing an opinion is all about what you like; convincing another person to do something is all about what they need to hear to be persuaded.

28. STRUCTURE OF THE OPINION PARAGRAPH: Opinion paragraphs have a very popular structure. It is called the OREO structure . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2mj2vCyu2U

29. OREO STRUCTURE O pinion ( Topic sentence ) R easons (2 or 3 reasons ) E xamples (2 or 3 examples ) O pinion ( Restated topic sentence )

30. EXAMPLE Crunchy creamy Oreo cookies and paragraph share common ingredients. Like the chocolate sandwich on top of an Oreo, a paragraph’s topic sentence provides a delicious introduction to the main idea of the paragraph. Inside the paragraph, the rich smooth filling or the supportive details support and develop the topic sentence. At the bottom of the cookie and at the end of the paragraph, the delectable experience ends off with a final chocolatey crunch or a clincher sentence that restates the main idea in a powerful, new way. If necessary, it also gives the transition to the next Oreo. In summary, when biting into a scrumptious Oreo cookie, remember, it has three parts just like a paragraph.

31. Class Practice (graded activity): Write an OREO paragraph. Work in pairs. Your options are: Cats as pets. Studying abroad. Getting married in modern times.

32. OPINION VS PERSUASION… VS ARGUMENT?

33. OPINION VS. PERSUASION VS. ARGUMENT Watch the following video and take notes of the characteristics of each type of text. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo8tsUxdqKo Your teacher will now share a document about the main characteristics and differences of opinion, persuasive, and argumentative texts on Teams.

34. CONCLUSION

35. Formando líderes para la construcción de un nuevo país en paz