A model for of understanding the structure and function of paragraphs a tool for smashing through the barrier of writer s block!

Transcription

1 The Paragraph Buster! A model for of understanding the structure and function of paragraphs a tool for smashing through the barrier of writer s block! The Paragraph Buster aim: To identify the different things you can do when you write a paragraph. why this tool might be helpful for students: Some writers simply get stuck and don t know what to write next. This simple tool can be used to build a paragraph by identifying and presenting a number of different options that can be chosen from and used. Some writers make a strong, relevant point but leave it undeveloped; this simple tool encourages writers to expand on relevant points by adding different things. note: Although most paragraphs will begin with an introductory sentence that states the subject or main idea of the paragraph (sometimes called a topic sentence), the order of ation and ideas in paragraphs can vary. The options given on the next page can be used in any order; sometimes, more than one option can be used in the same sentence. Paragraphs contain description (factual ation) and/or discussion (ideas, arguments etc.) and the options given on the next page can be used to generate both description and discussion. 1 Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor plialearning@mail.com

2 a paragraph can do these 6 things: state the topic of the paragraph (e.g. make a clear statement, start a description or use a quote to the main idea) expand on what you have just written ( e.g. add description, explain something, put forward an argument or add an idea) provide evidence to what you have just written (e.g. use theory, policy or research to back up a statement or an argument) what you have just written (i.e. state its limitations; make its focus and range clear) a paragraph can do all these things or just some of them and it can do them in any order provide evidence to criticise or contradict what you have just written (e.g. use theory, policy or research to counter a statement or an argument) write an outcome or summary of what you have just written (this should relate to the main topic of the paragraph) 2 Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor plialearning@mail.com

3 The paragraph you write depends on what you want you want it to do. For example: A paragraph that gives a definition or describes something could consist of: I e + I m A paragraph that provides evidence to an idea could consist of: I e + I m + s t Paragraphs can vary from simple to complex: simple paragraphs complex paragraphs The structure of a paragraph will emerge as you write. There is no value in trying to create the structure before your write. This tool is designed to give you options as to what to do next. The aim is to use these options to serve the purpose of your paragraph. Don t forget, you can mix up all these options and use them in any order. 3 Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor plialearning@mail.com

4 The conclusion paragraph Most paragraphs will begin with the introduction of a topic, theme or idea which is then added to in the various ways outlined here. However, a paragraph may contain the outcome(s) of a description or discussion presented in the previous paragraph or paragraphs. A conclusion paragraph is likely to come at the end of an essay or the end of a book chapter. However, conclusion paragraphs can also be used throughout longer texts to intermittently tie together the various threads of a discussion. For example, you may give a definition or perspective in one paragraph; give an alternative definition or perspective in the next paragraph and discuss how both relate in a third (concluding) paragraph. Even within a conclusion paragraph, you can use any of the options given here; for example you may state a conclusion and or it. 4 Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor plialearning@mail.com

5 Now you know what a paragraph can do pick any card and start to deal yourself a paragraph! tell/ tell/ tell/ 5 Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor plialearning@mail.com