domingo, 4 de mayo de 2014

What is a well-written paragraph like?


  • Paragraphs’ structure varies according to the culture.
  • North american writing style determines very structured paragraphs.
  • Formula of a well-written paragraph:
    • Opening/ Topic sentence or Thesis statement
      • Very general sentence.
      • Interesting topic + writer’s opinion about it.
      • Catch reader’s attention.
      • Details excluded.
    • Body
      • Provide supportive arguments for the topic in a specific order.
      • 2 ways of ordering arguments/details:
        • Order of importance.
        • Chronological order.
      • Provide lots of solid, concrete details that explain why the topic is important for the overall idea of the essay.
      • Provide reasons that explain why what is being written supports the main idea.
      • Provide examples that help the reader to understand the point; real examples if possible.
    • Closing sentence
      • Restate topic sentence.
      • Add something more so as to keep audience thinking.
      • Leave some kind of bridge to the next paragraph. If this is not possible, make clear that the idea is finished and start a new paragraph with some bridge to the previous one.
  • Academic writing has certain rules to follow:
    • When beginning a paragraph, indent or skip a line; never both.
    • Develop only one central idea in each paragraph.
    • The paragraph can have any length, as long as the writer sticks to the one-central-topic.
    • Keep the flow by the use of Bridges, i.e. establish a connection that links one sentence to the following one.
    • Avoid repetition, but repeat key terms whenever they are needed.


Academic Writing: An effective assignment
  • Different types of assignments depending on the subject:
    • Essays.
    • Reports.
    • Presentations.
    • Reflective pieces.
    • Book summaries.
    • Annotated bibliography.
    • Other forms of writing.
  • Each assignment has different requirements.
  • Tips for an effective assignment:
    • Understand clearly the assignments’ requirements/criteria.
    • Notice the key direction words.
    • Read the corresponding module handbooks.
    • Check learning outcomes.
    • Interpret and answer the question.
    • Stick to the set question.
  • Features common to all good academic writings:
    • Show a range of views or arguments,even those the writer disagrees with.
    • Remain objective, showing things from all sides.
    • Make a plan before writing, having the title in front.
    • Write in chunks.
    • Re-read and edit the writing; check whether clarity is needed.
    • Go through several drafts before being satisfied with the final product.
    • Proofread.
  • Assignment structure:
    • Respect fond and lay-out.
    • Link sentences and paragraphs logically.
    • Write using formal language with correct grammar punctuation and spelling.
    • Use several theories and examples to create a topic discussion.
    • Provide correct references according to the chosen style.


Works Cited
Parts of a paragraph - English academic writing introduction. English video lessons. Retrieved on 3
Writing skills: The paragraph. English video lessons. Retrieved on 3 May 2014. Retrieved from
Introduction to Academic Writing. Edge Hill University. Retrieved on 3 May 2014. Retrieved from


Ascolano, Gustavo
Laguarta, Brenda

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