Purpose
Gives one main point
Discusses a whole topic
Scope
Focuses on one piece of a topic
Covers a topic fully and deeply
Components
- Topic Sentence
- Introduction
- Supporting Sentences
- Body Paragraphs (Multiple)
- Transitions (Optional)
- Conclusion
- Closing Sentence (Optional)
- Transitions
- References or Citations (if applicable)
3-5 sentences usually
It varies a lot depending on the topic
Used in longer writings
Narrative, descriptive, persuasive, etc.
Provides focused information
Explores and analyzes a whole topic
Paragraphs and essays have different purposes. Knowing when and how to use each one improves writing. Concise, focused paragraphs help with writing.
Thorough, organized essays help too. Together, they let writers express ideas powerfully. Understanding the structures matters. Utilizing them well is key. It makes writing stronger overall.
1. what is the main purpose of a paragraph.
The main purpose of a paragraph is to explain one central idea. Paragraphs expand on one main point or topic.
They let the writer give details before moving on. All the sentences work together. They expand on one point.
A strong essay has an engaging introduction. The introduction previews the topic. The body paragraphs are smoothly ordered. There are transitions between ideas. The essay has solid research and facts.
These support the claims. There is a memorable conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the main points. A thoughtful structure helps create a quality essay. Strong analysis also helps. Good grammar helps too.
It is possible for an essay to have just one body paragraph. This is more common in short essays or types like narrative or descriptive essays.
But most essays with a full exploration of a topic have multiple body paragraphs. Each body paragraph addresses different aspects.
Usually, citations are not needed in a paragraph. But if the information comes from other sources, you should give credit. This matters most within the full essay or document. Proper attribution there is important.
Start a new paragraph when you are moving from discussing one main idea to another. For example, each body paragraph of an essay focuses on a distinct main point, so a new paragraph is needed when shifting gears to a new sub-topic or example. New paragraphs help organize information.
Unleash creativity, precision, and excellence in every word. Upgrade now for limitless potential.
Oubria tronshaw.
The relationship between a paragraph and an essay is symbiotic; you can't write an essay without using paragraphs, and four or more consecutive paragraphs about the same subject matter become an essay. Both paragraphs and essays have a distinct beginning, middle and end. They're also both composed of five sections: A paragraph typically has five sentences, and an essay, five paragraphs.
Both paragraphs and essays begin with a topic sentence, or a thesis statement, that explains to the reader what the paragraph, or essay, is about. A thesis statement for an essay is longer and more detailed than the topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph. For example, a thesis statement for an essay might be: "The gravity of marriage becomes more apparent over time; newlyweds imagine a glamorous life ahead and cannot yet imagine the test their love will endure, while couples married for a decade or more are beginning to understand the depth of their promise." A topic sentence for a paragraph might simply be: "A lasting marriage requires many levels of compromise."
Paragraphs and essays both require supporting details that elaborate on the statements made in the topic sentence or thesis statement. In a paragraph, each subsequent sentence builds upon the point made in the topic sentence; in an essay, the first sentence in each paragraph discusses points made in the thesis statement. In a paragraph, the sentences following the topic sentence are called "supporting details." In an essay, the paragraphs following the thesis statement are called "supporting paragraphs." Each supporting paragraph has its own supporting details.
Paragraphs and essays differ in their length. Paragraphs are typically between five and six sentences long. They're composed of a topic sentence and four or five supporting details. Essays contain at least five paragraphs; they're composed of an introductory paragraph (which includes the thesis statement), at least three supporting paragraphs and a conclusion paragraph.
Both paragraphs and essays must end with a conclusion, but the type of conclusion differs. Paragraphs must end with a concluding sentence that states the basic point of the paragraph. It should not rephrase or reiterate the topic sentence. Essays end with a conclusion paragraph that summarizes the content of the essay and reiterates the thesis statement with different phrasing. The conclusion paragraph usually revisits the points introduced in the supporting paragraphs to prove to the reader that, from the writer's point of view, the thesis statement was correct.
Oubria Tronshaw specializes in topics related to parenting and business. She received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Chicago State University. She currently teaches English at Harper Community College in the Chicago area.
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Paragraphs are the building blocks of an essay, so the difference between the two is comparative to the difference between a brick and a house. Your house may be made of bricks, but it's not likely you'll ever live in just a single brick.
Both a good paragraph and a good essay make a point. One thought logically flows into another with one central point in mind.
A paragraph includes a topic sentence that is followed by at least two to three sentences that elaborate on that topic. It ends with a final sentence that sums up those thoughts and reaches a conclusion about them.
An essay includes an introduction that presents a topic followed by at least two to three paragraphs that elaborate on that topic along with a final paragraph that sums up those thoughts and reaches a conclusion about them.
The difference is that the topic in an essay is generally broader and requires multiple paragraphs to explain the points its writer intends to make about that topic.
A good paragraph makes a point and each sentence supports and expands on that one point. Paragraphs should be limited to a single topic and each body sentence should simply flesh out the topic at hand. Traditionally, a paragraph should include at least four to five sentences of writing with this specific structure in mind to be complete.
A good essay includes a thesis statement that can be expanded to make many points that relate back to it. Each paragraph in an essay will include a topic sentence that both support and flesh out the thesis statement. Further, a good essay takes quite a bit more preparation than a single paragraph. Few good essays include less than five paragraphs since a much broader topic is being explored than in a single paragraph.
The ability to write a good paragraph is essential to writing a good essay. However, you're going to have to work a little harder on an essay, because a single paragraph is generally not going to make a broad enough point to be considered an essay. Use good, well-structured paragraphs with topic sentences that make each point in explain a thesis statement as your building blocks, and you'll be well on your way to completing a great essay.
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Part Two Paragraph Writing Skills and Essay Introduction
Learning Objectives
Read the following paragraph and essay. Discuss the questions that follow.
Places in Making American Friends
There are three places to make friends in the United States. The first place is in the neighborhood. When I visited the U.S. as a child ten years ago, I met an American girl whose house was near mine. We were shy in the beginning but soon started riding our bikes in the neighborhood. We chased [1] each other and had a good time. A few months later, her family moved to another state. I have fond [2] memories of her and think that we will be able to reconnect and renew our friendship if we meet again. Secondly, going to an American school provides an opportunity to make friends. I attended an American elementary school for about six months. I was very nervous about being the only one who looked different. However, some classmates and teachers were kind enough to approach me. They were very understanding even though I did not always understand them. Some of them even helped me with school work and in the gym class. As a young girl in a foreign country, I was very grateful for their friendship. Now I am in America again. I need and value friendship as much as when I was a child. I go to a church once a week and attend a Bible study class where I meet many young adults. There, I have made some friends with whom I talk about not only God but also different cultures. For example, some of them are interested in Japanese music and Anime, so I share some of my favorite music and Anime with them. Sometimes I teach Japanese to them, and they teach English to me. Exchanging information with each other is a good way of establishing and strengthening [3] the relationship. I have learned from my experiences in the neighborhood, school, and church in America over the years that with an open and sincere heart, I am able to find good friends.
By M. Ohbayashi (student), ESL Writing III, Harper College. U sed with permission.
When I was a child, I had an opportunity to come to the United States a few times to visit my grandmother, uncle, and aunt, who were living in the U.S. Many years later, in January 2020, my mother and I were able to immigrate here. Since I was not an outgoing type of person, I had just a few friends in Japan. However, I have met a lot of Americans and have been able to make friends with some of them. The three places to make friends in the U.S. for me are my neighborhood, school, and church.
The first place is in the neighborhood. When I visited the U.S. as a child ten years ago, I met an American girl whose house was near mine. We were shy in the beginning but soon started riding our bikes in the neighborhood. We chased each other and had a good time. I also went to the pool with my grandmother and her family in summer. Although the pool was deep and I was scared, she and her family helped me enjoy swimming without fear. Besides riding bikes and swimming, we both loved dogs. We each had one. Even the dogs became friends as we played with them with balls. A few months later, her family moved to another state. I have fond memories of her and think that we will be able to reconnect and renew our friendship if we meet again.
Secondly, going to an American school provides an opportunity to make friends. I attended an American elementary school for about six months. I was very nervous about being the only one who looked different. I also did not know how to behave differently in an American school. However, some classmates and teachers were kind enough to approach me. They spoke slowly and patiently with simple English words. They were very understanding even though I did not always understand them. Some of them even helped me with school work and in the gym class. As a young girl in a foreign country, I was very grateful for their friendship. Thanks to them, school became wonderful to me.
Now I am in America again. I need and value friendship as much as when I was a child. I go to a church once a week. One day I met a girl who was studying Japanese. We began to talk with each other. She invited me to a Bible study class, and there I met many young adults. In the beginning, I felt nervous and shy just like the time when I attended the American elementary school for the first time many years before. However, as time went by, I started to like the Bible study class and made some friends with whom I talk about not only God but also different cultures. For example, some of them are interested in Japanese music and Anime, so I share some of my favorite music and Anime with them. Sometimes I teach Japanese to them, and they teach English to me. Exchanging information with each other is a good way of establishing and strengthening the relationship.
Fortunately, I have met many kind Americans who have become my good friends. Though my shyness sometimes stands in the way, I have been trying hard to overcome it by initiating conversations with as many people as possible. I have learned that with an open and sincere heart, I am able to find good friends.
By M. Ohbayashi (student), Writing III, Harper College. U sed with permission.
Discussion Questions:
You have learned and practiced how to write well-organized, well-developed paragraphs. Now it is time to expand your writing expertise [4] to essays!
In Unit 3 Parts and Characteristics of a Good Paragraph, you learned that a paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea . ( Open Unit 3 here . )
In this unit, you will learn that an essay is a group of paragraphs about one main idea . An essay can be as short as three paragraphs but as long as many paragraphs that span [5] multiple pages.
Here is a summary of similarities and differences between a paragraph and an essay:
Similarities | Paragraph | Essay |
---|---|---|
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ |
Differences | Paragraph | Essay |
---|---|---|
topic sentence, usually in the beginning | thesis statement, usually at end of introduction | |
some details | more details | |
one paragraph | three or more paragraphs (In this course, we are studying five-paragraph essays.) | |
shorter time | longer time |
Essay assignments are very common in college courses. In this course, you are going to learn only the basic concepts and organization of essays that contain five paragraphs. There are other ways of writing built on this basic model, and you will learn them in future semesters.
As you already have much experience writing paragraphs, a good start with essays is to expand [6] an existing paragraph, as you have seen in the beginning of this unit. Below is a structural comparison between a paragraph and an essay.
Read the following paragraph and then the essay. Compare the two by answering the questions that follow.
My Joy in Baking
Baking is my favorite hobby. When I was a child, I like d sweets a lot, especially pastry. Since my mom could not bake, I always went to my friend Natalia’s house to learn baking because her mom was excellent in it. Though t he learning process was not that easy , I enjoyed it . I tried and ruined [7] a lot of ingredients, but I did not lose hope. Then I started to get better and better. I tried cupcakes and cookies. It gave me confidence and excitement to think that I could bake for myself. Now I am an adult with a family of my own, and this hobby has not changed. It relaxes me to bak e. When I have a n exhausting day or feel stressed out, the idea of crea ting something sweet and fresh makes me feel relaxed . I also like to share the fruit [8] of my hobby with my family and friends. Baking for them gives me joy. To have a happy moment together on any occasion [9] with sweet treats makes my relationship with them stronger. These are all the reasons why baking is my favorite hobby. I would recommend it to anyone who loves sweets and is looking for ways to bring happiness to other people.
By N . Mamurova (student), ESL Writing III, Harper College. Used with permission.
A hobby is a regular activity performed for enjoyment during spare time. People can choose any hobbies that are right for them: music, sports, cooking, sewing, gardenin g , and so on. As a child, I like d sweets a lot, especially pastry. This is why baking became and has always been my favorite hobby.
Though the learning process was not easy, I enjoyed it . Since my mom could not bake, I always went to my friend Natalia’s house to learn baking because her mom was excellent in it. I tried and ruined a lot of ingredients, but I did not lose hope. After a few months, I started to get better and better. On Natalia’ s 10 th birthday, I made pretty cupcakes, even with yellow and pink icings on them. Her mom was very impressed. It gave me confidence and excitement to think that I could bake by myself and bring more happiness to an already joyful event.
Now I am an adult with a family of my own, and this hobby has not changed. It relaxes me to bake. When I have an exhausting day or I am stressed out, the idea of creating something sweet and fresh makes me feel relaxed. Being a mom and a student, my schedule is full. However, nothing else relieves my stress more than baking after a difficult examination at the college: the aroma of butter and sugar, the slowly forming cookies in the oven, and the pleasant and crunching sound as I bite into my creations – all eases the tension of my whole being.
Most importantly, sharing my baking has strengthened my relationship with my family and friends. Enjoying a happy moment together on any occasion with sweet treats gives me joy. Once a friend of mine was sick, but she immediately got much better when I brought her a home-baked, mouth-watering apple pie. I have learned that helping others does not have to be a huge endeavor [10] . Small acts of kindness are just as valuable and meaningful.
A hobby takes time to perfect but brings joy in the process. I am so glad that I have found my pleasure in baking, and I intend to enjoy it for many more years to come. I would recommend it to anyone who loves sweets and is looking for ways to bring happiness to other people.
By N . Mamurova (student), ESL Writing III, Harper College. Used with permission.
Questions | Paragraph | Essay |
---|---|---|
The word “hook” may remind you of a piece of plastic or metal on the wall on which you can hang your coat. The hook holds the coat and prevents it from falling to the floor. In the same way, a hook in the beginning of an essay aims to hold the readers’ attention so that they keep reading. The main purpose of a hook is to introduce the topic and to get the readers interested.
There are different ways to write a hook. The most common ones are introducing the background or discussing some general information related to the topic.
Discuss the hook in the essays “Places in Making American Friends” and “My Joy in Baking”. Does it introduce the topic and get you interested in reading the essay?
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is a sentence that contains the main idea of the entire essay.
The rules for the topic sentence also apply to the thesis statement.
Exercise 1. Use the expressions below to develop thesis statements.
surprises / U.S.
Thesis statement: I encountered some surprises in my first few weeks of living in the U.S.
1. children / parents’ influence
2. marriage / fights
3. dream job / hard work
4. self-discipline / success
5. bilingual / benefits
6. money / problems
7. government / assisting college students
8. personality / happiness
Exercise 2. Study the introductory paragraph in “Places in Making American Friends” and “My Joy in Baking”. Then choose two of the thesis statements from Exercise 1 to write two introductory paragraphs.
The principles for the transitions, supporting ideas, and conclusion in a paragraph also apply to an essay. In an essay, there are more supporting details than in a paragraph.
Study and discuss the following outline developed from the example thesis statement in Exercise 1.
Parts of an Essay | Outline ideas |
---|---|
Introductory Paragraph | |
Hook | my background of coming to the U.S. and love travelling |
Thesis Statement | I encountered some surprises in my first few weeks of living in the U.S. |
Supporting Paragraphs | |
Topic sentence 1 | surprise about nature |
Details 1 | from airport to house, saw trees, flowers, squirrels, geese, cardinal, not in my country |
Topic sentence 2 | surprise about customs |
Details 2 | no air dry laundry outside, dandelions not ok, clean lawn |
Topic sentence 3 | surprise about friendly people |
Details 3 | friendly to strangers, parks, stores, smile, not in my country, afraid of getting hurt, teach children |
Concluding Paragraph | three good surprises about nature, customs, people. Like US, second home. |
Exercise 3. Use the above outline as an example. From the two topics you worked on in Exercise 1 and Exercise 2, write an essay outline for each.
Parts of an Essay | Outline ideas |
---|---|
Introductory Paragraph | |
Hook | |
Thesis Statement | |
Supporting Paragraphs | |
Topic sentence 1 | |
Details 1 | |
Topic sentence 2 | |
Details 2 | |
Topic sentence 3 | |
Details 3 | |
Concluding Paragraph |
Read the two essays below. The first one is developed from an earlier outline. As you read, discuss the questions:
Now you are ready to write your own essay! As you have learned in Unit 2 The Writing Process ( Open Unit 2 here ), the best way to plan a paragraph is to follow the proper steps.
An Essay Writing Assignment
Purpose : To show your understanding of planning and writing an essay. Use the writing process to help you.
Topic : You have three choices from below.
Brainstorm and Outline : Brainstorm for ideas. Then organize the ideas by using the outline template below to make an outline. Your outline is due on _________. Bring it to class.
Essay : Your essay should have a title, an introductory paragraph with a hook and a thesis statement, 3 supporting paragraphs each starting with a topic sentence followed by lots of details, and a concluding paragraph. Use appropriate transitions to connect the supporting paragraphs. There should be a total of 5 paragraphs in the essay.
Format : Type your essay, double spaced, font size 12, with 1-inch margins on four sides of the page. Type your name, class, and date on the upper right-hand corner of the page. The first line of each paragraph should be indented. Save your essay in a Word file.
Self Checklist : When you finish writing, use the Self Checklist below. Put a checkmark beside each item if you think you did a good job in that area. Otherwise, improve your essay until you can check off the item. Save your work again.
Submission : Submit your essay on the Blackboard. Go to your Blackboard course site and follow the instructions there. Due by __________.
You have three choices for your topic.
Choice 1:
Choose one of the paragraphs you have written in this course and expand it into an essay.
Choose one of the thesis statements, introductory paragraphs, and outlines in Exercise 1, 2, and 3 in this unit. Then write an essay based on your outline.
Choose one of the following new topics. If you plan to have a different one, please talk with your professor first.
Essay Outline Template
Essay Self Checklist
1 | Is my essay clear to understand? | |
---|---|---|
2 | Do I have an interesting hook and a clear thesis statement? Is the thesis statement located at the end of the introductory paragraph? | |
3 | Did I begin each supporting paragraph with a topic sentence? Did I include lots of details in each paragraph? | |
4 | Did I connect the supporting paragraphs with appropriate transitions? | |
5 | Did I include a concluding paragraph? | |
6 | Did I try my best to use correct sentence structure (simple, compound, complex)? | |
7 | Did I try my best to use correct grammar such as nouns, pronouns, word form, word order, and others? | |
8 | Did I try my best to have correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization? | |
9 | Did I follow the proper paragraph format? |
Note: #6 – #8 may include more specific aspects of grammar depending on how many editing units you have already studied.
NSNT Practice
Go to The NSNT Free Writing Approach and Additional Weekly Prompts for Writing in Appendix A. ( Open Appendix A here. ) Choose two topics that you have not written about. You may start with the NSNT approach. Then revise and edit at least one of them into an essay. You are encouraged to share your writing with your partner and help each other improve.
Vocabulary Review
The words here have appeared in this unit. The best way to learn them is to guess the meaning of each word from the context. Then hover your computer mouse over the number beside each word to check its meaning and part of speech. These words are also listed in the footnote area at the end of each unit.
Here, you can use the flashcards below to review these words.
Building Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2022 by Cui, Lin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
Sentences are a basic structure of language. They convey the action or existence of a person, place, or thing. Sentences are combined to form paragraphs to form longer written documents. This may sound simplistic, but to build effective written communication, sentences have to be combined in certain ways to form the paragraphs which in turn can be combined to write longer works. Even the longest novel is made up of sentences which are organized into paragraphs except for dialogue. An essay is a special type of writing focused on proving a point called the thesis. Essays are composed of special types of paragraphs with very particular content.
The rules for punctuation and sentence structure are covered in the Grammar section. This section will cover how to compose paragraphs and an academic essay which is also, generally, the way beginning level research papers are organized. Research papers are also called research essays.
A paragraph is a series of sentences on a specific point or topic. A well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states the main idea: what the paragraph is about. While some say the topic sentence can be anywhere in the paragraph, it is best to put it as the first sentence in a paragraph. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support, elaborate, and/or further explain the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.
Paragraphs have varying length depending upon various factors. An average paragraph in an academic essay is about six to eight sentences.
There are various types of paragraphs such as summaries, abstracts, and answers to questions for a specific assignment. In addition, there are specialized types of paragraphs for various reports such as feasibility studies or performance reports.
The types of paragraphs covered in this lesson are general paragraphs as would be used in the body of a letter or an academic essay, including general research papers (research essays).
Topic sentence – purpose of a paragraph.
Unless you are writing specialized report such as a scientific research paper or a feasibility study that may otherwise show the purpose of a paragraph such as a heading , a well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states what the paragraph is about.
Whether you are writing a paragraph for a specific assignment, an academic essay, a research paper, or a simple letter, each paragraph should include a topic sentence. The topic sentence should be the first sentence of the paragraph so that the reader knows what the paragraph is about. The topic sentence in a body paragraph of an essay must be in support for the thesis: a reason why the thesis is true or accurate.
The rest of the sentences in the paragraph of an essay support, elaborate, and/or further explain the topic sentence.
The first sentence is the topic sentence. See how the rest of the sentences support, elaborate, and/or or further explain it.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
Everything in this paragraph is about how modern life has been improved through convenience provided by technology.
A paragraph must have unity.
All of the sentences of a particular paragraph must focus on one point to achieve one goal: to support the topic sentence.
A paragraph must have coherence.
The sentences must flow smoothly and logically from one to the next as they support the topic sentence.
The last sentence of the paragraph should restate the topic sentence to help achieve unity and coherence.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. People are more concerned about health issues and good air quality, so they have started walking or riding a bike to work even though they have the option of using a car or public transportation. There’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
See how just one non-supporting sentence takes away from the effectiveness of the paragraph in showing how modern conveniences make life better since the unity and coherence are affected. There is no longer unity among all the sentences. The thought pattern is disjointed and the paragraph loses its coherence.
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point that technology has improved lives through efficiency.
Transitions are words, groups of words, or sentences that connect one sentence to another or one paragraph to another.
They promote a logical flow from one idea to the next.
While they are not needed in every sentence, they are missed when they are omitted since the flow of thoughts becomes disjointed or even confusing.
There are different types of transitions such as the following:
These are just a few examples. The idea is to paint a clear, logical connection between sentences and between paragraphs.
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays , people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Each part of a paragraph must support the topic sentence. In addition, the sentences must flow logically from one to the other.
Growing flowers is fun. The sun rises in the morning and warms the soil. Flowers come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes, there is not enough rain. Flowers also bloom during different times of the year. Flowers need nutrients to grow strong and beautiful. There are some children who like to pick the flowers. There are different growing seasons in different parts of the country. Flowers that will grow high should be planted behind those that will not grow as high. Some people let their dog’s leash extend allowing the dog to go into the flower beds which is not very nice. Designing a flower bed has to consider the different times the flowers will bloom. A substitute for rainfall should be planned. It is fun to grow flowers.
Growing flowers is fun. Planning the garden is the first step, and it is part of the fun. Flowers must be selected for their size, color, and time of bloom. Selections should be made so that there is at least one type of flower blooming throughout the season and that taller flowers are behind shorter ones. Meeting the challenges to assure growth such as with an irrigation system or hand watering and fertilizing when needed is also part of the fun. It’s wonderful to check the garden every day to see the little green sprouts starting to appear. It gives a great sense of accomplishment and joy to see the flowers in bloom. It is fun to grow flowers.
There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. We are a family owned and operated business and have been in business in this county for thirty-five years. In addition to thousands of satisfied customers, we have proudly sponsored many community events and organizations. All of our employees live in this county, and most have stayed with us for years. We have successfully kept our overhead low and pass those savings onto our customers. By far, we are the best company to complete this project.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point that we are the best company to hire.
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here! It’s been a cold winter. There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. By far, we are the best company to complete this project. I have a large family, and in addition to having Sunday dinners, we work together in the company, which has many satisfied customers. Some of my employees take the bus to work, so I am concerned about our public transportation system. We have proudly served our community and we use cost saving methods to keep prices low.
Beginning January 1, we will have a revised policy concerning new customers. The updated intake form includes additional information, so please be sure to read through and complete each section. Pay particular addition to the additional questions at the bottom as they are now required by the insurance company. We would like to have e-mail addresses as well. You can assure customers that we will not be sending them solicitations nor giving the list to any other businesses. Be sure to fill in the information neatly and accurately. It is preferred that the information be entered directly into the computer although we realize there are times when that is not practical and a hard-copy form will have to be completed by hand. Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point shown in the topic sentence that modern technology has expanded accessibility.
The last sentence of a paragraph should remind the reader of the point of the paragraph and transition into the next paragraph if there is one. See how the last sentence, for example, in the above paragraph reminds the reader of what the paragraph is about: Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Most paragraphs we see are part of a multi-paragraph document: newspaper and magazine articles, books, business letters and inter-office memorandum, “how-to” documents, and other informational documents. Usually, there is an organization of the paragraphs in a specific way. The opening paragraph generally gives some idea of what the document is about. The middle paragraphs give more details about the specific point. The last paragraph ends the writing, generally by summing up and repeating the point.
There are some context-specific documents that have more clearly defined paragraphs which are something included as sections of the writing. For example, a feasibility report might have the following paragraphs: abstract and/or summary, introduction, discussion, conclusion and recommendations.
Business letters and inter-office memorandums basically have the same organization of the content: an introduction paragraph, paragraphs that prove or further explain, and a concluding paragraph which sums up and repeats the point. A business letter, however, is generally written on company stationery and has the date and address block in the upper left, a Re: line, a salutation such as Dear Mr. Haller (although some are no longer using a formal salutation), and a complimentary closing such as Sincerely. An inter-office memorandum is generally written on plain paper, sometimes with the company logo as part of the template, lines with To:, From:, Date:, and Re: in the upper left, and no complimentary closing.
Informational documents.
This refers to groups of writings that are designed to give information about a topic or position on a topic. While they all include a specific thesis (point), have an introduction and concluding paragraph, and have paragraphs that proof or explain the point, there can be wide variety on where the thesis is expressed and the ancillary information presented that is supplemental to the thesis. These are sometimes called essays. However, academic essays do have a very specific organizational pattern.
The introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph of an essay are different from a general paragraph. An introduction contains general background information on a topic and leads into a thesis statement. The sentences with background information should be general and not contain proof of the thesis. The sentences should be relevant, however, and logically flow into the thesis. Background sentences include information about the topic and the controversy. Some instructors may prefer other types of content in the introduction in addition to the thesis. It is best to check with an instructor as to whether he or she has a preference for content. In any case, there must be unity and coherence in an introduction paragraph as well.
While the body paragraph of an academic is the same as a general paragraph in that they have a topic sentence and sentences that support it, the topic sentence must be a reason why the thesis of the essay is accurate. Body paragraphs should clearly support the thesis and not contain any extraneous information. However, one way of proving your thesis is right is by presenting the opposing view and then rebutting it, that is, showing how it is not valid.
Some instructors say that any opposing information should be in a separate rebuttal paragraph before the concluding paragraph. If not specifically indicated by your instructor, either putting opposing information into the paragraphs related to the specific information or having a separate rebuttal paragraph is appropriate, but not both in the same essay.
A concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication of the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of the thesis. In either case, while a concluding paragraph, as with the introduction paragraph, does not start with a topic sentence and has the rest of the sentences support the topic sentence, the concluding paragraph is similar in that the summary of the proof ties directly into the thesis or statement of general implication. A concluding paragraph does not have extraneous, off-topic sentences.
Narration is when an author writes as though he or she is telling a story. This mode is used more often in fiction, but it can be used in academic essay writing when the best way to help prove the thesis is by relating a sequence of events.
These closely related modes use specific information about certain aspects of a thing, event, or situation. The terms speak for themselves. Description uses details describing the thing, event, or situation. Definition defines it. Exemplification uses examples, and classification uses categories.
Comparing and/or contrasting one thing, event, or situation is a helpful way to show what it is and isn't. If someone were arguing that a particular type of sneaker was the best, it would be useful to compare to others for support, durability, and price.
This mode is useful in arguing for or again an action. Showing the cause and/or effect of an action can be persuasive. For example, if someone were arguing for an increase in the speed limit, statistics showing an increase in fatalities where limits are higher would be a persuasive argument.
In a sense, the ultimate intent of all communication is persuasion. Argumentation is one way of talking about debate. We think of arguing as what we do among friends or family members — and it is — but there is a formal way to argue to prove our point. Actually, we can learn how to better have civil arguments, which will be constructive. In thinking about persuasion/argumentation as a rhetorical mode, it refers to a type of writing that is clearly arguing in support of a specific point.
A paragraph is a series of sentences on a specific point or topic. A well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states the main idea: what the paragraph is about. While some say the topic sentence can be anywhere in the paragraph, it is best to put it as the first sentence in a paragraph. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support, elaborate, and/or further explain the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.
There are various types of paragraphs such as summaries, abstracts, and answers to questions for a specific assignment. In addition, there are specialized types of paragraphs for various reports such as feasibility studies or performance reports.
The types of paragraphs covered in this lesson are general paragraphs, as would be used in the body of a letter or an academic essay, including general research papers (research essays).
Whether you are writing a paragraph for a specific assignment, an academic essay, a research paper, or a simple letter, each paragraph should include a topic sentence. The topic sentence should be the first sentence of the paragraph so that the reader knows what the paragraph is about. The topic sentence in a body paragraph of an essay must be support for the thesis: a reason why the thesis is true or accurate.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. People are more concerned about health issues and good air quality, so they have started walking or riding a bike to work even though they have the option of using a car or public transportation. There’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
See how just one non-supporting sentence takes away from the effectiveness of the paragraph in showing how modern conveniences make life better since the unity and coherence are affected. There is no longer unity among all the sentences. The thought pattern is disjointed and the paragraph loses its coherence.
Here’s how transitions help make a paragraph unified and coherent:.
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays , people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Growing flowers is fun. The sun rises in the morning and warms the soil. Flowers come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes, there is not enough rain. Flowers also bloom during different times of the year. Flowers need nutrients to grow strong and beautiful. There are some children who like to pick the flowers. There are different growing seasons in different parts of the country. Flowers that will grow high should be planted behind those that will not grow as high. Some people let their dog’s leash extend allowing the dog to go into the flower beds which is not very nice. Designing a flower bed has to consider the different times the flowers will bloom. A substitute for rainfall should be planned. It is fun to grow flowers.
Growing flowers is fun. Planning the garden is the first step, and it is part of the fun. Flowers must be selected for their size, color, and time of bloom. Selections should be made so that there is at least one type of flower blooming throughout the season and that taller flowers are behind shorter ones. Meeting the challenges to assure growth such as with an irrigation system or hand watering and fertilizing when needed is also part of the fun. It’s wonderful to check the garden every day to see the little green sprouts starting to appear. It gives a great sense of accomplishment and joy to see the flowers in bloom. It is fun to grow flowers.
There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. We are a family owned and operated business and have been in business in this county for thirty-five years. In addition to thousands of satisfied customers, we have proudly sponsored many community events and organizations. All of our employees live in this county, and most have stayed with us for years. We have successfully kept our overhead low and pass those savings onto our customers. By far, we are the best company to complete this project.
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here! It’s been a cold winter. There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. By far, we are the best company to complete this project. I have a large family, and in addition to having Sunday dinners, we work together in the company which has many satisfied customers. Some of my employees take the bus to work, so I am concerned about our public transportation system. We have proudly served our community, and we use cost saving methods to keep prices low.
Beginning January 1, we will have a revised policy concerning new customers. The updated intake form includes additional information, so please be sure to read through and complete each section. Pay particular addition to the additional questions at the bottom as they are now required by the insurance company. We would like to have e-mail addresses as well. You can assure customers that we will not be sending them solicitations nor giving the list to any other business. Be sure to fill in the information neatly and accurately. It is preferred that the information be entered directly into the computer although we realize there are times when that is not practical and a hard-copy form will have to be completed by hand. Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
The last sentence of a paragraph should remind the reader of the point of the paragraph and transition into the next paragraph if there is one. See how the last sentence, for example, in the above paragraph reminds the reader of what the paragraph is about: Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Most paragraphs we see are part of a multi-paragraph document: newspaper and magazine articles, books, business letters and inter-office memorandum, “how-to” documents, and other informational documents. Usually, there is an organization of the paragraphs in a specific way. The opening paragraph generally gives some idea of what the document is about. The middle paragraphs give more details about the specific point. The last paragraph ends the writing, generally by summing up and repeating the point.
There are some context-specific documents that have more clearly defined paragraphs which are something included as sections of the writing. For example, a feasibility report might have paragraphs as follows: abstract and/or summary, introduction, discussion, conclusion, recommendations.
Business letters and inter-office memorandums basically have the same organization of the content: an introduction paragraph, paragraphs that prove or further explain, and a concluding paragraph which sums up and repeats the point. A business letter, however, is generally written on company stationery and has the date and address block in the upper left, a Re: line, a salutation such as Dear Mr. Haller (although some are no longer using a formal salutation), and a complimentary closing such as Sincerely. An inter-office memorandum is generally written on plain paper, sometimes with the company logo as part of the template, lines with To:, From:, Date:, and Re: in the upper left, and no complimentary closing.
The introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph of an essay are different from a general paragraph. An introduction contains general background information on a topic and leads into a thesis statement. The sentences with background information are not really in support of the thesis, but they are relevant and logically flow into the thesis. In other words, there must be unity and coherence in an introduction paragraph as well.
While the body paragraph of an academic is the same as a general paragraph in that they have a topic sentence and sentences that support it, the topic sentence must be a reason why the thesis of the essay. Body paragraphs should be clearly in support for the thesis and not contain any extraneous information.
A concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication of the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of the thesis. In either case, while a concluding paragraph, as with the introduction paragraph, does not start with a topic sentence and has the rest of the sentences support the topic sentence, the concluding paragraph is similar in that the summary of the proof ties directly into the thesis or statement of general implication. There are no extraneous, off-topic sentences.
In a sense, the ultimate intent of all communication is persuasion. Argumentation is one way of talking about debate. We think of arguing as what we do among friends or family members — and it is — but there is a formal way to argue to prove our point. Actually, we can learn how to better have civil arguments which will be constructive. In thinking about persuasion/argumentation as a rhetorical mode, it refers to a type of writing that is clearly arguing in support of a specific point.
There are various types of writing assignments an instructor may give such as journals, reaction papers, questions to be answered, paragraphs on topics or questions, essays, and research papers.
An essay is a writing on a specific question or topic. Instructors may vary in what they are expecting when they assign an essay. It’s important to always ask your instructor if you are not sure. Some may simply want a discussion on a topic or question and are not asking for formal organization.
Others may be expecting a formal academic essay, also called a thesis-and-support paper, organized with an introduction, body, and conclusion that includes the following parts:
While some instructors may have slight variations about formal academic essay organization, you won’t have a problem if your paper has the following three components:
Always check with your instructor if you're unsure of their expectations. The discussion here is for a formal academic essay (thesis-and-support paper).
An essay is a collection of paragraphs that fit around one idea or position on an issue. This is usually called the thesis or main idea .
The sentence that contains the main idea is called the Thesis Statement. The Thesis Statement must take a position and not just state a fact. While some instructors vary on where a thesis statement may appear, it is safe to place it as the last sentence of the first paragraph.
An academic essay must have at least three paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph, and a concluding paragraph. Since there should be a separate body paragraph for each proof point, the more substantial the proof, the more paragraphs there will be. A typical essay of about five hundred words will usually have at least two or three proof paragraphs making the essay four to five paragraphs.
Instructors often require a specific page format (margins, line spacing, and so on). Page formatting is part of the requirements of a style system. Both MLA and APA styles have similar formatting requirements. Unless your instructor states otherwise, use MLA page format.
In a way, these academic essays are like a court trial. The attorney, whether prosecuting the case or defending it, begins with an opening statement explaining the background and telling the jury what he or she intends to prove (the thesis statement). Then, the attorney presents witnesses for proof (the body of the paragraphs). Lastly, the attorney presents the closing argument (concluding paragraph).
There are a variety of approaches regarding the content of the introduction paragraph such as a brief outline of the proof, an anecdote, explaining key ideas, and asking a question. In addition, some textbooks say that an introduction can be more than one paragraph. The placement of the thesis statement is another variable depending on the instructor and/or text. The approach used in this lesson is that an introduction paragraph gives background information leading into the thesis which is the main idea of the paper, which is stated at the end.
The background in the introductory paragraph consists of information about the circumstances of the thesis. This background information often starts in the introductory paragraph with a general statement which is then refined to the most specific sentence of the essay, the thesis. It is important to note that in this approach, the proof for the thesis is not found in the introduction except, possibly, as part of a thesis statement that includes the key elements of the proof. The proof is presented and expanded on in the body.
The thesis is the position statement. It must contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought. It must also be defensible. This means it should be an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. The more focused and narrow the thesis statement, the better a paper will generally be.
If you are given a question in the instructions for your paper, the thesis statement is a one-sentence answer taking a position on the question.
If you are given a topic instead of a question, then in order to create a thesis statement, you must narrow your analysis of the topic to a specific controversial issue about the topic to take a stand. If it is not a research paper, some brainstorming (jotting down what comes to mind on the issue) should help determine a specific question.
If it is a research paper, the process begins with exploratory research, which should show the various issues and controversies. It should, ultimately, lead to the specific question. Then, the research becomes focused on the question, which should lead to taking a position on the question.
These methods of determining a thesis are still answering a question. It’s just that you pose a question to answer for the thesis. Here is an example.
Suppose, one of the topics you are given to write about is America’s National Parks. Books have been written about this subject. In fact, books have been written just about a single park. As you are thinking about it, you may realize how there is an issue about balancing between preserving the wilderness and allowing visitors. The question would then be "Should visitors to America’s National Parks be regulated in order to preserve the wilderness?"
One thesis might be "There is no need for regulations for visiting America’s National Parks to preserve the wilderness."
Another might be "There should be reasonable regulations for visiting America’s National Parks in order to preserve the wilderness."
Finally, avoid using expressions that announce, “Now I will prove…” or “This essay is about …” Instead of telling the reader what the paper is about, a good paper simply proves the thesis in the body. Generally, you shouldn’t refer to your paper in your paper.
Here is an example of a good introduction:
Not too long ago, everyday life was filled with burdensome, time-consuming chores that left little time for much more than completing these tasks. People generally worked from their homes or within walking distance to their homes and rarely traveled far from them. People were limited to whatever their physical capacities were. All this changed dramatically as new technologies developed. Modern technology has greatly improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Note how the background is general and leads up to the thesis. No proof is given in the background sentences about how technology has improved lives.
Moreover, notice that the thesis is the last sentence of the introduction. It is a defensible statement.
A reasonable person could argue the opposite position: Although modern technology has provided easier ways of completing some tasks, it has diminished the quality of life since people have to work too many hours to acquire these gadgets, have developed health problems as a result of excess use, and have lost focus on what is really valuable in life.
For more information on body paragraphs and supporting evidence, see Proving a Thesis – Evidence and Proving a Thesis – Logic, and Logical Fallacies and Appeals in Related Pages on the right sidebar.
Body paragraphs give proof for the thesis. It should have one proof point per paragraph expressed in a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of each body paragraph and, like a thesis, must be a complete sentence. Each topic sentence must be directly related to and support the argument made by the thesis.
After the topic sentence, the rest of the paragraph should go on to support this one proof with examples and an explanation. It is the details that support the topic sentences in the body paragraphs that make the arguments strong. Proof may include a discussion of an opposing view, but it must include a rebuttal explaining why that opposing view does not make sense or, otherwise, not be considered valid.
If the thesis statement stated that technology improved the quality of life, each body paragraph should begin with a reason why it has improved the quality of life. This reason is called a topic sentence . Following are three examples of body paragraphs that provide support for the thesis that modern technology has improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility:
Almost every aspect of our lives has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the sound of music from an alarm clock in the morning to the end of the day being entertained in the convenience of our living room, our lives are improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Some may say the conveniences are not worth the extra cost and effort keeping these devices working, but, overwhelmingly, people opt to use them. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences. Not only has technology improved our lives through convenience, it has improved our lives through efficiency. The time saved by machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. The opposing view might argue that people misuse their increased free time sitting around and watching television. While some people have health problems as a result of technology, by far, lives are improved. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives and pursue their goals thanks to the efficiency of modern technology. Accessibility to a wide range of options has been expanded through modern technology. Never before could people cross a continent or an ocean in an afternoon. Travel is not the only way technology has created accessibility. Software that types from voice commands has made using computers more accessible for school or work. People with special needs have many new options thanks to modern technology such as special chairs or text readers. Actually, those people who need hearing aids as a result of normal aging have access to continued communication and enjoyment of entertainment they did not previously have. There are many ways technology has improved lives through increased accessibility.
Notice how these proof paragraphs stick to one proof point introduced in the topic sentences. These three paragraphs, not only support the original thesis, but go on to give details and explanations that explain the proof point in the topic sentence.
Some instructors would like a rebuttal paragraph which raises the opposing arguments and explains why they are not valid instead of addressing opposition within the paragraphs as appropriate as shown in the above essay. In that case, the rebuttal should go before the conclusion.
Instructors vary of what they expect in the conclusion; however, there is general agreement that conclusions should not introduce any new proof points, should include a restatement of the thesis, and should not contain any words such as “In conclusion.”
Some instructors want only a summary of the proof and a restatement of the thesis. Some instructors ask for a general prediction or implication of the information presented without a restatement of thesis. Still others may want to include a restatement along with a general prediction or implication of the information presents. Be sure to review assignment instructions or check with instructor. If your assignment instructions don’t specify, just sum up the proof and restate the thesis.
Modern technology has created many conveniences in everyday from waking up to music to having coffee ready to getting to work and doing a day’s work. The efficiency provided by technology gives people more time to enjoy life and pursue personal development, and the accessibility has broadened options for travel, school, and work. Modern technology has improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
See how the thesis statement was restated. The two major arguments about the possible locations proven to be incorrect were also included to remind the reader of the major proof points made in the paper.
Modern technology has created many conveniences in everyday life from waking up to music to having coffee ready to getting to work and doing a day’s work. The efficiency provided by technology gives people more time to enjoy life and pursue personal development, and the accessibility has broadened options for travel, school, and work. Without it, everyday life would be filled with burdensome tasks and be limited to our neighborhood and our physical capacity.
Here’s an example of a conclusion with a general prediction or implication statement with a restatement of thesis.
Modern technology has created many conveniences in everyday life from waking up to music to having coffee ready to getting to work and doing a day’s work. The efficiency provided by technology gives people more time to enjoy life and pursue personal development, and the accessibility has broadened options for travel, school, and work. Without it, everyday life would be filled with burdensome tasks and be limited to our neighborhood and our physical capacity. Modern technology has improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. Rhetorical modes are ways of using language with a specific focus. Narration, for example, tells a story or a sequence of events. A narrative essay tells a story.
Other rhetorical modes focus on describing, defining, using examples (exemplification), or classifying as the primary purpose. Comparing and contrasting simply compares one thing to another showing the differences as well as the similarities.
In a cause and/or effect paper, the causes and/or effects of a situation are the focus.
A persuasive or argumentative paper proves a position on a controversial issue.
Sometimes, instructors assign essays requiring a specific mode, such as defining something or discussing the causes of a problem. These are considered useful ways to develop a particular skill, such as looking closely at something to describe it or finding ways to define an object or situation.
More commonly, however, a writing assignment does not require a specific mode; these strategies are used as appropriate within an essay or other writing. For example, a paper arguing that pesticides are harmful might include information defining and describing various pesticides. It could include classifying them by potential harm and use examples of the types of pesticides. It could have information on the effects of particular pesticides.
It can be argued that all papers, regardless of the primary rhetorical strategy used, are persuasive or argumentative since all writing ultimately is to prove something – even if it is only the legitimacy of one’s feelings such as in a reaction paper or creative writing. Most writing blend the uses of rhetorical styles.
Like all effective writing, essays must have unity. They must clearly stay focused on one purpose: proving the thesis. All the sentences in each paragraph and each paragraph must work together to achieve that purpose. It is critical for each sentence in each paragraph to start with a topic sentence that states a reason why the thesis is right and that the rest of the sentences in the paragraph support that topic sentence.
Essays must have coherence. Each sentence must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Each paragraph must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Words and word groups called transitions must be used to link one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next.
See Unity and Coherence in Essays in Related Pages on the right side bar for more information.
Generally speaking, the use of Standard English vocabulary and grammar is expected. These types of papers should not sound as though you were talking casually to a friend. Don’t use slang, for example, such as ok. Also, while we use second person (you, your) in informal speech, formal academic writing should not use second person since the reference is not specific. Here’s an example. You should know where your children are. The reader may not have young children or any children at all. Here’s an example with clear reference. Parents of young children should know where their children are.
Instructors will vary about accepting the use of first person (I, me, my, we, us, our) in essay writing. While first person may be appropriate in journal writing or reaction papers, typically, instructors will require third person (not first or second) in formal essays and research essays. Be aware of requirements for any particular assignment.
Formal academic essays should not include sentences that refer to yourself or the paper. Don’t use statements such as “In the opinion of this writer (referring to yourself)...” or “This paper will show...”
For more information on language use, see Appropriate Language in Related Pages on the right sidebar.
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to carefully examine and sometimes evaluate a work of literature or an aspect of a work of literature. Examining the different elements of a piece of literature including plot, character, setting, point of view, irony, symbolism, and style to see how the author develops a theme is not an end in itself. It is rather a process to help you better appreciate and understand the work of literature as a whole. The focus of a literary analysis essay is as expansive as the writers’ interests. For example, a short story analysis might include identifying a particular theme and then showing how the writer suggests that theme through the point of view of the story. It is important to remember that literary analysis does not merely demonstrate a particular literary element. The focus is explaining how that element is meaningful or significant to the work as a whole. See Essay Organization and Elements of Fiction for more information.
Close reading is deep analysis of how a literary text function; it is both a reading process and something you include in a literary analysis paper. When you read a text paying specific attention to certain literary elements, looking for particular patters, or following the development of a particular character, you are practicing close reading. Likewise, when you watch a film with particular emphasis on a certain element, you are doing a close reading. Of course, when one writes an essay that teases out a certain element, this is the beginning of a close reading. Like literary analysis more generally, close reading is not a means in and of itself. Close reading helps inform the larger meaning or import of work.
Literary analysis involves examining the components of a literary text, which allows us to focus on small parts of the text, clues to help us understand the work as a whole. The process of close reading should produce questions. When you begin to answer these questions, you are ready to participate thoughtfully in class discussion or write a literary analysis paper. Close reading is a process of finding as much information as you can in order form to as many questions as you can.
An outline includes the thesis and proof points. It is the skeleton of an academic essay. Starting with an outline can be extremely helpful in writing an essay. Once an outline is completed, it is a matter of developing the proof points (body paragraphs), adding a background before the thesis for an introduction paragraph, and adding a concluding paragraph. See Outlining in Related Pages on the right sidebar for more information.
The important thing in essay writing is to have a point, thereby knowing what you are trying to prove, and stick to that point. Keep it simple and focused.
This format is the basis for writing a research paper as well. If you can get the idea in a simple essay, writing research papers will be much easier.
The background in the introductory paragraph consists of information about the circumstances of the thesis. This background information often starts in the introductory paragraph with a general statement which is then refined to the most specific sentence of the essay, the thesis. Background sentences include information about the topic and the controversy. It is important to note that in this approach, the proof for the thesis is not found in the introduction except, possibly, as part of a thesis statement which includes the key elements of the proof. Proof is presented and expanded on in the body.
Some instructors may prefer other types of content in the introduction in addition to the thesis. It is best to check with an instructor as to whether he or she has a preference for content. Generally, the thesis must be stated in the introduction.
These methods of determining a thesis are still answering a question. It’s just that you pose a question to answer for the thesis. Here is an example.
Suppose, one of the topics you are given to write about is America’s National Parks. Books have been written about this subject. In fact, books have been written just about a single park. As you are thinking about it, you may realize how there is an issue about balancing between preserving the wilderness and allowing visitors. The question would then be Should visitors to America’s National Parks be regulated in order to preserve the wilderness?
Finally, avoid using expressions that announce, “Now I will prove…” or “This essay is about…” Instead of telling the reader what the paper is about, a good paper simply proves the thesis in the body. Generally, you shouldn’t refer to your paper in your paper.
Here is an example of a good introduction with the thesis:
Not too long ago, everyday life was filled with burdensome, time-consuming chores that left little time for much more than completing these tasks. People generally worked from their homes or within walking distance to their homes and rarely traveled far from them. People were limited to whatever their physical capacities were. All this changed dramatically as new technologies developed. Modern technology has most improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Note how the background is general and leads up to the thesis. No proof is given in the background sentences about how technology has improved lives.
Body paragraphs give proof for the thesis. They should have one proof point per paragraph expressed in a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of each body paragraph and, like a thesis, must be a complete sentence. Each topic sentence must be directly related to and support the argument made by the thesis.
After the topic sentence, the rest of the paragraph should go on to support this one proof with examples and explanation. It is the details that support the topic sentences in the body paragraphs that make the arguments strong.
Almost every aspect of our lives has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the sound of music from an alarm clock in the morning to the end of the day being entertained in the convenience of our living room, our lives are improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences. Not only has technology improved our lives through convenience, it has improved our lives through efficiency. The time saved by machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives and pursue their goals thanks to the efficiency of modern technology. Accessibility to a wide range of options has been expanded through modern technology. Never before could people cross a continent or an ocean in an afternoon. Travel is not the only way technology has created accessibility. Software which types from voice commands has made using computers more accessible for school or work. People with special needs have many new options thanks to modern technology such as special chairs or text readers. Actually, those people who need hearing aids as a result of normal aging have access to continued communication and enjoyment of entertainment they did not previously have. There are many ways technology has improved lives through increased accessibility.
Notice how these proof paragraphs stick to one proof point introduced in the topic sentences. These three paragraphs, not only support the original thesis, but go on to give details and explanations which explain the proof point in the topic sentence.
Some instructors want only a summary of the proof and a restatement of the thesis. Some instructors ask for a general prediction or implication of the information presented without a restatement of thesis. Still others may want to include a restatement along with a general prediction or implication of the information presents. Be sure to review assignment instructions or check with instructor. If your assignment instructions don’t specify, just sum up the proof and restate the thesis.
Sometimes, instructors assign essays requiring a specific mode such as defining something or discussing the causes of a problem. These are considered useful ways to develop the particular skill such as looking closely at something to describe it or finding ways to define an object or situation.
More commonly, however, a writing assignment does not require a specific mode; these strategies are used as appropriate within an essay or other writing. For example, a paper arguing that pesticides are harmful might include information defining and describing various pesticides. It could include classifying them by potential harm and using examples of the types of pesticides. It could have information on the effects of particular pesticides.
It can be argued that all papers, regardless of the primary rhetorical strategy used, are persuasive or argumentative since all writing ultimately is to prove something – even if it is only the legitimacy of one’s feelings such as in a reaction paper or creative writing. Most writing blend the uses of rhetorical styles.
An outline of an academic essay contains the thesis and brief information about the proof paragraphs. .
The proof paragraphs are the paragraphs between the introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Proof paragraphs contain evidence, also called supporting details, that the thesis is accurate.
An outline is like a skeleton of the essay. Outlines for academic essays and research papers that are not reports on research or other specialized report have a very specific organization. Here is a sample for a 500-word essay. The number of body paragraphs will vary, generally from two to four, for a 500-word essay.
Thesis : A one-sentence answer takes a position on the research question or, if assigned a topic and not a question, the thesis is a one-sentence statement taking a position on a controversial aspect of the topic. The thesis must be a statement, not a question. The thesis must be a sentence, not a topic. See Thesis in Related Links on the right sidebar.
I. One reason why your thesis is accurate.
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
II. Second reason why your thesis is accurate.
III. Third reason why your thesis is accurate.
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
For a shorter essay, possibly only two body paragraphs will be needed. For a longer essay, you may need more proof paragraphs.
Note that the outline begins with the thesis statement. What you intend to put into the introduction paragraph as background information leading up the thesis is not part of the outline.
Note that I, II, and III represent what will go into the body (proof paragraphs).
Note that the outline does not ordinarily include a reference to the concluding paragraph even though we have listed it above, but all essays must have a concluding paragraph.
There are three ways that an outline can help you in writing your essay..
Once you have an outline, you can actually write the essay from the outline. Just open the file, delete the word Thesis and the paragraph numbering, add background information before the thesis, develop details for each proof paragraph, and write the concluding paragraph.
An outline must start with a thesis statement: a one-sentence statement (not a question) taking a position answering a research question (if given a research question to answer) or taking a position on a controversial aspect of a topic (if given a topic on which to write a paper).
Sometimes, you know your position and can easily start with a thesis. If you also know your reasons why you are taking that position, you can simply list your reasons (I, II, …).
At other times, you may not be sure and have to do some thinking or research on the issue. Let’s take the question “Why don’t some Americans vote?” If this is not a research paper, you might have to do some brainstorming before you can come up with a thesis: a one-sentence answer to the question. If this is a research essay (research paper), you will do some research. Creating a working bibliography (a list of sources) or doing a synthesis activity can be very helpful for gathering ideas.
Whether you are required to do research or not, the first step is determining a thesis statement. From brainstorming and/or research, you may have identified the several reasons some people don’t vote as follows:
Age restrictions
Believe that the system is fixed
Believe nothing will ever change
Don’t know where to go to vote
Physically disabled
Don’t know where to register
Happy with the status quo
Believe their vote doesn’t count
Can’t vote because of incarceration
Don’t know when to vote
Not an important part of upbringing/culture
Felony conviction
Don’t know what identification is needed
Illegal status
Receiving false information about where to vote
Now, we have to cluster these points into categories so that they can be discussed in an organized way in the essay. We can see that there are some general reasons such as legal barriers, confusion about how to register or where to vote, and lack of concern or interest where people just don’t think voting would change anything.
I. Lack of concern or interest
II. Confusion
III. Legal barriers
Looking over the notes that you made from your brainstorming or research, the next step is to eliminate duplications and group ideas under the categories. Depending on the assignment length, you don’t necessarily have to include everything you find.
For example:
Age restrictions - proof paragraph III
Believe that the system is fixed - proof paragraph I
Believe nothing will ever change - proof paragraph I
Don’t know where to go to vote - proof paragraph II
Physically disabled - proof paragraph II
Don’t know where to register - proof paragraph II
Happy with the status quo - proof paragraph I
Too young - proof paragraph - proof paragraph III
Believe their vote doesn’t count - proof paragraph I
Can’t vote because of incarceration - proof paragraph III
Don’t know when to vote - proof paragraph II
Not an important part of upbringing/culture - proof paragraph I
Felony conviction - proof paragraph III
Don’t know what identification is needed - proof paragraph II
Illegal status - proof paragraph III
Receiving false information about where to vote - proof paragraph II
Now you have a rough outline. You have your three major causes and some details that support each. The next step is to make a solid thesis.
The most important part of your paper is the thesis. A good thesis clearly answers your research question and will provide guidance to the reader about the direction and scope of your paper. Make sure that your thesis is a defensible point that others could reasonably disagree. For this paper a reasonable thesis could be: Three major reasons that Americans do not vote are apathy, confusion, and legal barriers.
Next it is time to think about the body of your essay. Since the thesis very clearly shows the three main points, you can use these along with the grouped details you sorted earlier. As you are making your outline you may discover that you have more ideas than you can fit into your paper’s length or that you have gone beyond the scope of your topic. If so, feel free to remove some ideas. For example, because you have many different types of ideas listed under legal barriers, you may wish to remove the weakest or least supported detail.
Some instructors also require that you include a concluding statement. Remember that this statement should simply be a restatement of your thesis and should never introduce new ideas or begin a new discussion.
This is an acceptable outline to the research questions we’ve developed here:
Your Instructor’s Name
Course Title
Day Month Year
Thesis: Three major reasons that Americans do not vote are apathy, confusion, and legal barriers.
I. Lack of concern or interest
A. Disbelief in the system
1. One vote doesn’t matter
2. Voting is tampered with
B. Social/culturally not valued
C. Satisfaction with the status quo
A. Location
1. Where to register
2. Where to vote
B. When to vote
C. What documents are needed
III. Legal barriers
A. Incarceration
B. Conviction of a felony
C. Immigration status
Concluding paragraph: Sum up proof and restate thesis and/or draw an implication from the information presented showing the significance depending upon your instructions.
Note that this outline has three support details for each reason your thesis is right (each proof point – I, II, III). Sections I, II, and III each represent one body (proof) paragraph. Each body paragraph in the essay must begin with a topic sentence that is a reason your thesis is accurate. This may vary from essay to essay. What is described here is more like a scratch outline or topic outline which gives just the general ideas. A formal outline would include detailed sentences and subsections. These are called sentence outlines. In a sentence outline, the sentence next to each I, II, and III must be a topic sentence which clearly expresses what point that shows the thesis is right will be shown in the paragraph.
See Related Pages on the right sidebar for more information.
Like all effective writing, essays must have unity. They must clearly stay focused on one purpose: proving the thesis. All the sentences in each paragraph and each paragraph must work together to achieve that purpose. It is critical for each sentence in each paragraph to start with a topic sentence that states a reason why the thesis is right and that the rest of the sentences in the paragraph support that topic sentence.
Essays must have coherence. Each sentence must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Each paragraph must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Words and word groups called transitions must be used to link one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next.
Generally speaking, use of Standard English vocabulary and grammar is expected. These types of papers should not sound as though you were talking casually to a friend. Don’t use slang, for example, such as ok. Also, while we use second person (you, your) in informal speech, formal academic writing should not use second person since the reference is not specific. Here’s an example. You should know where your children are. The reader may not have young children or any children at all. Here’s an example with clear reference. Parents of young children should know where their children are.
Instructors will vary about accepting the use of first person (I, me, my, we, us, our) in essay writing. While first person may be appropriate in journal writing or reaction papers, typically, instructors will require third person (not first or second) in formal essays and research essays. Be aware of requirements for any particular assignment.
Formal academic essays should not include sentences that refer to yourself or the paper. Don’t use statements such as “In the opinion of this writer (referring to yourself)….” or “This paper will show….”
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to carefully examine and sometimes evaluate a work of literature or an aspect of a work of literature. Examining the different elements of a piece of literature including plot, character, setting, point of view, irony, symbolism, and style to see how the author develops a theme is not an end in itself but rather a process to help you better appreciate and understand the work of literature as a whole. The focus of a literary analysis essay is as expansive as the writers’ interests. For example, a short story analysis might include identifying a particular theme and then showing how the writer suggests that theme through the point of view of the story. It is important to remember that literary analysis does not merely demonstrate a particular literary element. The focus is explaining how that element is meaningful or significant to the work as a whole. See Essay Organization in Related Pages on the right side bar for more information.
Close reading is a deep analysis of how a literary text functions; it is both a reading process and something you include in a literary analysis paper. When you read a text paying specific attention to certain literary elements, looking for particular patterns, or following the development of a particular character, you are practicing close reading. Likewise, when you watch a film with a particular emphasis on a certain element, you are doing a close reading. Of course, when one writes an essay that teases out a certain element, this is the beginning of a close reading. Like literary analysis more generally, close reading is not a means in and of itself. Close reading helps inform the larger meaning or import of a work.
Literary analysis involves examining the components of a literary text, which allows us to focus on small parts of the text, and clues to help us understand the work as a whole. The process of close reading should produce questions. When you begin to answer these questions, you are ready to participate thoughtfully in class discussions or write a literary analysis paper. Close reading is a process of finding as much information as you can in order form to as many questions as you can.
This expert advice article aims to clarify the fundamental difference between essay and paragraph, helping readers to understand their unique characteristics and proper usage in academic writing. By exploring their structures, purposes and examples, we can highlight why a paragraph and an essay are not the same.
Paragraph vs essay: unraveling the difference.
Welcome to this enlightening journey where we will explore the key differences between a paragraph and an essay. You know, it’s a common mistake to think that these two are the same. But, let me tell you, they are not. They are as distinct as apples and oranges. This article will serve as your guide, offering expert advice on this topic. We will discuss the specific characteristics of both paragraphs and essays and why they are not interchangeable. This interesting exploration will provide you with a clearer understanding, so stay with us. It’s going to be a fun ride, I promise. Buckle up!
Let’s talk paragraphs. They’re not as simple as they may first appear. In a nutshell, a paragraph is a group of sentences that focus on one main idea. It’s like a mini-story with a beginning, middle, and end.
But here’s a cool fact: according to a study from the University of Nevada, a paragraph can consist of just one sentence or even one word! This goes against what many of us learned in school, but it’s part of what makes writing an art, not just a science.
So, a paragraph is not just a cluster of sentences. It’s a unit of thought, delivering one point or argument. In essays, these points build upon each other to support a central thesis. But not every paragraph belongs to an essay, and that’s what makes the difference between essay and paragraph so significant.
Oh, and before we forget, don’t overlook the power of a well-crafted paragraph. Even if it’s standing alone, it can tell a powerful story!
Now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of our discussion: the key elements that create the difference between essay and paragraph.
Firstly, a paragraph is, well, just a single block of text. It’s like a single slice of bread. It’s a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. A paragraph will usually contain a single main idea and revolve around that point.
On the other hand, an essay is more like a whole sandwich. It’s a short piece of writing on a particular subject, and it’s made up of many paragraphs. An essay will have a clear structure, including an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
In essence, a paragraph is a component of an essay. It’s one part of the whole. But an essay? Well, it’s the whole enchilada. It’s a comprehensive argument or discourse about a topic.
And yes, while a paragraph can stand alone as a complete piece, an essay is a connected series of paragraphs that work together to explore a topic in depth. So, you see, while they are related, they are not the same thing. Not by a long shot.
And hey, just because an essay is longer doesn’t mean it’s harder or more important. It’s just different, you know? Each has its own role to play in the world of writing. So, keep this in mind next time you’re writing, okay?
An essay, unlike a paragraph, is like a journey through a topic. It’s not a quick stop, but more like a thorough exploration. You know, like going on a road trip rather than just a quick drive around the block.
An essay allows, or rather demands, more in-depth analysis. It’s like a detective piecing together clues. There’s a clear beginning, middle, and end. The writer starts by introducing the topic, discussing it in detail, and then wrapping it up nicely.
An essay also gives room for the writer’s voice to shine through. This isn’t just about facts and figures, it’s about painting a picture with words. It’s like telling a story, and the writer is the narrator. This space for creativity and personal touch is what makes essays stand out.
You see, in an essay, each paragraph is like a piece of a puzzle. Each one adds a new piece of information, a new perspective, or a new argument to the overall picture. So, in a way, an essay is made up of many ‘mini paragraphs’, each serving its own purpose.
So, it’s clear as day, ain’t it? Essays are not the same as paragraphs. They’re more complex, more detailed, and more personal. They’re not just about conveying information, they’re about exploring a topic in depth. They’re about starting a conversation, not just stating facts. And that, my friend, is the real beauty of an essay.
Looking back at our exploration of the difference between an essay and a paragraph, it’s clear that these two forms of writing, while closely related, have distinctive characteristics that set them apart.
A paragraph is a smaller piece, focusing on a single idea or topic. It’s like a building block, the first step in constructing a larger piece. On the other hand, an essay is a more complex structure. It’s made up of various paragraphs, each contributing to the overall argument or narrative. Just like a house is built from bricks, an essay is built from paragraphs.
Isn’t it fascinating how the same words and sentences can take on such different roles depending on how we use them? It’s like a magic trick, you see? The words are our tools, and we, the writers, are the magicians.
So, next time you’re tasked with writing an essay or a paragraph, remember this simple difference. Take a moment to plan out your work. If it’s a paragraph, focus on one single idea. If it’s an essay, think about how you can arrange several ideas to create a coherent and convincing argument.
Now, isn’t it about time you tried it out for yourself? Why not pick up a pen, or open up your laptop, and start practicing? Who knows, you might just end up surprising yourself with your own writing skills. And hey, don’t forget to have some fun along the way. After all, writing is not just about following rules, it’s about expressing yourself and sharing your thoughts with the world. So, go ahead and add your own splash of creativity. It’s your turn now, my fellow writer. Happy writing!
A paragraph is a distinct section of a piece of writing, typically dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering. It usually contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. The purpose of a paragraph is to express a single idea or concept related to the overall topic of the text. Examples can range from descriptive paragraphs in a novel to explanatory paragraphs in an academic paper. In broader academic writing, a paragraph serves as an essential building block in constructing a more complex argument or narrative.
An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument or a perspective on a particular topic. It is typically composed of multiple paragraphs, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of these paragraphs serves a specific function within the overall essay. Unlike a paragraph, an essay is a more complex and comprehensive piece of writing that explores a topic in depth. Examples can range from persuasive essays to research papers.
While both a paragraph and an essay serve to convey ideas and arguments, they differ significantly in their purpose, structure, and scope. A paragraph is a single unit of thought within a larger piece of writing, while an essay is a complete piece of writing on its own. The purpose of a paragraph is to present a single point or idea, whereas an essay aims to explore a topic in depth, often presenting multiple points or arguments. The structure of a paragraph is simpler, typically containing a topic sentence and supporting sentences, while an essay has a more complex structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Writing effective paragraphs involves clear planning and organization. Begin with a strong topic sentence that clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. Follow this with supporting sentences that expand on the topic sentence with details, examples, or evidence. Finally, conclude the paragraph with a sentence that summarises the main idea and provides a transition to the next paragraph. Ensure that each sentence in the paragraph contributes to the overall idea and that the paragraph maintains a consistent focus.
Mastering essay writing requires practice and a clear understanding of the structure and purpose of an essay. Begin by planning your essay, outlining the main points you want to make and the evidence you will use to support them. Write an engaging introduction that clearly states your thesis or main argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point or argument, supported by evidence. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. Always remember to revise and edit your essay to ensure it is clear, concise, and free of errors.
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A well-structured essay typically consists of three paragraphs, each serving a specific purpose. While the word count for each paragraph can vary based on the essay's overall length and complexity, a good rule of thumb is to aim for around 100-200 words per paragraph. This guideline ensures that each paragraph adequately develops its main idea without being too lengthy or too brief. The data from the research papers provides insights into various topics such as the importance of male circumcision in HIV prevention , the convergence of fixed and mobile networks in telecommunications , and the psychological aspects of expectancy theory in behavior modification . By incorporating these diverse perspectives, an essay can offer a well-rounded discussion on a given topic within the recommended word count range for each paragraph.
Academic writing exhibits functional variation across disciplines, as highlighted in various research papers. Differences in language use, such as being informational, non-narrative, and persuasive, are noted between sciences (biology, physics, computer science) and social sciences (linguistics, sociology, psychology) research articles . Moreover, the study on phrasal verbs (pvs) reveals that L1 English and L1 Chinese scholars differ significantly in their use of pvs, with soft science disciplines employing more pvs, particularly in L1 English research articles . Additionally, disciplinary variations in the use of complex noun phrases, especially nouns as premodifiers, are observed across 16 disciplines, emphasizing the importance of understanding discipline-specific language features for effective communication in academic writing . These findings underscore the need for tailored approaches in teaching academic writing to address the distinct writing conventions and requirements of different disciplines .
A well-structured paragraph in a research paper should be concise, focused on a single idea, and logically organized. It should consist of a group of sentences that develop a coherent thought or topic, with clear hierarchic relations between them. Paragraphs in scientific and technical texts are characterized by standardized size, unilinearity, and a strict consecutive order of sentences, ensuring a tight connection between preceding and following utterances. Additionally, a paragraph should make one point or contribute to a broader argument, avoiding being overly long or too short. The coherence and organization of paragraphs play a crucial role in making the argument of the research paper look well-structured and logical.
A paragraph is a group of sentences that develop a single idea or topic. It is a unit of thought and plays a crucial role in organizing and presenting information in a coherent and well-organized manner. A well-constructed paragraph consists of a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and sometimes a concluding sentence. The length of a paragraph should be neither too long nor too short, as both can hinder readability and understanding. Paragraphs should have unity, logical arrangement of supporting ideas, coherence, cohesion, and completeness. Different types of paragraphs, such as descriptive, definition, narrative, and compare/contrast paragraphs, have their own characteristic organization, grammar, and vocabulary. Proper paragraphing and paragraph writing are important in various fields, including technical writing, medical writing, and genomics research.
Written and spoken language have several differences. In terms of production and perception, spoken language relies on verbs and clauses, while written language relies on nouns and adjectives . Spoken language also tends to use contractions and slang words that are not appropriate in formal written language, while written language follows more strict grammar conventions . Additionally, spoken language is more dynamic and immediate, leading to more grammar errors, while written language is more precise . In terms of formality, spoken registers have a restricted range of linguistic styles, while writers can employ a wide range of styles depending on the purpose . Finally, in terms of syntax, spoken and written languages may share syntactic categories, but differ in the frequency and organization of these categories .
The correlation between life expectancy and the Human Development Index (HDI) in India is significant and multifaceted, reflecting the intricate interplay between health, education, and economic factors. The HDI, which measures long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development—long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living—uses life expectancy at birth as a key indicator for the health dimension . In India, the disease burden is heavily influenced by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNDs), and injuries, with NCDs accounting for 55% of the total disease burden in 2016 . This health burden directly impacts life expectancy, which in turn affects the HDI. The correlation between HDI and life expectancy is further supported by global and regional studies. For instance, a study on the relationship between HDI and innovative economic development found a high correlation between HDI and life expectancy globally, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.834 . This suggests that improvements in HDI components such as education and income can lead to better health outcomes and increased life expectancy. In India, the HDI's emphasis on education and income, alongside health, underscores the importance of a holistic approach to development. The HDI uses the logarithm of income to reflect diminishing returns as income rises, combining scores from health, education, and income dimensions using a geometric mean to create a composite index . This comprehensive measure highlights that while national wealth can expand people's choices, the manner in which it is spent is crucial for enhancing human lives . Therefore, the correlation between life expectancy and HDI in India is robust, indicating that improvements in health, education, and income are essential for enhancing overall human development and life expectancy .
The Roman Senate played a crucial role in appointing Roman generals, especially during the Republican era. The Senate's authority and decision-making processes were deeply intertwined with the appointment of generals, reflecting the aristocratic culture and political dynamics of Rome . However, during the Republican era, the Senate's actions also contributed to the downfall of the Republic, as the diehard Optimates within the Senate resisted change and hindered progress, leading to political crises . Despite some imprecision regarding its exact functions and powers, the Senate remained a central element in the political organization of Republican Rome, proving to be both a resource and an obstacle in understanding and utilizing the Roman Republic . As the Principate era unfolded, the Senate saw a reduction in its traditional powers, yet candidates for prince and generals still sought its support during times of crisis, highlighting the Senate's enduring significance in political transitions and power struggles . The Senate's role in the Principate, although often overshadowed by discussions of imperial powers, was essential in the decision-making processes and approval of measures, demonstrating its continued importance in Roman governance .
Writing an introduction in academic writing is crucial as it serves multiple purposes. It acts as a roadmap for the readers, outlining the main points and arguments of the paper . Additionally, the introduction sets the tone for the rest of the work and helps in engaging the audience by providing a clear overview of what to expect . Moreover, the introduction plays a vital role in establishing the relevance and significance of the research topic, thereby justifying the need for the study . It also helps in structuring the paper by introducing the thesis statement, which defines the main focus of the work . Furthermore, writing the introduction becomes easier after completing other sections of the paper, as it allows the writer to have a clearer understanding of the content and analysis to be presented .
When reporting ANOVA results in APA 7 format in the results and discussion sections, it is essential to follow specific guidelines. Begin by presenting the analysis of variance outcomes, emphasizing the significance of the collected data . Ensure that the ANOVA is structured around individual regressors and groups of regressors, organizing coefficients and t-values by regressor rather than by regression . Additionally, consider utilizing binary operations on commutative Jordan algebras for ANOVA in a two-layer model, where treatments in the first layer nest those in the second layer . Remember that the presentation of research results should be detailed, clear, and relevant, as it is a crucial part of any scientific article . By incorporating these elements and adhering to APA 7 guidelines, researchers can effectively report ANOVA findings in the results and discussion sections of their research papers.
The Eur-Lex dataset is a novel resource introduced by Aumiller, Chouhan, and Gertz, comprising manually curated document summaries of legal acts from the European Union law platform. This dataset, known as EUR-Lex-Sum, addresses the limitations of existing summarization datasets by offering cross-lingual paragraph-aligned data in multiple European languages, enabling diverse summarization setups. It includes up to 1,500 document/summary pairs per language, with a subset of 375 cross-lingually aligned legal acts available in all 24 official EU languages. The dataset aims to facilitate research in domain-specific cross-lingual summarization, presenting challenging sub-problems and open questions for future exploration . Additionally, Chalkidis, Fergadiotis, and Androutsopoulos highlight the importance of multilingual datasets like MULTI-EURLEX for tasks such as topic classification of legal documents and zero-shot cross-lingual transfer, emphasizing adaptation strategies to improve cross-lingual knowledge retention and transfer performance .
Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington
Paragraphs & topic sentences.
A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points.
Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. A paragraph could contain a series of brief examples or a single long illustration of a general point. It might describe a place, character, or process; narrate a series of events; compare or contrast two or more things; classify items into categories; or describe causes and effects. Regardless of the kind of information they contain, all paragraphs share certain characteristics. One of the most important of these is a topic sentence.
A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement; it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it. Readers generally look to the first few sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph. In some cases, however, it’s more effective to place another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information.
Although most paragraphs should have a topic sentence, there are a few situations when a paragraph might not need a topic sentence. For example, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a paragraph that narrates a series of events, if a paragraph continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a topic sentence) in the previous paragraph, or if all the sentences and details in a paragraph clearly refer—perhaps indirectly—to a main point. The vast majority of your paragraphs, however, should have a topic sentence.
Most paragraphs in an essay have a three-part structure—introduction, body, and conclusion. You can see this structure in paragraphs whether they are narrating, describing, comparing, contrasting, or analyzing information. Each part of the paragraph plays an important role in communicating your meaning to your reader.
Introduction : the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph that give background information or provide a transition.
Body : follows the introduction; discusses the controlling idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other information.
Conclusion : the final section; summarizes the connections between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the paragraph’s controlling idea.
The following paragraph illustrates this pattern of organization. In this paragraph the topic sentence and concluding sentence (CAPITALIZED) both help the reader keep the paragraph’s main point in mind.
SCIENTISTS HAVE LEARNED TO SUPPLEMENT THE SENSE OF SIGHT IN NUMEROUS WAYS. In front of the tiny pupil of the eye they put , on Mount Palomar, a great monocle 200 inches in diameter, and with it see 2000 times farther into the depths of space. Or they look through a small pair of lenses arranged as a microscope into a drop of water or blood, and magnify by as much as 2000 diameters the living creatures there, many of which are among man’s most dangerous enemies. Or , if we want to see distant happenings on earth, they use some of the previously wasted electromagnetic waves to carry television images which they re-create as light by whipping tiny crystals on a screen with electrons in a vacuum. Or they can bring happenings of long ago and far away as colored motion pictures, by arranging silver atoms and color-absorbing molecules to force light waves into the patterns of original reality. Or if we want to see into the center of a steel casting or the chest of an injured child, they send the information on a beam of penetrating short-wave X rays, and then convert it back into images we can see on a screen or photograph. THUS ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION YET DISCOVERED HAS BEEN USED TO EXTEND OUR SENSE OF SIGHT IN SOME WAY. George Harrison, “Faith and the Scientist”
In a coherent paragraph, each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling idea, but there is more to coherence than this. If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows smoothly into the next without obvious shifts or jumps. A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties between old information and new information to make the structure of ideas or arguments clear to the reader.
Along with the smooth flow of sentences, a paragraph’s coherence may also be related to its length. If you have written a very long paragraph, one that fills a double-spaced typed page, for example, you should check it carefully to see if it should start a new paragraph where the original paragraph wanders from its controlling idea. On the other hand, if a paragraph is very short (only one or two sentences, perhaps), you may need to develop its controlling idea more thoroughly, or combine it with another paragraph.
A number of other techniques that you can use to establish coherence in paragraphs are described below.
Repeat key words or phrases. Particularly in paragraphs in which you define or identify an important idea or theory, be consistent in how you refer to it. This consistency and repetition will bind the paragraph together and help your reader understand your definition or description.
Create parallel structures. Parallel structures are created by constructing two or more phrases or sentences that have the same grammatical structure and use the same parts of speech. By creating parallel structures you make your sentences clearer and easier to read. In addition, repeating a pattern in a series of consecutive sentences helps your reader see the connections between ideas. In the paragraph above about scientists and the sense of sight, several sentences in the body of the paragraph have been constructed in a parallel way. The parallel structures (which have been emphasized ) help the reader see that the paragraph is organized as a set of examples of a general statement.
Be consistent in point of view, verb tense, and number. Consistency in point of view, verb tense, and number is a subtle but important aspect of coherence. If you shift from the more personal "you" to the impersonal “one,” from past to present tense, or from “a man” to “they,” for example, you make your paragraph less coherent. Such inconsistencies can also confuse your reader and make your argument more difficult to follow.
Use transition words or phrases between sentences and between paragraphs. Transitional expressions emphasize the relationships between ideas, so they help readers follow your train of thought or see connections that they might otherwise miss or misunderstand. The following paragraph shows how carefully chosen transitions (CAPITALIZED) lead the reader smoothly from the introduction to the conclusion of the paragraph.
I don’t wish to deny that the flattened, minuscule head of the large-bodied "stegosaurus" houses little brain from our subjective, top-heavy perspective, BUT I do wish to assert that we should not expect more of the beast. FIRST OF ALL, large animals have relatively smaller brains than related, small animals. The correlation of brain size with body size among kindred animals (all reptiles, all mammals, FOR EXAMPLE) is remarkably regular. AS we move from small to large animals, from mice to elephants or small lizards to Komodo dragons, brain size increases, BUT not so fast as body size. IN OTHER WORDS, bodies grow faster than brains, AND large animals have low ratios of brain weight to body weight. IN FACT, brains grow only about two-thirds as fast as bodies. SINCE we have no reason to believe that large animals are consistently stupider than their smaller relatives, we must conclude that large animals require relatively less brain to do as well as smaller animals. IF we do not recognize this relationship, we are likely to underestimate the mental power of very large animals, dinosaurs in particular. Stephen Jay Gould, “Were Dinosaurs Dumb?”
(modified from Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference )
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Writing an effective and impactful essay is crucial to your academic or professional success. Whether it’s getting into the college of your dreams or scoring high on a major assignment, writing a well-structured essay will help you achieve it all. But before you learn how to write an essay , you need to know its basic components.
In this article, we will understand what an essay is, how long it should be, and its different parts and types. We will also take a detailed look at relevant examples to better understand the essay structure.
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An essay is a concise piece of nonfiction writing that aims to either inform the reader about a topic or argue a particular perspective. It can either be formal or informal in nature. Most academic essays are highly formal, whereas informal essays are commonly found in journal entries, social media, or even blog posts.
As we can see from this essay definition, the beauty of essays lies in their versatility. From the exploration of complex scientific concepts to the history and evolution of everyday objects, they can cover a vast range of topics.
The length of an essay can vary from a few hundred to several thousand words but typically falls between 500–5,000 words. However, there are exceptions to this norm, such as Joan Didion and David Sedaris who have written entire books of essays.
Let’s take a look at the different types of essays and their lengths with the help of the following table:
Typically, an essay has five paragraphs: an introduction, a conclusion, and three body paragraphs. However, there is no set rule about the number of paragraphs in an essay.
The number of paragraphs can vary depending on the type and scope of your essay. An expository or argumentative essay may require more body paragraphs to include all the necessary information, whereas a narrative essay may need fewer.
To enhance the coherence and readability of your essay, it’s important to follow certain rules regarding the structure. Take a look:
1. Arrange your information from the most simple to the most complex bits. You can start the body paragraph off with a general statement and then move on to specifics.
2. Provide the necessary background information at the beginning of your essay to give the reader the context behind your thesis statement.
3. Select topic statements that provide value, more information, or evidence for your thesis statement.
There are also various essay structures , such as the compare and contrast structure, chronological structure, problem method solution structure, and signposting structure that you can follow to create an organized and impactful essay.
An impactful, well-structured essay comes down to three important parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion.
1. The introduction sets the stage for your essay and is typically a paragraph long. It should grab the reader’s attention and give them a clear idea of what your essay will be about.
2. The body is where you dive deeper into your topic and present your arguments and evidence. It usually consists of two paragraphs, but this can vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing.
3. The conclusion brings your essay to a close and is typically one paragraph long. It should summarize the main points of the essay and leave the reader with something to think about.
The length of your paragraphs can vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing. So, make sure you take the time to plan out your essay structure so each section flows smoothly into the next.
When it comes to writing an essay, the introduction is a critical component that sets the tone for the entire piece. A well-crafted introduction not only grabs the reader’s attention but also provides them with a clear understanding of what the essay is all about. An essay editor can help you achieve this, but it’s best to know the brief yourself!
Let’s take a look at how to write an attractive and informative introductory paragraph.
1. Construct an attractive hook
To grab the reader’s attention, an opening statement or hook is crucial. This can be achieved by incorporating a surprising statistic, a shocking fact, or an interesting anecdote into the beginning of your piece.
For example, if you’re writing an essay about water conservation you can begin your essay with, “Clean drinking water, a fundamental human need, remains out of reach for more than one billion people worldwide. It deprives them of a basic human right and jeopardizes their health and wellbeing.”
2. Provide sufficient context or background information
An effective introduction should begin with a brief description or background of your topic. This will help provide context and set the stage for your discussion.
For example, if you’re writing an essay about climate change, you start by describing the current state of the planet and the impact that human activity is having on it.
3. Construct a well-rounded and comprehensive thesis statement
A good introduction should also include the main message or thesis statement of your essay. This is the central argument that you’ll be making throughout the piece. It should be clear, concise, and ideally placed toward the end of the introduction.
By including these elements in your introduction, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the rest of your essay.
Let’s take a look at an example.
The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane in 1903 revolutionized the way humans travel and explore the world. Prior to this invention, transportation relied on trains, boats, and cars, which limited the distance and speed of travel. However, the airplane made air travel a reality, allowing people to reach far-off destinations in mere hours. This breakthrough paved the way for modern-day air travel, transforming the world into a smaller, more connected place. In this essay, we will explore the impact of the Wright Brothers’ invention on modern-day travel, including the growth of the aviation industry, increased accessibility of air travel to the general public, and the economic and cultural benefits of air travel.
You can persuade your readers and make your thesis statement compelling by providing evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. To write a fool-proof and authoritative essay, you need to provide multiple well-structured, substantial arguments.
Let’s take a look at how this can be done:
1. Write a topic sentence for each paragraph
The beginning of each of your body paragraphs should contain the main arguments that you’d like to address. They should provide ground for your thesis statement and make it well-rounded. You can arrange these arguments in several formats depending on the type of essay you’re writing.
2. Provide the supporting information
The next point of your body paragraph should provide supporting information to back up your main argument. Depending on the type of essay, you can elaborate on your main argument with the help of relevant statistics, key information, examples, or even personal anecdotes.
3. Analyze the supporting information
After providing relevant details and supporting information, it is important to analyze it and link it back to your main argument.
End one body paragraph with a smooth transition to the next. There are many ways in which this can be done, but the most common way is to give a gist of your main argument along with the supporting information with transitory words such as “however” “in addition to” “therefore”.
Here’s an example of a body paragraph.
The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane revolutionized air travel. They achieved the first-ever successful powered flight with the Wright Flyer in 1903, after years of conducting experiments and studying flight principles. Despite their first flight lasting only 12 seconds, it was a significant milestone that paved the way for modern aviation. The Wright Brothers’ success can be attributed to their systematic approach to problem-solving, which included numerous experiments with gliders, the development of a wind tunnel to test their designs, and meticulous analysis and recording of their results. Their dedication and ingenuity forever changed the way we travel, making modern aviation possible.
A powerful concluding statement separates a good essay from a brilliant one. To create a powerful conclusion, you need to start with a strong foundation.
Let’s take a look at how to construct an impactful concluding statement.
1. Restructure your thesis statement
To conclude your essay effectively, don’t just restate your thesis statement. Instead, use what you’ve learned throughout your essay and modify your thesis statement accordingly. This will help you create a conclusion that ties together all of the arguments you’ve presented.
2. Summarize the main points of your essay
The next point of your conclusion consists of a summary of the main arguments of your essay. It is crucial to effectively summarize the gist of your essay into one, well-structured paragraph.
3. Create a lasting impression with your concluding statement
Conclude your essay by including a key takeaway, or a powerful statement that creates a lasting impression on the reader. This can include the broader implications or consequences of your essay topic.
Here’s an example of a concluding paragraph.
The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane forever changed history by paving the way for modern aviation and countless aerospace advancements. Their persistence, innovation, and dedication to problem-solving led to the first successful powered flight in 1903, sparking a revolution in transportation that transformed the world. Today, air travel remains an integral part of our globalized society, highlighting the undeniable impact of the Wright Brothers’ contribution to human civilization.
Most essays are derived from the combination or variation of these four main types of essays . let’s take a closer look at these types.
1. Narrative essay
A narrative essay is a type of writing that involves telling a story, often based on personal experiences. It is a form of creative nonfiction that allows you to use storytelling techniques to convey a message or a theme.
2. Descriptive essay
A descriptive essay aims to provide an immersive experience for the reader by using sensory descriptors. Unlike a narrative essay, which tells a story, a descriptive essay has a narrower scope and focuses on one particular aspect of a story.
3. Argumentative essays
An argumentative essay is a type of essay that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular stance based on factual evidence and is one of the most common forms of college essays.
4. Expository essays
An expository essay is a common format used in school and college exams to assess your understanding of a specific topic. The purpose of an expository essay is to present and explore a topic thoroughly without taking any particular stance or expressing personal opinions.
While this article demonstrates what is an essay and describes its types, you may also have other doubts. As experts who provide essay editing and proofreading services , we’re here to help.
Our team has created a list of resources to clarify any doubts about writing essays. Keep reading to write engaging and well-organized essays!
What is the difference between an argumentative and an expository essay, what is the difference between a narrative and a descriptive essay, what is an essay format, what is the meaning of essay, what is the purpose of writing an essay.
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Students often get confused between paragraphs and essays. however, although they share a few similarities, the differences are far more significant. this makes it even more crucial for you to understand the differences well, especially if you are to give an english language test like ielts or toefl. moreover, understanding the main differences will help you answer the questions better., table of contents, let’s understand the difference between a paragraph and an essay. .
The difference between a paragraph and an essay is far too significant to get confused. Yes, both indeed share many similarities. This makes it easy for one to get confused when comparing the two. However, you must understand the difference between an essay and a paragraph to avoid getting mixed up.
Understanding the differences will be especially handy if you plan to attempt any English language exam like IELTS or TOEFL. They often include questions related to both a paragraph and an essay. If you understand the difference between paragraph and essay, you are better equipped to provide efficient responses.
We have highlighted the following key difference between a paragraph and an essay –
A paragraph is usually short. It may include 4 to 6 sentences. The paragraph will address a specific topic or theme, but that is about it.
On the other hand, an essay will include 4 to 6 paragraphs. The main idea will be discussed throughout these paragraphs. Since the word limit is higher, it takes more time to think about the topic and provide appropriate responses.
Due to how limited the wordings are, the main point of the topic or theme is generally explained within the first two sentences. The supporting information, as well as the concluding sentence, is included in the last few lines. The standard structure of the essay is where an individual uses the first paragraph to introduce the topic. The following two or three paragraphs provide supporting information (including examples), and the last paragraph provides any concluding sentences.
The paragraph and essay make good points. They follow entirely different structures to serve their respective purposes. If you wish to talk about a topic in length, the best way to go about it is by writing an essay. However, a paragraph should suffice if you want to discuss a topic briefly. The essay addresses the topic from a broad perspective. In contrast, a paragraph will concisely explain the same topic.
A good paragraph uses simple and brief sentences to explain the point. The paragraph is generally limited to a single topic, which should follow a decent structure. A good essay will consist of the main statement that is then expanded and explained clearly and smoothly.
Interestingly, if you wish to write a good essay, you have to get better at forming a paragraph. Straightforward and well-structured paragraphs will help you write good essays. In addition, your thoughts should be clearly communicated in each paragraph.
The difference between a paragraph and an essay is that a paragraph consists of 4-6 sentences while an essay consists of 4-6 paragraphs.
You need to be able to form a good paragraph to write a good essay.
A good paragraph and essay is the kind that uses simple and brief sentences to explain the point.
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The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is important for every student planning to pursue higher education abroad. As a part of the exam, you will have to elaborate on a given topic. One of the topics you might encounter is the difference between paragraph and essay . Before penning down the essay, keep in mind the following points:
What is the difference between paragraph and essay: sample essay 1, is there any difference between paragraph and essay: sample essay 2, frequently asked questions, important ielts exam resources.
Paragraphs and essays are different forms of write-ups used to express one's point of view. Both writing pieces should be informational, with an idea explained clearly and concisely. Even though they may appear similar, there exists a difference between paragraphs and essays .
A paragraph is a self-sufficient writing unit created with multiple sentences. All these sentences are arranged in an organized manner to convey the author's perspective. Additionally, all the lines must be in coherence with one another. An ideal paragraph should start with an introductory sentence, followed by the text body explaining the topic, and should end with a concluding sentence.
A good paragraph will also convey the author's idea to the reader. Each sentence should expand on that point and not stray from the general topic. Usually, paragraphs are composed of 5-7 sentences and don't require much preparation as they do not give out much detail.
On the other hand, an essay is a formal write-up consisting of at least 2 to 3 paragraphs. Here, the first paragraph introduces the topic the author plans to discuss in the rest of the essay. The following paragraphs are used to express the views in a detailed manner. Finally, an essay is finished with a concluding paragraph, highlighting the crux of the topic.
Explore More Resources About IELTS Essay:
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In any fictional or non-fictional write-up, we come across multiple texts divided into separate portions for better understanding. Writing sections can be classified as either a paragraph or an essay. Despite the apparent similarities, there is a stark difference between paragraph and essay .
A paragraph is an arrangement of multiple sentences. Here, you don't have to form a sync with other parts of the text as it is singular. On the other hand, an essay must follow a specific pattern. It should have an introduction and a conclusion paragraph apart from the general text. You can also add quotes from relevant sources in the essay to make it more credible for the readers.
The next difference is the text length in both write-ups. A paragraph is a coherent collection of approximately 5-7 sentences. However, the pattern of an essay has no such limitations. It is composed of multiple paragraphs. Based on the requirements, a short essay can have a minimum of 2-3 paragraphs, and an extensive essay can have 6-8 paragraphs or more.
A paragraph is hence a part of an essay. The beginning of a new paragraph is indicated by inserting a line break, while an introductory paragraph marks the beginning of an essay.
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Get to know about the latest updates on the IELTS Exam, Eligibility, Preparation Tips, Test procedure, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Registration Process, Important Exam Dates, and much more!! This guide is a one-stop solution for every IELTS Aspirant who aims to crack the exam with an impressive band score.
No, a paragraph can never be considered an essay. A paragraph has no line breaks and includes all text in continuation. On the other hand, an essay has several line breaks marking the beginning of each paragraph. Also, an essay is comprised of several paragraphs.
All essays in IELTS must have an introduction and conclusion. This is two paragraphs. Additionally, the body must be divided into 2-3 paragraphs. Therefore, the total number of paragraphs your IELTS essay must have is 4 to 5.
IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.
With the right knowledge of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern, cracking the popular English test won’t be difficult.
The IELTS exam pattern encompasses four major sections, i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading.
IELTS is the most popular and crucial test for evaluating English language proficiency throughout the world. Learn how to register for the IELTS exam.
It becomes necessary for candidates to meet the eligibility for IELTS exam and demonstrate their language proficiency while being assessed on four parameters, namely, Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening.
The IELTS exam fee in India varies based on the types of IELTS tests. The link below shows detailed information on the IELTS exam fees.
The IELTS exam dates are allotted on a first-come and first-serve basis. Choose your date and timings beforehand to avoid the delay. You can register for the test both in online and offline mode.
Fully aware of the growing popularity of the language test, we bring to you a list of IELTS exam centers in India. The list will enable aspirants in better planning before registering for the test.
IELTS reading band score decides the knowledge and proficiency of the English language of the applicants.
The listening section evaluates the comprehension level of candidates. The scores also depend on the understanding of different accents and dialects.
The IELTS score validity for General and Academic is two years across the globe. The IELTS result validity for Canada is two years.
There are two types of IELTS tests – i) Academic IELTS and ii) General Training IELTS. Candidates are often confused about making the right choice of IELTS test that can meet their requirements regarding their education or job.
Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible.
Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay.
Before appearing for the test, let’s take a look at the below-mentioned IELTS writing tips and tricks to score well in the writing section.
Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer.
Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.
There are many phrases for IELTS speaking that a candidate should practice beforehand. If you aim for band 9, you should know these phrases.
IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test.
Understanding the IELTS band score is not difficult. The results of the examination are reported on a scale of 9 bands.
To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below.
IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation.
Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question.
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture.
The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same.
The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least.
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Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms
Paragraphing is the practice of dividing a text into paragraphs . The purpose of paragraphing is to signal shifts in thinking and give readers a rest.
Paragraphing is "a way of making visible to the reader the stages in the writer's thinking" (J. Ostrom, 1978). Although conventions about the length of paragraphs vary from one form of writing to another, most style guides recommend adapting paragraph length to your medium , subject, and audience . Ultimately, paragraphing should be determined by the rhetorical situation .
" Paragraphing is not such a difficult skill, but it is an important one. Dividing up your writing into paragraphs shows that you are organized, and makes an essay easier to read. When we read an essay we want to see how the argument is progressing from one point to the next. "Unlike this book, and unlike reports , essays don't use headings . This makes them look less reader-friendly, so it is important to use paragraphs regularly, to break up the mass of words and to signal the making of a new point. . . . An unparagraphed page gives the reader the feeling of hacking away through a thick jungle without a track in sight—not very enjoyable and very hard work. A neat series of paragraphs acts like stepping stones that can be followed pleasurably across the river." (Stephen McLaren, "Essay Writing Made Easy", 2nd ed. Pascal Press, 2001)
"The following principles should guide the way paragraphs are written for undergraduate assignments:
"Long paragraphs are daunting—rather like mountains—and they are easy to get lost in, for both readers and writers. When writers try to do too much in a single paragraph, they often lose the focus and lose contact with the larger purpose or point that got them into the paragraph in the first place. Remember that old high school rule about one idea to a paragraph? Well, it's not a bad rule, though it isn't exactly right because sometimes you need more space than a single paragraph can provide to lay out a complicated phase of your overall argument. In that case, just break wherever it seems reasonable to do so in order to keep your paragraphs from becoming ungainly. "When you draft , start a new paragraph whenever you feel yourself getting stuck—it's the promise of a fresh start. When you revise , use paragraphs as a way of cleaning up your thinking, dividing it into its most logical parts." (David Rosenwasser and Jill Stephen, "Writing Analytically," 5th ed. Thomson Wadsworth, 2009)
"The form, length, style, and positioning of paragraphs will vary, depending on the nature and conventions of the medium (print or digital), the interface (size and type of paper, screen resolution, and size), and the genre . For example, paragraphs in a newspaper are quite a bit shorter, typically, than paragraphs in a college essay because of the newspaper's narrow columns. On a website, paragraphs on the opening page may consist of more signposts than would be typical in a printed work, allowing readers to select which direction to track via hyperlink. Paragraphs in a work of creative nonfiction will likely include transitional words and sentence structures not often found in lab reports.
"In short, the rhetorical situation should always guide your use of paragraphing. When you understand paragraph conventions, your audience and purpose , your rhetorical situation, and your writing's subject matter, you will be in the best position to decide how to use paragraphs strategically and effectively to teach, delight, or persuade with your writing." (David Blakesley and Jeffrey Hoogeveen, "The Thomson Handbook." Thomson Learning, 2008)
"We think of paragraphing as an organizational skill and may teach it in conjunction with the prewriting or planning stages of writing. I have found, however, that young writers understand more about paragraphing and cohesive paragraphs when they learn about them in conjunction with editing . When developing writers know the reasons for paragraphing, they more readily apply them in the editing stage than in drafting.
"Just as students can be trained to hear end punctuation , they can also learn to hear where new paragraphs start and when sentences are off the topic ." (Marcia S. Freeman, "Building a Writing Community: A Practical Guide," rev. ed. Maupin House, 2003)
As nouns the difference between paragraph and essay, as verbs the difference between paragraph and essay, derived terms, related terms.
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Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.
Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.
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When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.
Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.
Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.
One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.
Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.
As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.
For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.
This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.
Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.
Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.
Behaviorism | Cognitive psychology |
---|---|
Dominant from the 1920s to the 1950s | Rose to prominence in the 1960s |
Mental processes cannot be empirically studied | Mental processes as focus of study |
Focuses on how thinking is affected by conditioning and environment | Focuses on the cognitive processes themselves |
Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.
These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.
When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.
In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:
Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.
One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.
In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:
The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.
Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.
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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.
Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .
Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.
You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.
Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:
It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.
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Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/compare-and-contrast/
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A paragraph refers to a self-sufficient writing unit that is being created for multiple types of sentences. All the sentences are to be arranged in a more systematic manner for conveying the perspective of the author. In addition, all the lines should be coherent with one another and an ideal form of the paragraph should be starting with an introductory sentence, which is followed by the text body which explains the given topic and should have a specific concluding sentence.
An essay is a formal and comprehensive piece of literature that describes a particular issue or topic analyzed and discussed. It refers to a short amount of writing on a particular subject. Mainly students in their academics are asked to write essays on some topics as a response to a question or proposition. It does not have a specific readership in mind. Through essays, the writer or narrator expresses his or her personal views or opinion on a particular topic or a question and it is based on an educational and analytical tone. Let’s take an example and understand what an essay is clearly suppose a school student has an exam and in the question paper, he has been asked to write something explaining Floods in India which is an example of an essay.
Definition | A paragraph refers to addressing a specific topic or theme. Paragraphs are short and can include 4 to 6 sentences. | An essay can include 4 or 6 paragraphs. The main idea has been discussed throughout the paragraphs. The word limit is higher and takes more time to think about the topic with an appropriate response. |
Structure | Because of limits, the main point of the topic or the themes are generally explained in the first or two sentences. | The main structure of an essay is where the first paragraph is used for the introduction of the topic. The next following two or three paragraphs are for providing supporting forms of information. |
Purpose | A paragraph ought to suffice if you need to discuss a topic briefly. | The essay is for addressing the topic in a more broad context. |
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An essay is a formal writing sample of a given topic composed of multiple paragraphs. The largest difference between the two types of writing is that the essay usually involves more preparation work.
Learn the differences between paragraph and essay, two common forms of writing. A paragraph is a part of writing that talks about one main topic or idea, while an essay is a long piece that covers a broad topic with multiple paragraphs.
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Learn how to distinguish between an essay and a paragraph based on their structure, length, and purpose. A paragraph is a single point that supports a broader topic in an essay, which is a collection of paragraphs that explain a thesis statement.
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II. Similarities and Differences Between a Paragraph and an Essay. In Unit 3 Parts and Characteristics of a Good Paragraph, you learned that a paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. (Open Unit 3 here.) In this unit, you will learn that an essay is a group of paragraphs about one main idea.
An outline of an academic essay contains the thesis and brief information about the proof paragraphs. The proof paragraphs are the paragraphs between the introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Proof paragraphs contain evidence, also called supporting details, that the thesis is accurate.
An essay is a more complex form of academic writing, with a broader scope and a more detailed structure than a paragraph. The difference between a paragraph and an essay lies in their purpose, structure, and scope. They are not interchangeable in academic writing.
Essays consist of multiple paragraphs and have a specific structure, while paragraphs are individual units of text within an essay. Essays and paragraphs have some key differences. Essays are longer pieces of writing that typically consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. They require more extensive development of ideas ...
This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points. Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. A paragraph could contain a series of brief examples or a single long illustration of a general point.
Parts of an essay. An impactful, well-structured essay comes down to three important parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. 1. The introduction sets the stage for your essay and is typically a paragraph long. It should grab the reader's attention and give them a clear idea of what your essay will be about.
Let's understand the difference between a paragraph and an essay. We have highlighted the following key difference between a paragraph and an essay -. Definition. A paragraph is usually short. It may include 4 to 6 sentences. The paragraph will address a specific topic or theme, but that is about it. On the other hand, an essay will include ...
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Paragraphing and the Rhetorical Situation "The form, length, style, and positioning of paragraphs will vary, depending on the nature and conventions of the medium (print or digital), the interface (size and type of paper, screen resolution, and size), and the genre.For example, paragraphs in a newspaper are quite a bit shorter, typically, than paragraphs in a college essay because of the ...
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Here are the differences : Whereas a paragraph has a single topic sentence with a single opinion, an essay has a thesis statement that contains three opinions. Whereas a paragraph has a support as ...
In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you're comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you've already said about the first. Your text is structured like this: Subject 1.
Difference Between Paragraph and Essay. Basis: Paragraph: Essay: Definition: A paragraph refers to addressing a specific topic or theme. Paragraphs are short and can include 4 to 6 sentences. An essay can include 4 or 6 paragraphs. The main idea has been discussed throughout the paragraphs. The word limit is higher and takes more time to think ...