Paragraph Development Techniques

Paragraph Development

• Writers' responsibility is to clearly discuss ideas in paragraphs.
• Causal Analysis: Studies cause-and-effect relationships. Categories include informative, persuasive, and speculative. Causal chain shows multiple effects from a single cause. Faulty causality (e.g., Latin "propter hoc, ergo propter hoc") incorrectly assumes one event causes another.
• Description: Vividly expresses sensory experiences. Can be objective (factual) or subjective (emotional). Organized by spatial, chronological, or emphatic order.
• Comparison and Contrast: Examine similarities and differences between items. Similarities and differences are inseparable.
• Definition: Explains meaning. Techniques include: analogy (examining underlying similarities), analysis (breaking into parts), collocations (words frequently appearing together), comparison, contrast (pointing out differences), etymology (word history), exemplification (giving examples), function (purpose), negation (explaining what it is not), synonyms (similar words), slang (specialized vocabulary by group).

Narration

• Storytelling. Events aren't necessarily arranged chronologically. Told by a narrator.
• Characteristics: Vivid descriptions of details, consistent point of view (determined by pronouns - first, second, third person, omniscient).
• Dispassion: Lack of emotion.

Division and Classification

• Works with analysis, breaking concepts into parts.
• Classifies items by shared traits.
• Considerations for clarity include consistency (avoid overlapping categories), exclusivity (no overlaps), completeness (no missing parts).
• Types of Audience: Supportive, wavering, hostile.

Creating Reading and Writing Outlines

• Summary of essential features.
• Subordinate vs. equal sections.
• Reading outlines: Used to understand text structure. Find thesis, supporting details, paragraph main ideas.
• Writing outlines: Skeletal framework for essays. Purpose, thesis statement, similar thoughts grouped, Roman numerals for main topics, subtopics and supporting points.

Revision and Editing

• Revision: Broad improvement. Adding, removing, rearranging parts. Look at the big picture.
• Editing: More precise clarification. Checking grammar, spelling, punctuation.
• Steps for both involve re-reading, focusing on different aspects with each pass.

This quiz focuses on various techniques of paragraph development essential for effective writing. You'll explore concepts such as causal analysis, description, comparison and contrast, and definition. Understanding these techniques will enhance your ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.