Paragraph Structure & Essay Structure PDF

# Paragraph Structure A paragraph is composed of sentences which contribute to **one main idea**. The main idea is usually stated in a **topic sentence**. It essentially captures what the paragraph is about. To enrich the main idea or topic sentence, more information or details are added in what i...

# Paragraph Structure A paragraph is composed of sentences which contribute to **one main idea**. The main idea is usually stated in a **topic sentence**. It essentially captures what the paragraph is about. To enrich the main idea or topic sentence, more information or details are added in what is called the **support sentences**. Support sentences may either be **major support sentences** or **minor support sentences**. Major support sentences reinforce the idea of the topic sentence while minor support sentences reinforce the idea of the major support sentence. ## Placement of Topic Sentence Ideally, a **topic sentence** should be placed at the **beginning of the paragraph**. As a writer, it will keep you on track with your piece of writing. You can look up at the beginning sentence and reflect if your next sentences contribute to the idea in your topic sentence. However, a topic sentence may also be found somewhere middle of the paragraph or it may also be the last sentence of your paragraph. # Paragraph Patterns ## Pattern of Development - is how the main idea is elaborated. ## Comparison-Contrast - When comparing and contrasting, naturally, at least two elements are involved. **Comparison** looks into the similarities; **contrast** looks into the differences. ## Classification and Division - The main idea dwells on categories and the supporting sentences elaborates on those categories. ## Cause-and-Effect - Detail the reasons why an idea may have happened and may also lay out the results (probable or actual). ## Problem-Solution - In a problem-solution paragraph, usually one problem is highlighted and is given several solutions. In such a case, each solution is elaborated. If only one solution is proposed (or done), both problem and solution are elaborated. ## Persuasion - In a persuasion paragraph, the main idea revolves around the stand of the writer on a certain issue. The support sentences lay out the arguments of the position of the writer. # Essay Structure ## Introduction ### Opener / Hook - In an opener, the writer strategizes in getting the reader's attention. There are several methods by which a reader's attention can be captured. Commonly used are anecdotes, questions, and quotations. - Just remember, an effective opener gets the reader curious, excited, or interested to continue reading the essay. ### Thesis Statement - A thesis statement is to an essay as a topic sentence is to a paragraph. - What that means is that a thesis statement must capture in one sentence what the entire essay is about. - An effective thesis statement needs to reflect the ideas in the body of the essay, specifically the main ideas in each paragraph (or topic sentences). ## Body - This is where the writer elaborates the thesis statement by explaining the main points which are usually limited to three main points, but can be as many as five main points. ### 4 Parts of a Body Paragraph 1. Single controlling idea that ties back to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. 2. Topic sentence. 3. Supporting detail. 4. Concluding and transition sentence. ## Conclusion ### Restatement of the Thesis - The restatement of the thesis serves as a recap of the essay. It usually resembles the thesis statement that is why it is called the restatement of the thesis. - The major difference between the two is that the thesis statement sounds like a preview while the restatement of the thesis sounds like a review. - While many writers would restate the thesis, some writers may opt not to. Therefore, the Restatement of the thesis may be considered optional. ### Ender - The ender is like a knot that is made at the end of braiding a rope. - This is where the writer gives his/her final thought about the essay. - Several strategies can also be used such as using a quotation, asking a rhetorical question, or giving a recommendation. # Logical Organization ## Ways of Organizing Information That You Can Employ in Writing 1. Chronological Organization - is highly applicable when writing about an event you have experienced or when talking about how a process unfolds. The focus of the organization is really more on the body of the essay. 2. Spatial Organization - is useful when writing about objects or places and the focus is more on describing them. It is advisable to move from one area to another. It is up to you as the writer whether you wish to move from the bottom up, or left to right, or inside out. 3. Cause-and-Effect - is used when talking about the cause and effect of something. As mentioned before, you can be cause-focused (in which case, go with the first column), or effect-focused (in which case, go with the second column), or when discussing both cause and effect (in which case, organize using the third column). 4. Comparison-and-Contrast - is when you put two elements side by side and extract their similarities and differences. In the first suggestion, you can focus on the first element solely before you discuss the second element. In the second suggestion, you can focus on their points for comparison (or contrast) putting the elements side by side. 5. Categorical or Topical - is when you have subsets of topics. From the one general topic, you have subtopics and can be organized as suggested in the outline on the right. 6. Problem-Solution Order - is for when you have a problem that you wish to provide solution(s) to. In the first main point, the problem can be elaborated. In the next paragraph(s), the solution(s) can be discussed.