Writing body paragraphs

Hi class,

Today, we talked about body paragraphs, and how we make body paragraphs effective. As I said in class, body paragraphs support your main idea, which is expressed in a thesis statement. Also, each body paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. However, a concluding sentence may be optional depending of the flow of sentences.

Body paragraphs are also required to have features like unity and coherence. I mentioned several techniques in class, if you want to take a look at them again, click on here.

Next class, we're going to work on body paragraphs using diagnostic papers, so be sure to bring your paper with you. Again, don't discard it!

See you on Friday.

Joy

Free computer-based speaking test

If you are interested in free computer-based speaking test, please contact Young-mi Kim at ymk@illinois.edu. For more information, click on the picture above.

Joy

An introductory paragraph

Hi all,

Today, we talked about an introductory paragraph and a thesis statement. As I mentioned in class, an introduction (1) gives a direction of what you're going to talk about, and (2) it plays an eye catcher's role.

First, to show readers a direction about where to go, an introductory paragraph needs to have a clear thesis statement, which has to be specific, reliable, and interesting. As well, to attract your readers, you can use sources such as historical reviews, anecdotes, famous people, statistics, and surprising statements.

This could sound simple and easy. However, since you're not professional writers, so you need to try to refine an introductory paragraph always remembering those tips above. You need to practice writing consciously at first, but once you get used to writing an academic writing, you don't have to remember all the tips whenever you write a paper.

Here's the pdf file for the presentation. If you want to take a look at it again, download the file.

Joy