PARAGRAPH WRITING

OBJECTIVE: This module provides the fundamentals of paragraph writing.

Upon completion of this module, you will be able:

To choose an appropriate topic for a paragraph.

To construct a topic sentence with a controlling idea.
To outline a coherent paragraph.
To write a cohesive reasons paragraph.
To write a cohesive reasons and examples paragraph.
To write a cohesive pro and con paragraph.
To write a cohesive process paragraph.
Writing is not just a matter of correct grammar. Good writing results from careful

planning, thoughtful revising, and precise proofreading. Look at some of these techniques as they
apply to composing a paragraph.
Writing an effective paragraphone that is completely developed and within the right
range of developmenttakes planning. Most paragraphs are too short and, therefore, do not
cover a topic well enough. Some paragraphs are too long because of repetition or wordiness.
Other paragraphs are oversimplified and do not really say anything. It is not an easy job to create
a detailed, well-developed paragraph.
Of greater importance, the paragraph is an effective writing technique used in business
and desired by managers who must deal with a great amount of written correspondence. Writing
on the job must, therefore, be as precise and as clear and concise as possible. The important thing
to remember is that you should never sacrifice clarity for brevity. By learning methods of
planning, designing, and developing paragraphs, you can be an asset on the job when you are
dealing with written correspondence.
The paragraph format can be found in many areas of business and technical writing.
Often, a memo (memorandum) is paragraph length. You will frequently be asked to summarize
or to prepare abstracts of lengthier correspondence. In cases of multi-paragraph formats, such as
business letters and reports, a well-constructed paragraph can be very useful in helping to focus
on thoughts and ideas so that they can be easily and readily absorbed by the reader. Proposals

and requests are often limited to paragraph length. Therefore, you can see that the paragraph is
not only a good way to learn writing techniques but also a most effective tool on the job.
THE PARAGRAPH
What is a paragraph? You will probably remember being taught that a paragraph is a
group of related sentences about one idea. Structurally, a paragraph is a group of sentences
consisting of a topic sentence, sentences of development (called the body), and a concluding
sentence. The paragraph can exist alone in many cases, but it is commonly used to separate
longer papers into shorter segments of thought. Whether the paragraph exists as a unit on its own
or is part of a larger whole depends on the amount of detail that is needed to explain your
purpose. In report and letter writing, you will use sequences of paragraphs to form reports and
business letters.
One of the most frequent questions; writing students ask is, How long should the
paragraph be? Obviously, there is no one correct answer, but there are certain guidelines for
length and development. Certainly, you will want to choose a subject you know something about.
The more you know about the subject, the more you can select and share with your readers.
Another consideration is to avoid repetition. Sometimes a paragraph looks lengthy but is actually
saying the same thing over and over. Some writers combine all their ideas into one or two longer
sentences. Others use a series of short sentences, each containing one idea. Since sentence
formation will have a definite effect on length, you should separate all your ideas in the planning
process and then make choices about whether to combine them as you write a rough draft. At a
minimum, a paragraph should contain one topic sentence, at least three sentences of
development, and a concluding sentence. The content and length of these will be determined by
your own writing style. Your aim in writing is to think through your idea and say as much as you
can without repeating yourself. In this way, your writing will be more interesting because of the
development, more persuasive because of the support you include for your opinion, and more
successful in achieving its goal because it provides a through explanation instead of a superficial
over view.
Here is a sample paragraph:

Topic Sentence

There are several advantages to fast food restaurants. First of all, their big
draw is the time saved. Customers can walk in the door, walk up to the
counter, place an order, and have their lunch in a matter of minutes. If
customers prefer to remain in their car, they can go through the drive in
window and eat in the automobile. The quality of the food is consistent;
people can learn which items on the menu suit them and which ones they
can count on. Best of all, the prices are usually unbeatable. Consequently,
fast food restaurants are attracting more and more customers.
Now that you have an overview of the paragraph, examine its elements carefully.
CONSTRUCTING THE TOPIC SENTENCE
Perhaps the most important sentence in the paragraph, and therefore the one that deserves
a lot of attention, is the topic sentence. The topic sentence establishes the purpose of the
paragraph by stating the main or controlling idea about a certain subject. The topic sentence
consists of two parts: the subject and the controlling idea. Both must be carefully chosen if your
paragraph is to be successful.
Subject (S)what you are talking about (not necessarily the grammatical subject of the
sentence)
Controlling Idea (CI)what you say about the subject (often with an opinion)
For example, not the subjects and controlling ideas marked in the following topic sentences.
An electric heater operates very simply.
Computer programming offers a variety of jobs.
Great expense is involved in a technical training program.

As you can see from these examples, the subject indicates generally what the paragraph
will deal with; whereas the controlling idea indicates specifically; the direction the supporting
sentences will take.
Because of its importance to your reader in establishing your purpose, the topic sentence
works best as the first sentence in the paragraph that is thoughtfully composed. The topic
sentence will be the key to your selection of supporting ideas in the body of the paragraph.
Finally, the topic sentence will help you decide how to conclude the paragraph when you have
presented all the details.
CHOOSING A SUBJECT:
Because the paragraph is a relatively short piece of writing, it should deal with only one
subject. Even so, you must be careful to select a subject that will be narrow enough to be covered
in 8 to 10 sentences at most. When you choose a subject for a paragraph, one of the first steps is
to narrow the scope to paragraph length. Look at the following examples:
In essence, what you should strive for in selecting your subject is to choose one you
know a lot about so that you can narrow it to a number of precise areas. Visualize slicing a pie:
From your final topics you can choose the slice you feel comfortable with or have the
ideas to support. Surprisingly enough, sometimes the points you want to stress in the body of a
paper will fall into place once you have narrowed the topic. Writers often reveal that once this
decision is made, the rest of the paragraph is easy.
You can see why this very first step in selecting the subject of your paragraph is so
critical. When you write, take the time to think before you actually write. Examine and explore
options. Instead of jumping right in and writing a paragraph, try jotting down different
approaches towards a subject. With some careful planning, the final product can be much more
effective and appealing. Why not make the final product one you are to narrow the scope to
paragraph length. Look at the following examples:
1.

A gasoline carburetor functions better at night.

2.

The coastal area offers many recreational activities.

3.

What is engineering?

4.

Architecture interests me.

5.

Shortages of materials today have seriously affected many companies.

ACTIVITY: Subject and Controlling Idea

Bracket and label the subject (S) and controlling Idea (CI)
1.

Most homeowners need a well equipped toolbox for repair jobs.

2.

Courtesy pays off in improved job relations.

3.

Assembling parts without first reading instructions promises disaster.

4.

Safety rules are established for a purpose.

5.

Certain qualities of an applicant are observed in a job interview.

FOCUSING THE TOPIC SENTENCE:

The next step in constructing a paragraph is to determine whether the topic sentence is
well focused, too broad, or too narrow. In writing a topic sentence, you must take into
consideration whether it is for a paragraph or a longer paper. In this module, confine your
thinking to writing topic sentences that are logical in scopeneither too broad nor too
narrowfor a paragraph.
Examine the following sentences:
EXAMPLE A
The computer has a color monitor. (Too narrow)
Computers have changed greatly over the last two decades. (Too broad)
A home computer can perform several helpful functions. (Well focused)
EXAMPLE B
CRP stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (Too narrow)
Scientists and doctors have developed many life saving techniques.
(Too broad)
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) involves several basic steps. (well-focused)
Remember that a paragraph is a relatively small unit of writing. Therefore, you should have a
controlling idea that is narrow enough to be supported well in a few sentences. If your CI is too
broad it may take many, many paragraphs, may be pages and pages, to develop it adequately. Say
your assignment is to write a paragraph on the broad subject of social security. Here are two
possible topic sentences (TS) that would narrow the subject properly. The CI is underlined.

1.

At the current rate, social security payments are not sufficient to meet the needs of the
elderly. (This TS could be supported by giving examples of normal expenses the
elderly face.)

2.

Some people are concerned that the social security fund may go broken before they
draw retirement benefits. (This TS could be supported by the questionable methods
being used to administer the program today.)

The controlling idea is the key to a unified paragraph. If your CI is too broad, as in Social
security is bad, or too narrow, as in A radio station plays music, it will not help you develop a
unified paragraph. One thing to consider at this point is choice of words for the controlling idea.
Words such as nice, interesting, and bad can be confusing because they can also be slang.
If you are at a loss for a good word to use as your controlling idea, you may want to consult a
thesaurus or a dictionary of synonyms. But if it is a logical, well-focused CI, then the supporting
statements will flow naturally, and your paragraph will be unified.
ACTIVITY: Subject and Controlling Idea
In each group of sentences, one sentence is too broad (TB), one is too narrow (TN), and one is
well focused (WF), Label them.
Group 1
a.

Poultry production is increasing.

b.

Poultry production is increasing in our area.

c.

Poultry production originated in our area.

Group 2
a.

The telephone is on the desk.

b.

The telephone provides a vehicle for good public relations.

c.

The telephone is convenient.

Group 3
a.

Data processing offers many career opportunities.

b.

Date processing is a technology.

c.

Many careers are available to todays graduate.

Group 4
a.

Compact automobiles are the most economical vehicles.

b.

Compact automobiles are more economical to operate than larger cars.

c.

Compact automobiles are small.

ACTIVITY: Subject and Controlling Idea

In each group of sentences, one sentence is too broad (TB), one is too narrow (TN), and one is
well focused (WF). Label them.
Group 1
a.

The engineer went to work.

b.

Engineering is an important field.

c.

An architectural engineer performs a variety of jobs.

Group 2
a.

A good nurse should possess certain specific qualities.

b.

Nursing is an art.

c.

The nurse took the patients temperature.

Group 3
a.

There is going to be a great need for fuel in the future.

b.

A source of energy is oil.

c.

The use of nuclear energy has many dangerous aspects.

Group 4
a.

Nutrition is important.

b.

A dietician uses nutritional guidelines to plan a well-balanced meal.

c.

The dietician prepared the menu for the evening meal.

ACTIVITY: Writing Topic Sentences

On your own paper, develop a well focused sentence on each of these subjects. Underline your
controlling idea.
1.

Computers

2.

Solar heat

3.

Drug abuse

4.

Nuclear power

5.

Compact laser disks

6.

Consumer loans

7.

Hazardous waste

8.

Word processing

ACTIVITY: Writing Topic Sentences

On your own paper, write five topic sentences on subjects of your choice. Underline the S and CI
and label each.
WRITING THE CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
A paragraph has three main partsthe topic sentence, the body, and the concluding
sentence. For the paragraph to function as a unit, you must end it properly to let your reader
know that you have finished your discussion. The best way to conclude your paragraph is to
remind the reader of what you originally set out to do. You may want to restate the main idea of
the topic sentence using different wording to avoid repetition. If the paragraph has at least three
main points of discussion, you may want to use a summary technique to conclude.
Consider the following examples:
1. Topic sentence:
2. Restatement type

Exercise routines should be carefully planned for the best result.

Therefore, exercise can be beneficial if some basic

Concluding sentence:

guidelines are followed.

3. Summary type

As you can see, proper supervision, good eating habits,

Concluding sentence:

and strict routines can produce excellent outcomes for the exercise
enthusiast.

ACTIVITY: Writing Topic Sentences and a Concluding Sentence

Write a topic sentence and a concluding sentence for each of the following paragraphs.
Topic Sentence:-________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Students can enroll in business or data processing. In addition, there are careers available in the
medical area, such as nursing and lab technology. Engineering is another broad field including
electronics and architecture.
Concluding Sentence:- ___________________________________________
Topic Sentence:-________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
First you must choose a subject. Next, you should narrow the subject so that you can deal with it
in a paragraph. Then you need to construct a topic sentence that contains a controlling idea which
tells the reader how you plan to deal with the subject. Following that, you must supply sufficient
facts, details, and examples to develop the body of the paragraph. Finally, you write a concluding
sentence that restates the idea expressed in the topic sentence.
Concluding Sentence:- ___________________________________________
Topic Sentence:-________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Arrive for the interview early. Be certain that you are nearly and appropriately dressed. Take
your cues from the interviewer. Give that person a firm handshake as your announce your name.
Wait to be invited to have a seat. Answer questions completely yet briefly, always being honest
in your replies. When the interviewer signals the close of the interview, be sure to thank the
person for his or her time.
Concluding Sentence:- ___________________________________________
DEVELOPING UNITY
Unity means oneness. In writing, it has to do with combining ideasfacts, details,
examplesinto an entity or a harmonious whole. You have been told that a paragraph is a group
of related sentences. The word related is the key. Each sentence must contribute to the support or
proof of the controlling idea. Note that a sentence can be related to the subject, but not to the
controlling idea. It therefore destroys the unity of the paragraph.

The main reason errors in unity occur is that many writers sit down and compose from
their thoughts, without taking the time to organize their ideas through the use of a plan or an
outline. If you compose without planning, you run the risk of wandering off the topic or, more
precisely, your controlling idea. If you do not make a habit of planning, commit yourself to start
right now. You will be delighted with the improvement you will see in your writing.
In your writing, check each fact, detail, or example you include to see that it supports the
controlling idea. After you jot down supporting ideas, look at each one in relation to the
controlling idea. It is much easier to spot material that does not belong to a paragraph at this
stage than after you have proofread your final product.
Now it is your turn to practice focusing on paragraph unity by making sure that each
sentence relates to the controlling idea.
ACTIVITY: Developing Unity
In the following paragraphs, circle the controlling idea in the topic sentence and cross out any
sentences that do not support it.
There are several definite guidelines to use in writing a resume. It must be typed and only one
page long. The job objective should be clearly defined. It should be noted that a resume is the
same as a data sheet. The wording should be as brief as possible, using phrases rather than
complete sentences. References should not be included. The letter of application is used to ask
for the job interview. Previous salaries should not be included. Neatness and appearance are
extremely important. An effective resume will be the result of following these principles.
You should make every effort to apply the basic punctuation rules to your writing. Do not forget
to separate words in a series by using commas. Also, use commas to separate items in dates and
addresses. Make sure your subjects and verbs agree. Coordinate adjectives; provide another
occasion to use the comma. In addition, commas are needed with interrupters and introductory
words or phrases. Avoid using fragments in your writing. A review of the fundamentals of
punctuation will improve your writing.

ACTIVITY: Paragraph Unity

The following paragraph illustrates how sentences that do not support the controlling idea can
destroy paragraph unity. See if you can spot the unrelated statements that should be eliminated.
(In any paragraphs you write, be sure to avoid any statements that do not directly support the CI.)
Read the paragraph and then fill in the blanks below it.
Topic Sentence: The countrys technical colleges have a wide variety of curriculum offerings.
They are located in the county seat. Students can find course offerings adapted to their aptitudes
and interests. For example, students who would like to own their own businesses can enroll in
Business Administration. In addition, they can play on the basketball team if they are sportsminded. Another course offered is in the very popular field of Data processing. For those
interested in engineering, there are such technologies as architecture, electronics, and electricity.
One student who took the Architectural Engineering course obtained a job as a lab technician.
Other students may wish to pursue a career as a secretary, a lab technician, a practical nurse, or a
newspaper reporter. They may also come to enjoy the social life. As you can see from the wide
variety of courses offered at technical colleges, there is something for everyone.
Subject: ______________________________________________________
CI: ___________________________________________________________
Supporting statements (give sentence numbers): _____________________
Unrelated Statements: __________________________________________
Concluding Statements: __________________________________________
Transitional

Expressions:

_________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________
DEVELOPING COHERENCE:
Coherence (pronounced co-her-ence) may look like a difficult concept because of its
strange name. It is a crucial area in writing because it has to do with the logical connection
between ideas. Unity is necessary because the sentences in the body of a paragraph must relate to

the topic sentence. Coherence is directly related to the results you will achieve from your
writing, for the overall impact will depend on the way you order or sequence ideas.
There are two basic approaches to coherence. The first one is called chronological and is
used when time element helps with sequencing. For example, sets of directions follow a
chronological sequence since steps must be done in a certain order to achieve the correct result.
Paragraphs using details of time, such as historical development, will use a chronological
approach.
The second type of sequencing ideas is a bit more complicated, for it is based on the
order of importance, in paragraph development, your ideas should be sequenced from the most
important to the least important or vice versa. In other words, put the most important ideas first
or last. Whichever way you choose is up to you as long as you are aware of your plan and are
able to explain your approach. This step in writing is best accomplished at the plan or outline
stage.
Coherence is especially important in business and technical writing. In persuasive
writing, your arguments not only must relate to the issue at hand but also be properly ordered so
that the reader is able to follow your logic. Writing is a precise exercise; readers cannot know
what you intend unless you state your meaning clearly and completely. This same notion is true
for writing sets of directions. Following directions is not that easy, especially if the directions are
oversimplified or major steps are overlooked.

Transitional Expressions
Transitions are linking words and phrases that show relationships between two or more
ideas. They are the glue that holds the parts together. If you do not use enough, the parts will fall
apart; if you use too much, you will see the glue instead of the parts. Your goal should be to
move smoothly from one sentence to the next so that the reader is unaware of the links that
connect your ideas and unify the paragraph.
Transitional expressions can be used to emphasize organization and direction of thought.
They may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

Paragraph Patterns
Writers use paragraphs primarily to help the reader. Since each paragraph begins with
white space that the writer creates by indenting or by skipping a line, a new paragraph provides a
brief rest for the readers eye and brain. Even more important, the start of a new paragraph helps
the reader recognize that a change is taking place perhaps in place or time, perhaps from one
idea to another or from a generalization to an example, perhaps from the body of an essay to its
conclusion. Because paragraphs divisions indicate that one thing is ending and another is
beginning, they help the reader to understand the organization and meaning of any piece of
writing.
Paragraphs have various functions in an essay, some paragraphs introduce an essay. Some
introduce it, others conclude it, and still others connect one part of an essay to another. But the
most common kind of a paragraph serves primarily to help support or develop the essays
controlling idea. Such controlling paragraphs may be narrative or descriptive, but in most cases
they are explanatory: they help develop the controlling idea of an essay by either informing or
persuading the reader. No matter what is the purpose of the writer i.e. to informing or to
persuade, the explanatory paragraph can be organized in many different ways. There are,
however, four especially useful patterns of organization: the direct pattern, the turnabout pattern,
the climatic pattern and the interrogative pattern.
A) The Direct Paragraph
It starts with the statement of its controlling idea (that is sometimes called the topic
sentence). The controlling idea in direct paragraph is stated usually in the first sentence, rarely
later than the second. What follows in the paragraph will develop the controlling idea by
defining it, qualifying it, analyzing it, and, most frequently, illustrating it.
B) The Turnabout Paragraph
This paragraph does not begin with a statement of its controlling idea. Instead, it begins
with an observation or suggestion that is often the direct opposite of its controlling idea. For
example, if the controlling idea of a turnabout paragraph is that dancing demands as much
strength, stamina, and athletic skill as football, the paragraph is likely to begin by suggesting the

opposite: at first glance, there seems to be no similarity between professional football players
and the professional dancers. Turnabout paragraph is quite suitable for persuasion purposes.
C) The Climatic Paragraph
Like turnabout paragraph, the climatic paragraph is especially appropriate for
persuasion because it begins with an example and supporting details that build gradually
toward the statement of a controlling idea in the last sentence. This type of paragraph
psychologically prepares your readers for the idea you want them to accept. Climatic paragraph
has a built-in element of surprise and drama. It should primarily be constructed with examples,
illustrations, or supporting details. Only after you have supplied enough examples usually
between three and five should you state the controlling idea in the climatic final sentence of the
paragraph.
D) The Interrogative Paragraph
This paragraph opens with a question. The opening question is used either as an
introduction to the controlling idea of the paragraph or as a transition from one idea to the next,
rather like a turnabout statement.
Specimen paragraphs
Direct paragraph

The free road map is becoming a cultural dinosaur a thing of the past, a victim of
changing priorities. Until recent years, service station attendants dispensed road maps as
freely as they washed windshields. In fact, one oil company official boasted that free road
maps are an institution to Americans. Well, the institution peaked in 1972 with the
production of 250 million maps and then began its decline. Far fewer maps are distributed
today, and almost none of them are free. Citing high production costs and increased charges
for foreign crude oil, companies claim that eliminating road maps is actually patriotic. After
all, they explain, maps promote travel and travel burns fuel, multiplying the nations trade
imbalance. With this kind of logic, is it any wonder that the free road map is nearly
extinct?

It pays to observe and listen to children. Even when they talk to each other in their
innocence or to grown-ups in their untainted honesty, it is important to lend them an ear.
Children speak from the heart. A child talking about or mimicking a happening may actually
be giving unsolicited forewarning of a disaster. For example, there are numerous incidents
where parents have actually given up one or another bad habit, smoking being a more
frequently cited example, after seeing their children imitating them in the act.

A child, like a dilettante, dabbles with the barrage of stimuli that storm at him from all
directions. His mind grapples with this onslaught of words and images that by and by fill up
his consciousness, before he can actually reach into this repository so created to draw his
own perceptions, lines of argument and give meaning to the outside world around him. What
needs to be understood is the importance of this repository of words, images, experiences,
feelings, emotions, exposure and this maiden touch with the real world as it exists and makes
up his vocabulary of life; his tool box to which he would frequently refer to focus clearly on
his perceptions. A child at this formative stage is open and responsive to all kinds of
information being thrown at him knowingly or unknowingly, highly sensitive and
receptive to all that he sees and hears around him.

Turnabout paragraph

To those of us who are tied to routine jobs in offices or factories, truckers seem to be tough,
independent rogues of the open road, driving their own rigs, and setting their own rules, like
the cowboys of old who rode the open range on the horseback, beholden to no one. But truck
drivers themselves will tell you that the publics perception be damned trucking is a
business and not too good a one at that for the small, independent operator. Since the
Seventies, it seems, most independent drivers have been forced out of business by
skyrocketing costs and increased federal regulation of the industry. So the truckers you see
on the road now generally work for the large firms and are as tied to routines and
regulations as those of us in office or factory job.

The Climatic paragraph

At every dropped dish and bungled plan in Mork and Mindy, Mork would curse in his
native Orkan tongue; for more than a year

THE IDEAL HOUSE PET

Introductory Paragraph
1."A dog is man's best friend."2. That common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not
the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best
friend. 3. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats are excellent house pets as they are good
companions, they are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to care for.
The introductory paragraph sets the tone of the essay. The introduction begins with the general
statement about the man and dog friendship to draw readers attention. The second sentence
challenges the general statement associated with dogs and leads up to the thesis statement. Third
sentence focuses on the topic of the essay and provides a min-outline. The outline tells the reader
that the essay will present that cats being excellent house pets have three major features: (1) good
companionship (2) civilized members of the household (3) easy to care for. In this way, it tells
the reader what the essay is about. It also shows that the essay will follow a chronological order
while describing these three main points. By placing the thesis statement at the end of the
introduction, the writer not only makes the main point clear and emphatic, but also makes sure
that the essays main points are uppermost in the readers mind as the reader begins the body of
the essay. Moreover, the thesis statement also includes transitional hook (good companions)
which moves the reader to the first paragraph of the body of the essay.
First supporting paragraph
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will
snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If
they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and
feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their
owners are participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using
rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior
or perform tricks and Cats will even fetch!

Explanation:
The first sentence of first paragraph of the body is a topic sentence which includes reverse hook
(companionship of cats) that ties it with the transitional hook (they are good companions) at the
end of the introductory paragraph. After topic sentence the paragraph includes the supporting
detail to support the theory. The last sentence of the paragraph uses the words behavior and
trained as transitional hook.
Second supporting paragraph
In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark
or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet
existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter
box and most cats will use it without failing from that time on. Even stray cats usually
understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and
owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the house
will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be
declawed. (to make harmless)
Explanation: The first sentence of the second paragraph of the body uses the words civilized
members to tie back into the previous paragraph. In addition, the first sentence is a topic
sentence which controls the whole paragraph. The expression of the last sentence provides the
transitional hook for the last paragraph in the body of the essay.
Third supporting paragraph
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as house pets is their ease of care. Cats do not
have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their
business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care
of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary
circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than
people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some
pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go about
their usual activities until their owners return.
Explanation:

The third paragraph of the body is a topic sentence which also provides reverse hook by using
the words ease of care. Moreover, this sentence also lets the reader to know that the paragraph
will deal with how it is easy to care for the cats. The expression of the last sentence provides the
transitional hook for concluding paragraph.
Concluding Paragraph
Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters or less
time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who
have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. In
many ways, cats are the ideal house pets.
Explanation:
The concluding paragraph summarizes the three paragraphs and the last sentence In many ways,
cats are the ideal house pet. is the reflection of thesis statement and it restates the thesis
statement in a different way.
PARAGRAPHS WITH TRANSITIONAL DEVICES

Activity # 1
Why I Don't Make My Bed
Hints: 1. In the first place, 2.Otherwise, 3.In addition, 4. On the contrary 5. Finally 6. Most
importantly
Ever since I moved into my own apartment last year, I have got out of the habit of making my
bed--except on Fridays, of course, when I change the sheets. Although some people may think
that I am a slob (good for nothing), I have some sound reasons for breaking the bed-making
habit.-----------1, I am not concerned about maintaining a tidy bedroom because no one except
me ever ventures(tries) in there. If there is ever a fire inspection or a surprise date, I suppose I
can dash in there to fluff up the pillow and slap on a spread.--------------2, I am not
bothered.------------3, I find nothing uncomfortable about crawling into a rumpled mass of sheets
and blankets.------------4, I enjoy poking out a cozy space for myself before drifting off to sleep.
Also, I think that a tightly made bed is downright uncomfortable: entering one makes me feel like
a loaf of bread being wrapped and sealed. ----------5, and ------------6, I think bed-making is an

awful way to waste time in the morning. I would rather spend those precious minutes checking
my email or feeding the cat than tucking in corners or snapping the spread.

Activity # 2:
In the first place, no "burning" in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in
a volcano; moreover, volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore, the activity takes
place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks; and finally, the
"smoke" is not smoke but condensed steam.

There is a source of energy that produces no radioactive waste, nothing in the way of
petrodollars, and very little pollution.

The source can provide the energy that conventional sources may not be able to furnish.

Unhappily, it does not receive the emphasis and attention it deserves.

The source might be called energy efficiency, for Americans like to think of themselves
as efficient people.

The energy source is generally known by the more prosaic term conservation.

To be semantically accurate, the source should be called conservation energy, to remind

us of the reality--that conservation is no less an energy alternative than oil, gas, coal, or
nuclear.

In the near term, conservation could do no more than any of the conventional sources to
help the country deal with the energy problem it has.

Activity # 3:
Energy Efficiency
Hints: 1. Moreover 2. However 3. But 4. Indeed
There is a source of energy that produces no radioactive waste, nothing in the way of
petrodollars, and very little pollution. ----------, the source can provide the energy that
conventional sources may not be able to furnish. Unhappily, ---------- it does not receive the

emphasis and attention it deserves. The source might be called energy efficiency, for Americans
like to think of themselves as efficient people. ------- the energy source is generally known by the
more prosaic term conservation. To be semantically accurate, the source should be called
conservation energy, to remind us of the reality--that conservation is no less an energy alternative
than oil, gas, coal, or nuclear.--------, in the near term, conservation could do no more than any of
the conventional sources to help the country deal with the energy problem it has.
CREATIVE WRITING AND WRITING A SHORT STORY:
A very widely known and frequently repeated definition of Creative Writing is:
Creative writing is considered to be any writing, fiction or non-fiction that goes outside the
bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, and technical forms of literature. Works
which fall into this category include most novels and epics as well as many short stories and
poems. Writing for the screen and stage, screenwriting and playwriting respectively, typically
has their own programs of study, but fit under the creative writing category as well.
So what is creative writing? Some people say that creative writing is your journey through
lifewritten down into words. Creative writers are story writers and story writers are creative
writers, sometimes the two are separated by their audience they are writing for. The most
common classification of creative writing is when someone writes to: express their feelings,
thoughts, experiences or passions. It has to be understood that whether you are writing a: novel,
short-story, poem, childrens book or simply a way to express yourself, any form of writing can
be deemed creative. Creative writing is a beautiful painting
Creative writing is an opportunity to showcase your imaginative and innovative skills through
the means of writing. Creative writing strives beyond academia, towards a flamboyant world of
innovation and originality. Typical examples of creative writing are: Novels, childrens books,
poetry, screen-writing, short stories and punchy quotations.
Many creative writers are there to tell a story from the heart, perhaps even an expression that
they feel compelled to write down. Creative writing is like walking on a journey and describing
each and every step accurately; the beginning or the end is not important. When writing a story
for an audience on the other hand, the beginning and the end are crucial.

You may be thinking to yourself, Well, if creative writing is simply an expression of your
journey through life, then surely anyone can write creatively. Youre right, and thats the beauty
of creative writing, you arent confined to any boundaries and looking at the world through your
eyes makes your writing unique.
Another viewpoint of creative writing is that as soon as you give your piece to someone else to
read it no longer belongs to you, metaphorically speaking. When another reader picks up your
writing they will construe their own story, moral and meaning and you as a writer must accept
this. The scary thing about creative writing is that sometimes you dont even know what youre
writing about, because your sub-conscious is holding the penor typing. My sub-conscious is
typing? This is an example of personification; another great tool in creative writing.
Starting Point
There are many theories on how to start off your creative writing journey, so your guess is as
good as any other. If you feel you wish to read creative pieces first, do so; if you feel you wish to
learn as you go, do so; and if you feel like you want to start by writing an epic novel driven and
shrouded in complexity, good luck! I would personally recommend starting with small poetic
sentences or quotations then develop them into a poem (and no; it doesnt have to rhyme). The
reason I suggest this is to develop your choice of words within sentences, to extend your
vocabulary and deliver precision and impact to the reader.
I can offer advice as well as any other creative writing tutor, but sometimes you have to listen to
your own writing voice. I always encourage writers to write based upon their preferences. If you
want to write a novel on your first attempt, it will be a fantastic learning curve and will develop
you continuously. Trial and error writing is an extremely useful strategy of writing and is fuelled
on your motivation, reducing your time staring at a blank screen.
Creative Writing Strategies:

Set time aside every day to write, dont listen to websites that say, lock yourself in your
room. Take yourself off to a place that will stimulate your imagination
i.e., beach, seaside, mountain-top, forest etc.

Think of a time of day when you feel most productive, writers block occurs during the
times in-between.

Take an object, any object and write a narrative in the first person viewpoint. Talk about
your daily routine, what you see and how you would feel if you were this object. This is a
great exercise to stimulate your imagination and creativity.

Enjoy your writing; dont let yourself get into the mind frame that writing is more than a
hobby to you or you could soon find yourself having another job.

Short Story Writing:

Writing a short story is an art, needs a bit of perfection in perceptions.
How to write short stories from different points of view
Your story's narrator is the voice that is telling the story.
For example, read the same scene described by three different narrators:

I pulled out the gun and showed it to the cute blond bank teller, who gave a little yelp of
surprise.

This bald guy came up to my counter and reached into his jacket. Suddenly, I realized he
was holding a gun.

A bald jerk cut in front of me in line. I hate cutters, so I was about to go say something,
when he pulled a gun on the blond lady behind the counter.

All of these examples use first person narrators. That means the narrator is also one of the
characters in the scene, and he or she tells the story using the words "I," "me," etc.
How to write short stories in the first person
There are certain things a first person narrator normally shouldn't say. For example: "My bald
spot looked particularly shiny that day." Why? Because you can't see your own bald spot unless
you're looking at yourself in a photograph or a mirror at just the right angle.
Another thing that sounds strange in the first person voice: "I have no idea that..." Your first
person narrator can't give information he doesn't know. If your narrator has been locked in the
trunk of a car, it will be hard for him to describe what the police are doing just then to solve his
kidnapping.
Also always an awkward statement: "Then, I died."

How to write short stories - advantages of a first person narrator:

Directness - You can give the reader a first-hand perspective on the story.

Voice - If your narrator has a colorful or appealing way of talking, this can add flavor to
the story-telling.

Intimacy - Your reader has the chance to get to know the narrator by listening to him.

How to write short stories - disadvantages of a first-person narrator:

Limited scope - Your narrator only knows what she knows. She doesn't know what the
other people around her are thinking. She doesn't know what's happening two miles away.
That limits the information she can supply to the reader.

Limited voice - If your narrator is seven-years-old, she can't talk convincingly about
politics. One thing that drives me crazy is when a first-person narrator who is supposed to
be a child, or an uneducated farm worker or manual laborer suddenly launches into a
poetic description of the weather using twenty-dollar words and references to Greek
philosophers. I mean, come on.

Difficulty withholding information - If the narrator knows something that you don't want
the reader to know yet, she might have to be tricky or evasive. For example, let's say your
narrator killed his brother, but you want to keep the murderer's identity a mystery until
the end. How is the narrator going to inform your reader about the murder without this
little detail coming up?
Note: some stories have narrators who mislead the readers or lie to them outright, known
as unreliable narrators. This option can work well if it's handled right, but you have to
make sure the readers don't feel cheated or manipulated by the story, even if they have
been manipulated by the narrator. One strategy is to drop hints from the beginning that
the narrator's account might not be totally trustworthy.

Question of how the narrator came to tell the story. If your first-person narrator is a ghost
or a dog or someone who is been buried alive in the desert, how did the story come to be
written? I've noticed that some writers choose to ignore this logical problem. But it

always bugs me when they do, and I'm probably not alone. So if you're writing a story in
the first person, please, please don't have your character die in the last line.
How to write short stories in the second person
A story written in the second person treats the reader as the story's character. The narrator talks
all the time about "you." "Nervously, you walked up to the bank counter then reached for your
gun." Second-person narration is more unusual than the first or third person, and it's harder to use
without seeming contrived or defying the reader's common sense (I know that I didn't rob a
bank!)
Similarly unusual in fiction is first-person plural narration, where the narrator uses the word
"We" to tell the story. Two wonderful novels written in the first-person plural are Then We Came
to the End by Joshua Ferris and The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides. But, again, what these
authors have accomplished is very difficult to pull off successfully.
How to write short stories in the third person
A third-person narrator might be completely outside the action. A third-person narrator tells the
story using the words, "He," "she," "it," they," etc. For example: "A bald man suddenly cut in
front of the teenager boy, who looked like he was about to protest until the man pulled out a gun
and pointed it at the blond teller."
A third person narrator might even have a supernatural ability to be in more than one place at
once, seeing everything that's going on. Example: "Customers screamed and ducked to the floor,
unaware that police cars were already surrounding the building. Across the city, Miriam paced
back and forth across their small living room, wondering if Jack would possibly manage to pull
off the robbery." This kind of narrator with unlimited vision and knowledge is called an
omniscient narrator.
Third-person narrators may also have a limited or complete access to one or more character's
thoughts. It's common to locate the narrator partially inside a particular character's head.
Example: Jack felt faint as he hurried out of the bank, wondering if the police were already
outside. What would happen to Miriam if he were arrested? The thought was unbearable; he tried
to push it out of his mind."

The effect here is almost as if this had been written in the first person, with Jack telling the story.
But with a third-person narrator, I'm not limited by Jack's voice. I might choose to limit my thirdperson narrator to Jack's perspective. This would give readers a sense of connection to Jack, as if
they are living his particular experience. Or I could move from one character's mind to another. If
you switch points of view in the same story, you have to be careful not to confuse or disorient
your reader. You might decide to limit yourself to one viewpoint for each section of the story and
use line breaks or another visual cue to let your reader know when you're switching.
Tip: readers will often feel more intensely involved with a particular character if you limit the
story to that person's point of view.
Tips for Writing A Short Story
1. Pick the person you most want to see in the world right now. Write a monologue or a letter to
that person and then continue the story.
2. Write a scene between your parents (living or deceased, it doesnt matter) talking about you
and your life.
3. Write down three names of important people from your past. Start writing a story or scene
between three characters with those names.
4. Write a story from the perspective of your favorite childhood pet. Make sure to include details
about how the pet sees you and your family.
5. Write a scene about your best friends from high school talking about you while you arent
there set during the present day.
6. Go back in your mind to the moment you have chosen your current religious stance. Describe
the feelings that occurred during your transition from a different religion or any blind following
you were previously doing.
7. Go back in your mind to the moment you have chosen your current political stance. Describe
the feelings that occurred during your transition from a different party or any blind following you
were previously doing.
8. Pick a person who has betrayed you. Write a story about the moment that this occurred.
9. Try to remember the moment where you felt you lost your innocence. Write a conversation
between

your

present

self

and

the

past

version

of

you

from

that

moment.

10. Write a scene about your best friends from high school talking about you while you arent
present there, during your senior year of high school.
11. Write a scene or a story with the characters of your heart, your brain and your soul.
12. Pick the person you least want to see in the world right now. Write a monologue or a letter to
that person and then continue the story.
13. Write about an experience that occurred outside of your current state or country that changed
you in some way.
14. Dictate the most important phone call youve ever had in your life.
15. Write a scene between you and a person you betrayed, set around the time that the betrayal
occurred.
16. In a sci-fi kind of style, you have magically gained the ability to change into the person you
most want to be in the world, describe a day in your life.
17. Describe the last time you cried that didnt relate to a movie, television show, play or book.
18. Sit in total silence for five minutes and observe the things around you. Write a story about the
sense of awareness this brings you.
19. Write a scene that reunites you with the one that has gone away. If it does happen to turn into
a romance novel, thats perfectly fine.

Creative Writing/Story Writing

The term creative writing is bounded around with the presumption that everyday people, and us
i.e., the writers for that matter, know what it is. However, it isnt simply about writing something
interesting or outside the box.
The term creative writing is used broadly, but actually refers to the expression of feelings and
emotions, often in a metaphorical and highly descriptive way. And therefore, arguably, creative
writing is perhaps the most difficult of writing disciplines. I would even say more difficult that
technical writing, for which, although you must be well-versed in a particular subject matter, you
dont need to get in touch with your inner-self to do well.

Creative writing requires the writer to dig deep into the imagination, often connecting with
fictional characters in an alternative reality. Think of the marvelous creativity within JK
Rowlings Harry Potter series, and the way in which she builds an alternative world, and indeed
a world for each character to live within that world. Creative writing comes from somewhere
deep inside, from a part of the mind and soul we all have the ability to access, but seldom are
capable of penetrating.
And therefore it isnt just solid writing skills you require to be a great creative writer, but also the
ability to use your life experiences, feelings, emotions, thoughts, opinions, imagination, innerperson and spirituality to create vivid visuals and captivating stories for the reader. It isnt an
easy feat, to say the least. So, if you want to embark on the journey of creative writing, it is
highly recommended that you dont dive straight in and try to write a novel. Instead, start with
short story writing or poetry. Practice using metaphors and putting your feelings down on paper.
Practice writing descriptions of other people and lifes events. Play with adjectives and let your
imagination run riot on the page.
One key aspect to creative writing is to let your creativity lead you. Dont force it when it isnt
present. It is quite likely that you will feel creative late at night, so keep a pen and paper handy
on your bedside table. Alternatively, you may feel compelled to write as soon as you wake from
deep dreams, in order to capture your sleep-land imagination on the page. Whenever you get the
urge you must start penning that stream of creativity.

One very important kind of creative writing is to write on IF kind of essays. Some of the topics
for practice are given as under:
My Superpower: If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Write a page explaining
what the superpower is, why you would like to have it, and what you would do with this new
power. How would your life change if you had this superpower?
If I Could Be a Different Age...: If you could be any age at all, how old would you be (older or
younger)? Write about why you would like to be this age and what you would do.
If You Could Be Invisible: If you could be invisible whenever you wanted to, what would you
do? Why would you want to do this particular thing?
If You Could Fly: If you could fly whenever you wanted to, what would you do? Why would
you want to do this particular thing?
A Magical Spell: A Magic Spell. If you could devise a magical spell, what would it be and what
would it do? Write about why you choose this new spell and how you would use it.
If All Your Wishes Were Granted: Write about what your life would be like if all your wishes
come true. How would it change your life? What you would do?
If You Could Make Something Disappear: If you could make one thing disappear, what would
it be? Write about what would happen once it disappeared. How would it change things? What
you would do?

If I Could Change a University Rule: If you could change one rule at your school, which rule
would it be and what would you change it to? Why did you choose that rule? Why is your rule
better than the old rule?
Stranded on an Island: If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island and could take
three items with you, what three items would you take and why? The three items have to fit in an
ordinary backpack. Describe each item fully and tell why you want each one.
Message in a Bottle: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could send out one message
in a bottle, what would you write in that message, and why would you write those particular
things?
A Space Adventure: If you could travel anywhere in space, where would you go and why? What
do you think it would be like there?
Go Back in Time: If you could go back in time and re-experience an event in your life, what
would it be. Would you go back to change an event that happened or to re-experience a happy
time? Or something else?
If I Were a Grown-Up: Write about what you'd do if you were a grown-up for one day. What
exactly would you like to do and why would you do it?
If I Were a Teacher: Write a page on what you would do if you were a teacher for a day. What
subjects would you teach and how would you teach them?
If I Were the President: Write a page on what you'd do if you were the President. How would
you change the world?
If I Had a Billion Rupees: Write a page on what you'd do if you had one billion rupees.
The Story of Your Name: Why did your parents give you your name -- what is the story of your
name? Are you named after someone or some place? If you don't know why you have your
name, make up a story.
If I Had a New Name: If you could give yourself a new name, what would it be? Write about
why you choose this new name and how it might change your life.
If I Turned into an Animal: If you had to turn into a different animal for a single day, what
animal would you choose to become? Why did you choose that animal? What would you do
when you become that animal, and where would you go? How do you think you would feel when
you were that animal? How would people treat you? How would other animals treat you?
Talk to an Animal: If you could talk to an animal, what animal would you talk to and what
would you talk about? Why did you choose that animal? What questions would you ask that
animal?

Scariest Animal: Which animal frightens you the most? Describe the animal. What is it about
this animal that makes it so terrifying? Is this animal actually dangerous or does it just disturb
you?
My Special Day: If you had a day all for yourself and could do whatever you wanted to, what
would you do? Start with waking up and describe the entire day. Include things like what you'd
eat, who you'd see, where you'd go, and what you'd do.
An Adventure I'd like to have: If you could have any type of adventure at all, what would it
be? Write a page on an adventure that you'd like to experience. Think of the wildest adventure
you can imagine.
World Record: If you could hold a world record in something, what would it be? How would
you go about attaining this world record? How would it feel being a world record holder?