Entry # 6 - "Structured Paragraph Writing". (Fares-Alvarenga).

STRUCTURED PARAGRAPH WRITING.

Bulleted list of the most important issues.

• PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH IN ENGLISH ACADEMIC WRITING IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Specific structure).

1. TOPIC SENTENCE: It instroduces the topic or subject. Writers should  choice an interesting topic and avoid details here.
2. BODY: It is the heart of the paragraph. It contains the supporting details (either by order of importance or chornologically). 
3. CLOSING SENTENCE: It has two functions:
1. as a reminder of the topic sentence
2. as a trigger to keep the audience thinking.

What follows is an interesting video about Structured Paragraph Writing in US Universities:

What follows is another interesting video on Structured Paragraph wiritng from Massei University:

WRITING STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS:
There are three elements for successful paragraphs:

1. The Style
2. Correct Punctuation
3. Paragraphing: A paragraph is an expression of organized thought. Evidences understanding of the material. A good paragraph:

•  Can be narrative, persuasive, declarative, expository, etc
• Is a distinct section in a piece of writing (starts on a new line).
• Is a number of related sentences with one main idea.
• Elements:
• A distinct piece of writing (easy to identify - new line).
• Focused on the main idea.
• Well organized: COHESION (ideas clearly linked to each other).

• Qualities:
• Unity: all sentences are focused on the main idea. Point of discussion must not be changed.
• Topic Sentence:
1. Parts: 
1. Topic or subject.
2. Controlling idea (specific comment about the topic)
• Use WH-questions to generate controlling ideas (who, when, what, where, why and also how).
2. Position of Topic Sentence:
• It can be the first sentence of a paragraph, or
• It can be placed elsewhere, even at the end.

• Coherence: all sentences are clearly related to each other.
• Create logical bridged from one sentence to another:
• by repeating key words
• by using synonyms
• by using pronouns to refer to previous nouns or the topic
• by using transition words (as a result, furhtermore, etc).
• Development: the main idea is supported with sufficient details.
• Details and evidence.
• Illustrate point with examples (do not re-state it)
• Structure: TEE (topic sentence - explanation - examples or evidence)

Some paragraphs may not have a concluding sentence.
A concluding sentence helps to summarise the most important ideas.

Sources:

AlexESLvid, Parts of a Paragraph. English Academic Writing Introduction. Available at : http://academicwriting-now.blogspot.com.ar/ Retrieved May 30, 2013

Massei University, Writing Structured Paragraphs, Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w183qB0KDFg Retrieved: May 30, 2013.