Syntax Error

Writing Skills

Revising and editing allow you to go back over what you've written and improve upon anything you may have missed previously. Both are usually best done after stepping away from the work in question for a time, in order to view what you've written with a fresh and (as much as possible) unbiased perspective.

Paragraph Structure

Your long compositions should be divided into paragraphs. Set off by themselves by means of spacing and by identifying the first line, these paragraphs are guides for the reader. When he finds a paragraph, he finds a discussion of one topic. When he starts reading a new paragraph, he knows that there will be a small change of topic - moving to a new idea, a change in time or place, or a shift in emphasis.

1. A paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

As a unit of thought, a paragraph contains a group of related sentences developing one central idea. This topic is usually, but not necessarily, stated in a "topic sentence" somewhere in the paragraph.

It is a sad thing that as soon as the hands of the clock have turned ten the shadow of going to bed begins to creep over the evening. We have never heard bedtime spoken of with any enthusiasm. One after saying (with an air of solemn resignation): "Well, I guess I'll go to bed." But there was no hilarity about it. It is really rather touching how they cling to the departing skirts of the day that is vanishing under the spinning shadow of night.1

2. A topic sentence states the one topic of a paragraph.

The topic sentence of the above paragraph is: "It is a sad thing that as soon as the hands of the clock have turned ten the shadows of going to bed begins to creep over the evening." This sentence contains the controlling idea of the whole paragraph. The topic sentence usually, though not necessarily, comes at or near the beginning of a paragraph. The other sentences develop the idea expressed by the topic sentence.

3. Every sentence in a paragraph should be closely related to the topic.

A paragraph is a unit. Any sentence in a paragraph which does not relate to the topic of that paragraph spoils the unity and should be taken out.

To develop a paragraph, you usually supply additional information to make clear the meaning of the topic sentence.

4. A paragraph may be developed by specific details – facts, examples, incidents, etc. – which support the topic sentence.

a. Use examples to develop a paragraph.

b. Use incidents from your experience as more concise examples.

5. Make a working plan for developing the topic sentence into a paragraph.

To organize your thoughts effectively, you should learn to make a working plan. As you write your plan of a paragraph, keep your topic sentence firmly in mind so that every detail will be closely related to your central idea.

In writing paragraphs, you need to bridge the gaps between sentences so that your paragraphs will read smoothly. To do this, you may use connectives such as these: first, second, third, finally, next, at the same time, similarly, likewise, therefore, however, for this purpose. Words like one, other, another, that, and it is also useful for bridging the gaps between sentences because they refer the reader to preceding ideas.

1 From Pipefuls by Christopher Morley. Copyright, 1920. Published by J.B. Lippincott Company

Essay structure

Every composition has a beginning, a middle, and an end. When you begin to write, you should keep in mind the fact that you will need an introduction (beginning), the main discussion of the topics in your outline (middle), and a conclusion.

Introductory paragraph

The introduction should be interesting and should give the purpose of the composition. The first sentence of your composition should gain the interest of the reader so that he will want to read more. One of the best ways to create interest is to give the reader the feeling that you know what you are writing about. Begin your discussion with pertinent facts that are closely related to your title and your purpose.

Besides creating interest, you must include in your introduction the clear purpose or the central idea of your composition. Be sure to include any necessary facts.

Usually, one paragraph is enough for the introduction.

Body paragraphs

The body should state and develop the main points in the outline.

The body is really the composition itself; it will make up about three-fourths or more of your paper. Usually, there will be several paragraphs in the body.

It may be that in the body of your composition you can devote one paragraph to each main heading in the outline, using the subtopics as specific details to develop the main heading.

Concluding paragraph

The conclusion should clinch the main points made in the body of the composition.

The conclusion may summarize what you have said in the body. A summary should not, as a rule, be a mere listing of the main points. It should be a restatement of the main idea and should leave the reader with the feeling of completeness, as of a job now finished.

The conclusion is usually stated in one paragraph.