Week 3: Body Paragraph Structure and Development

Because they have different purposes and content in the essay, the structure of body paragraphs is different from that of introductions and conclusions. Take a look at the Paragraph Structure Handout and be sure to take notes in the given areas. What are the three parts of a body paragraph? What are some characteristics of a good body paragraph?

Work in groups of 2-3 to work on A), B) and C) of the handout. Think critically and find the biggest problems in the structure and development of each of the paragraphs.

Class Discussion: Debriefing
Discuss as a class the answers of A), B) and C) from the handout. How are these problems related to the “4 Characteristics of Good Paragraph Structure.” Think critically about your own Diagnostic Essay and make sure that you are familiar with the terms introduced: Unity, Coherence, Development of Ideas, Topic Sentence and Closing Sentence, so that you know how to revise your essay accordingly.

Small Groups: Revise the Paragraph
You have 15 minutes to revise the paragraph at the end of the handout. Look for the Four Characteristics of Good Paragraph Structure and make sure that any revisions that you make fit under that category. Upload this to the group assignments folder.

Homework:

• Due Thursday, September 8: Edit at least ONE of your Diagnostic Body Paragraphs. Save this document as netid_diagnostic3.docx and upload it to your Unit 1 Folder.
• Due Tuesday, September 13:  Do an edit of your ENTIRE Diagnostic Essay. Please title it netid_diagnosticFULL.docx and upload it to the unit 1 folder.