Mastering Paragraph Structure and Writing Hooks

Parts of a Paragraph

• Topic Sentence

  Tells the reader what the paragraph is about and identifies the main topic.

• The Body

  Provides details and thoughts about the topic. It consists of two main types of content:

  • Specific details
  • Supporting facts

• Chunking

  A combination of supporting details/facts and your own thoughts about those details. Ideally, it should contain an equal amount of detail and interpretation (commentary).

• Closing Sentence

  Identifies the connection between the specific details and interpretation in the body and the main idea presented in the topic sentence.

Types of Paragraphs

• Narrative Paragraphs

  Tells a story, typically organized chronologically or according to time. It must address the key elements: who, what, where, when, why, and how.

• Descriptive Paragraphs

  Provides details of a person, place, or thing. It should contain a variety of sensory details, such as specific sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.

• Expository Paragraphs

  Shares information about a specific topic. This type of writing is informative; it presents facts, gives directions, defines terms, and explains a process.

  Ways to Organize Expository Writing

  • Logical order
  • Classification
  • Comparison – Contrast
  • Cause – Effect
  • Problem/Solution
  • Time order

• Persuasive Paragraphs

  Expresses an opinion and attempts to convince the reader. It must include effective supportive reasons and facts.

Introduction Openers (Hooks)

The introduction is a key paragraph; the initial paragraph must be clear, organized, and engaging. The introductory paragraph gets the reader's attention, introduces the topic, and presents the thesis.

Types of Hooks

• Rhetorical Question

  A question posed without expecting an answer, used to make a point, persuade, or achieve a literary effect.

• Quotation

  Records the exact language used by someone in speech or writing, setting it off with quotation marks.

• Statistical Data

  Uses statistics to support an argument as effectively as possible.

• Anecdote or Short Story

  A brief example or narrative that connects to the topic in the opening lines.

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are visual displays demonstrating the relationship between facts, ideas, and concepts. They help students organize, comprehend, and internalize new learning.

Types of Graphic Organizers

• Cause and Effect Organizer: Maps relationships between actions and outcomes.
• Problem/Solution Web: Structures the identification of a problem and potential solutions.
• Time Line: Used primarily for personal narratives to list actions or events in chronological order.
• Evaluation Collection Grid: Used to collect and categorize supporting details.
• Venn Diagram: Used to collect details to compare and contrast two topics.
• Line Diagram: Used to collect and organize details.
• W's Chart (Who, What, Where, When, Why): Collects the essential "W" questions for reporting or narrative planning.
• Sensory Chart: Collects details for descriptive essays and observation reports (sights, sounds, smells, etc.).
• Process Diagram: Collects details for science-related writing, such as explaining how a process or cycle works.
• Definition Diagram: Used to gather information for extended definition essays.