Writing Topic Summary-CH 4

In Rules for Writers Ch 4 by Diana Hacker the main focus is how to write an effective paragraph. The first step is to focus on a main point that is clear and that all sentences in the paragraph should be about that main point, you should also state the main point in the topic sentence. You want to make sure you stick to the point, and to develop the point you want to make sure the paragraph is fully developed. Next, you want to choose the correct pattern of organization. Some of the patterns include examples and illustrations, narration where your telling a story and process which is structured in chronological order, compare and contrast, analogy where you come up with comparisons between things that are very different, cause and effect, classification and division which is grouping items into categories according to a consistent principle.  Finally, the last pattern of organization is definition.

The next thing you want to do to make sure your paragraph is effective is to make them coherent; make them flow. To do this you should link ideas clearly, repeat key words, use parallel structures, maintain consistency, and provide transitions. Finally, you want to make sure the paragraph has the correct length. Paragraphs between one hundred and two hundred words are suggested.

First of all, I never thought I could learn so much useful information in writing a paragraph. I didn't know that there was so much detail to it. This is very helpful in assessing my paragraphs to make sure they are good paragraphs and this will also be a helpful guideline in writing clear, organized, complete and coherent paragraphs that aren't too long or too short.