Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Developing Compositions
Language Network
Structure of a Composition
From Paragraphs to Compositions
Parts of a Composition
Developing Compositions
Composition
A composition is a group of paragraphs dealing with one main idea.
From Paragraphs to Compositions
A good composition has the same characteristics as a well-written paragraph:
a variety of details that develop and support the main idea
a main idea
a logical flow from each part to the next
From Paragraphs to Compositions
A composition has three main sections:
the introduction
the conclusion
introduction
body
conclusion
the body
Parts of a Composition
The introduction presents the main idea, grabs the reader’s attention, and sets the tone.
introduction
Parts of a Composition
Each of the paragraphs in the body develops a different aspect of the main idea or thesis statement.
body
Parts of a Composition
The conclusion sums up the ideas presented in the composition.
conclusion
Parts of a Composition
Thesis and Introduction
Developing Compositions
Crafting a Thesis Statement
Writing an Introduction
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement states the main idea of a composition. A thesis statement is usually a single sentence, but it may be two or more sentences. It is almost always located in the introduction.
Crafting a Thesis Statement
tell the subject of your composition
show your point of view on the subject
A successful thesis statement should
be a statement that can be supported
Crafting a Thesis Statement
“In this paper I will show that. . . .”
A thesis statement should not be stated as an announcement.
Crafting a Thesis Statement
Here’s How Crafting a Thesis Statement
• Study your research notes on your subject.
• Decide what interests you most and use that as your angle of approach to the subject.
• Write one or more sentences that introduce your subject and express your approach to it.
Crafting a Thesis Statement
Introduction
The first paragraph of a composition is the introduction. This section presents the thesis statement and sets the tone for the composition.
Writing an Introduction
Open with a lively description.
Begin with a startling effect.
Use a quotation.
The introductory paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and make him or her want to continue reading. Here are some techniques that will help you capture your audience’s attention.
Writing an Introduction
PROFESSIONAL MODELOPEN WITH A LIVELY DESCRIPTION
On a cloudy August afternoon, the cry goes up for a fishing party. We dig for worms, rustle through the barn for a net, check the hooks and leaders, grab a few poles, and soon we’re off in the old red pickup, headed down to the trout stream through a narrow backroad that is closed in the winter.
—Christopher Kimball, “A Fisher of Children”
Writing an Introduction
PROFESSIONAL MODELBEGIN WITH A STARTLING EFFECT
Every year in the Danish town of Silkeborg, thousands of visitors file past the face of a murder victim. No one will ever know his name. It is enough to know that 2,000 years ago he was as human as ourselves.
—Maurice Shadbolt, “Who Killed the Bog Men of Denmark? And Why?”
Writing an Introduction
PROFESSIONAL MODELUSE A QUOTATION
“A flute,” wrote an early nineteenth-century British critic, “is a musical weed which springs up everywhere.”
—Nancy Toff, The Flute Book
Writing an Introduction
Developing Compositions
Body of a Composition
Writing the Body
Paragraphing
Body
The paragraphs that develop the thesis statement make up the body of a composition. The body can range in length from several paragraphs to many pages.
Writing the Body
In the body of a composition, you carry out the main purpose of the composition. Your purpose might be
to explain a process
to support an opinion
to develop a definition
to present an argument
to present research
to analyze a situation
Writing the Body
focus on a single idea
support the thesis
reflect a logical pattern of organization
What should body paragraphs do?
Writing the Body
Paragraphing
Paragraphing, or separating the body of your composition into paragraphs, makes your writing easier for readers to follow and helps you develop each idea clearly.
Paragraphing
Start a new paragraph when you come to
the end of your introduction
a new idea or set of facts
a change of emphasis
a change of time or setting
the conclusion of your composition
a change of speaker in dialogue
Paragraphing
Developing Compositions
Conclusion
Writing a Conclusion
Techniques for Wrapping Up
Conclusion
In the conclusion of a composition—usually the final paragraph—you sum up the ideas you have developed and leave the reader with a firm understanding of your position on the subject.
Writing a Conclusion
A successful conclusion should
wrap up the ideas you have developed
follow logically from the rest of your composition
leave the reader with something to think about
Writing a Conclusion
A conclusion should not introduce new ideas or simply repeat the introduction.
Writing a Conclusion
Although all good conclusions “wrap things up,” they do so in a variety of ways. Here are some techniques you might try.
• Review and summarize.
• Restate the central idea.
• Make a generalization.
• Make a prediction.
• End with a quotation.
• End with a call for action.
• End with a question.
Techniques for Wrapping Up
PROFESSIONAL MODELEND WITH A QUESTION
Reading about extreme biking is a great deal easier than living through it. You might wonder what motivated these riders to take the risks they did. Was it excitement? curiosity? pride? a complicated mixture of several motives? What would it take to get you out on that biking trail?
Techniques for Wrapping Up
PROFESSIONAL MODELMAKE A PREDICTION
You’d think that escaping a hungry grizzly bear would be enough adventure for one lifetime, but whatever made these three men bike the Alaska Range probably hasn’t been satisfied yet. People who thrive on facing challenges don’t usually stop once they’ve achieved a goal. They might rest for a while, but eventually the bug will bite them again. Right now, Roman Dial is probably wondering if it’s possible to bike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Techniques for Wrapping Up
