Paragraphs to Compositions

1. Paragraphs to Compositions Language Network Ch. 14

2. Compositions • A composition is a longer piece of writing that consists of at least several paragraphs. • Like a paragraph, a composition has an overall purpose, which may be to describe, to narrate, to explain, or to persuade. • We will focus primarily on expository (informative) compositions.

3. The Parts of a Composition • The Introduction • Begins the composition and tells what the composition is about. The most important part is the thesis statement, which gives the overall composition a purpose. • The Body • Presents ideas that support and expand on the thesis statement. • The Conclusion • Winds up the composition. It might restate the main idea, state the significance of the topic, or call readers to take a course of action.

4. Creating a Thesis Statement • Develop a Controlling Idea • Decide on a purpose for your composition (sometimes this is assigned to you). • Think about what angle of your topic you would like to explore. • Jot down a sentence that summarizes what you want to say. This is your controlling idea. • Focus your thesis statement. • Begin with a draft, and decide if it is too broad or too narrow, which can make a composition more difficult to write.

5. Effective Introductions • An introduction should present the thesis statement and capture your reader’s attention. Try the following: • Start with an Anecdote (a brief story) • Use a Quotation (a repetition of someone’s exact words) • Make a Surprising Statement • Ask a Question (but make it engaging!)

6. The Body: Unity • A composition has unity when ideas appear in separate paragraphs and all of those ideas support the thesis statement. • Try the following to achieve unity: • Write your thesis statement. • List your main ideas, along with supporting details for each one. • Check to see that each main idea supports the thesis statement. • Check that each supporting detail supports the appropriate main idea.

7. The Body: Unity • Create topic sentences for each paragraph using the main ideas. • Write paragraphs that support each topic sentence. • To break up long paragraphs, try to: • Look for changes in focus. • Look for events or steps. • Look for unnecessary information.

8. The Body: Coherence • A composition has coherence when its parts appear in logical order and flow smoothly from one to the next. To create a good flow, use the following transitional methods: • Transitional words and phrases, such as “later,” “that night,” and “then.” • Repeated phrases • Transitional sentences

9. Writing the Conclusion • The conclusion of your composition leaves a final impression with the reader. Use one of the following types of conclusions: • Restate the Main Idea • This is like a miniature summary of your composition. • Call for Action • Suggest or urge someone to do something about an issue. • State the Significance • Emphasize the importance of your topic to the reader.

10. A Tip for Writers • You don’t have to write a composition from beginning to end. • Some writers find it easier to start with a conclusion, and go from there. • Many writers will write the body paragraphs first, and then write an introduction and conclusion.