The document outlines how to write a 'why' paragraph to support an argument in expository essays, focusing on the purpose of documentary filmmakers and the techniques they use. It provides a structured approach to organize thoughts using a 'why grid' to develop a topic sentence, examine techniques with examples, and conclude with the significance of the technique's effect. Additionally, it includes peer review guidelines to improve the paragraph structure and content.

1. Writing a WHY paragraph
A WHY paragraph is used in the body of expositions or essays to help develop and support your line of
argument.
How have the composers of this documentary used techniques to achieve their purpose? Identify the composers’
purpose and explain in a WHY paragraph format one technique used and its effect/ impact on the audience.
Name of Documentary _________________________________________________________________
Fill out the WHY grid in order to organize your thoughts, then write your WHY paragraph.
W – What is the paragraph
about? Your Topic sentence to
introduce the subject of the
paragraph – ie. The purpose of
the documentary filmmaker.
H – How are you going to
Technique used & examples
examine it/ prove it? How
does the filmmaker develop
this subject using film
techniques? –(name technique,
provide examples, then
explain the effect)
Y – Why is this important?
(concluding sentence) Why is
this effective in fulfilling the
composer’s purpose and
impacting the audience?
Effect of technique used

2. WHY paragraph peer review
Swap paragraphs, read your partner’s WHY paragraph and carefully answer the following questions:
1. How well does the paragraph follow the WHY structure? Is there any section (W,H,Y) that needs to
change/improve? If so, how?
2. How well does the author identify the technique, describe the example and explain the effect in the H
section? Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
3. How effective is the Y part of the paragraph? Does it draw a logical conclusion?
4. Check the grammar of the paragraph and mark anything you see that needs correcting.
5. Check the vocabulary of the paragraph and mark any words you think could be “amped up”.
6. Comment on what the author did that was really good and effective.
7. Swap back and give your feedback to your peer. Answer any questions they may have.