1. Basic Argument Structure (e.g. for comment, discussion etc.) 18.11.2014
source: http://www.hanyangowl.org/media/connectingideas/paragraphstructure.pdf (14.11.2014)
There are fouressential conceptsthatshouldbe understoodabout
paragraphs(oneargumentis usually oneparagraph!).
 generallyhave one clearmainideaperparagraph inthe formof a
topicsentence
 understand the structure of the paragraph
 understandthe methodof developmentof the paragraph.
 showhowthe ideasare relatedtootherideas,sentences,or
sectionsof yourwork(e.g.throughconnectors)
To be well-structured,paragraphs/argumentsmustbe clearly organized
around one main ideathat isexplainedand supported.Paragraphsthat
explain,analyze,orpersuade usuallyhave the followingstructure:
Structural Parts Description
Transition sentence
(optional)
The paragraph may openwitha
transitionfroma previous
paragraph.
(German:Überleitung)
Topic sentence
(required)
The topicsentence givesthe
main point ofthe paragraph that
mustbe explained,defined,
proven,oranalyzed.Itisalmost
alwaysat the beginningof the
paragraph.The topicsentence
may alsogive the controlling
ideasthatstructure the
paragraph,such as a main idea
beingdividedintotwopoints.
Elaboration of the topic
sentence
(optional)
The topicsentence maybe a
verygeneral statement.The
elaborationsentence givesmore
specificdetailsofthe structure
of the paragraph that followsby
explainingthe topic sentence.
The elaborationmayalsogive
the controllingideasthat
structure the paragraph.
Supporting sentences with
example(s)
(required)
Thisis the standardtype of
sentence thatdevelopsthe topic
sentence. All ofthe sentencesin
the paragraph shouldsupport the
topic sentence.
Conclusion and Consequence(s)
(recommended)
A sentence thatsummarizesthe
keypointsof the paragraph.
Suggestedif the paragraphislong
or difficult,orif manyideashave
beenintroduced. Consequences
are usuallythingslikelytooccur
due to the facts presented.
by Karen,AnnaN.,KristynaandStefan