Chapter 3 The One-Paragraph EssayInstructor: Carolyn YoungOutline 1. Introduction to the One-Paragraph Essay2. Topic sentence 3. Support : Examples, Statistics and Statements by Quthorities4. Subtopic sentence5. Paragraph writing: unity and coherenceThe One-Paragraph EssayA paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. The one-paragraph essay is an essay in miniature.It has a clear, unmistakable structure. It has good support. The middle sentences help persuade the reader.Contents of The One-Paragraph EssayTell your readers what you are going to tell them.Tell it to them.Then tell them what you just told them. 1. The Structure of the One- Paragraph EssayThe first sentence states the idea you want your readers to accept(your main point). It is called topic sentence. All middle sentences present specific support for that idea. The last sentence restates the topic sentence to remind your readers of the point youve just made.Topic sentencesupport supportsupport u Reworded topic sentenceIf you visit Yellowstone National Park, youll almost certainly see some big wild animals. For example, Yellowstone is known for its bears. Though they dont hang out alongside the road as they did 40 years ago, theyre common to spot in the valleys and by the lake. Another common wild animal in Yellowstone is the buffaloes(野牛). Buffaloes like to graze in the big meadows(草地) that often adjoin( 毗连)the roads and villages. Finally, you can usually see elk (麋鹿) at Yellowstone. There are more than 20,000 in the park. So if you visit Yellowstone, and keep your eyes open, youll likely see some of these big wild animals, too. Topic sentence Youll see big wild animals in Yellowstone. specific support bearsspecific support buffaloesspecific support elkReworded topic sentence Youll see big wild animals here. Activity: Outline this paragraphI recommend we buy a second copying machine. First, the copying machine was broken for several days this month. During that time, nobody was able to do any photocopying. Also, it had routine maintenance during two other days this month. Then, too, nobody could use the machine. Finally, several people have large copying projects that keep others from using the machine. For these three reasons, I strongly recommend we buy a second copying machine. Topic sentence specific supportspecific supportspecific supportReworded topic sentence2. Topic Sentence A good paragraph begins with a topic sentence. It is followed by specific support. Topic sentence the main idea of the paragraphIt is a precise statement of the opinion you wish to persuade your readers to accept.A statement of fact make poor topic sentences. It leaves the writer nothing important to say. e.g. William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet. What is a good topic sentence?A good topic sentence has two parts: A limited subjectA precise opinion about the subject 1. Choose a subject limited enough to support in a single paragraphE.g. AdvertisingTV advertising(newspaper advertising)sex appeal(性感) in TV advertising (sexual attractiveness) 2. Stating the precise opinion, making a precise judgment.vague words: interesting , nice, good, badVague statement: Sex appeal(性感) in TV advertising is bad/good. Precise statement: Sex appeal(性感) in TV advertising is irrelevant to the product. A topic sentence gives focus to your paper, for your reader and for you. E.g. For me, dieting(节食) is futile(useless). subject precise opinion Activity A. Identify the sentences that would not make good topic sentences because they dont state opinions or because the opinions arent precise. 1. (1) Alaska is our forty-ninth state. (2) Visitors to Alaska see a variety of wildlife.2. (1) Let me describe British Columbia.(2) British Columbia has spectacular scenery. 3. (1) Death Valley is the lowest point in the United States.(2) Death Valley is attractive to winter tourists. B. Limit the following general subjects and then state a precise opinion about each limited subject.1. General Subject College_ is/are_.(limited subject) (precise opinion) 2. General Subject entertainment _ is/are_.(limited subject) (precise opinion)3. Support: Examples, Statistics, Statement by authorities A paragraph begins with a topic sentence that is followed by support.(1) Examples (2) Statistics(3) Statement by authorities (1) Examples The secret to good writing the real secret is using examples. Two types of examples: Quick examples and Narrative examples Quick examples: one instance, one occurrence of whatevers you are talking about.Quick examples must be specific. Sentences without quick examples There were many expensive cars in the schools parking lot during the f