Paragraphs

PARAGRAPHS

Paragraphs – a group of sentences that together convey a shared purpose structured around the same topic.

Introductory Paragraphs (Introductions)

Hook (Lead / Opening Statement) – can begin with the title Anecdotal (Brief story to set the mood and lead the reader into the topic)

Over the years there have been numerous baking techniques that have developed. Baking has been around since 600BC. Baking has evolved so much to the point where there are over 100 types of bread. In baking there are various steps that need to be taken before placing anything in the oven. Baking has been used for many things other than just bread. It is also used to make sweet desserts that probably didn exist in 600BC. Query Based (Question that brings the reader to the topic - avoid second person POV “you”) What makes a dessert ¨too¨ sweet? Thesis Statements (the purpose of a piece of writing – usually one sentence in length, but can be longer depending on the purpose – must be something that is arguable) Assertion (claim - a subject + a “so what” about the subject)

Desserts are sweet and should be eaten in moderation. Fact (empirically verifiable but often difficult to argue extensively about better used as evidence to support a claim)

Sugar comes from sugar cane or sugar beets. Opinion (personal position on a topic) Papaya does not taste good. Belief (social, religious, or political in nature – an opinion held by many to be a fact, though it is not necessarily factual – often involves a judgment) Desserts are typically eaten at the end of a meal.

Generalization (uses absolute or statistical pronouns: all, always, every,

never,

none, most, half – avoid using this type of thesis statement unless

citing the

source of the data) Desserts are typically eaten at the end of a meal. Document Based (cites a specific source, author, and position on a topic)

In the netflix show Zumbo's Just Desserts, there are different competitions held each round to make different types of desserts. Theory (a statement that can be tested and potentially proven - often

answers a

research question)

Desserts are not necessarily unhealthy and could actually have many benefits.

Clarification/Expansion of Thesis (could extend the thesis, preview the evidence supporting the thesis, give the purpose of thesis, establish the importance or significance of examining the intricacies of the thesis – this could be several sentences long) Jessica tasted the cake batter in order to see if it had the right amount of sugar in it. Often many people get the measurements wrong for the ingredients that they are using in their cake. It is important that they do a taste test in order to ensure that everything is right. It is best to double check everything once than to have anasty tasting cake. Making sure you have the right measurements can also affect your cake and how long it will take to be fully baked.

Body Paragraphs (must have echoes of the thesis in each AND present evidence to support or expand on the thesis)

Topic Sentences (must specifically indicate the topic of the paragraph and focus on one subject and/or area of evidence or support – could start with a “Transition of Logic” that connects to the previous paragraph to give context) Baking takes a long time and requires patience. (Now every sentence in this paragraph must be related to the connection) Presenting Evidence from Quotations (quotes should NEVER be used as individual sentences – quotes should be embedded within sentences)

ORIGINAL QUOTE – The best way to save time while baking is to ¨Always turn your oven on 20 minutes before baking¨(taste.au).

Examining the Evidence Paraphrasing (rewording of a quote into other words of the same length without quotation

marks, but still citing the source - useful for examining the quote and transitioning to your analysis of the quote) ORIGINAL QUOTE – ¨Always turn your oven on 20 minutes before baking¨(taste.au). PARAPHRASING - It is crucial to turn on your oven at least 20 min before baking.

Summarizing (condensing larger quotes or sections - useful for closing the examination of the quote/evidence and transitioning to your analysis of the quote)

ORIGINAL QUOTE – ¨Always leave cakes in the pan for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool¨(taste.au). SUMMARY- 5 minutes is enough time for the cake to cool before transferring to a rack. Abstract Examples (hypothetical, “what if” examples that do not refer to a source – AVOID

USING THEM AS EVIDENCE – but useful for examining the quote)

The cake could collapse if you don't include eggs

Concrete Examples (actual examples that do refer to a source – useful for enhancing your analysis of the quote)

¨Knowing your appliances—how long your stovetop takes to heat up, if your oven runs cold—can eventually make timing an instinct, not a calculation. ¨

Closing Sentences (must end the discussion of the topic within the paragraph with a transitional or culminating word – possibly an adverb – and should echo the thesis of the essay)

Baking is really easy when you know what to do but the best way to improve your baking is finding that perfect time for everything.

Closing Paragraphs (Conclusions – should not be mere summaries of the previous paragraphs of your essay)

Consequences of Disregarding the Thesis (establishing the potential consequences of disregarding the implications of the thesis – CREATING A COUNTERARGUMENT –could be one or more sentences) If baking were really all about time then toddlers would be able to do it. Statement(s) of Extension (extending the consequences of disregarding the implications of the thesis – could be one or more sentences)