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Assignment 1.2: Expository Writing

4. 5 Point Paragraph

Throughout the unit and course, you'll be asked to respond to questions in paragraph form.  For some this comes easily but for others this can be a challenge.  The following strategy can be an effective tool for communicating in writing.  Every well-written paragraph response has these five pieces:

  1. Introductory sentence (statement of purpose)
  2. Elaboration (unpack the statement of purpose)
  3. Support (back up your idea with a quote or reference)
  4. Explanation (explain HOW the quote or reference supports your idea)
  5. Conclusion or Transition
    1. Wrap up your idea so that it feels finished.  Avoid, "I have shown you that..."
    2. Transition to the next idea (next paragraph) if applicable


Here is a handout on paragraph writing from the Class Handouts folder.

Example of 5 pieces in action:

In William Golding’s book The Lord of the Flies, the character Ralph held no respect for his supposed friend Piggy.  This indifference and lack of respect becomes evident within the first few pages of the book, shortly after we meet both characters.  Once the niceties are out of the way, Piggy blames some of his shortcomings on his Asthma.  To this Ralph replies, “Awe, sucks to your assmar!”  In this short sentence Ralph belittles his friend and his illness.  Perhaps this was done to establish dominance, keeping in line with the classic alpha-male behavior pattern.  Ralph does, in fact, become chief of the island, at least for a brief period. This could have been the first moment in which he realized that he was capable of ruling.  Whatever the case, this simple statement solidifies Ralph’s disrespect for Piggy.