Communication

Expository Writing

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



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.  

Taking it to the Next Level:

Recognize that each STEP can be REPEATED within a paragraph.  This step begins to demonstrate MASTERY of paragraph writing.  You simply aren't memorizing the 5 pieces but you are able to understand their purpose and use them to your advantage.  For example, you may have more than one support for your idea (perhaps two or three quotes).  Rather than just listing all three quotes and then explaining them in bulk, it would be wise to provide one quote and its explanation followed by the next quote and its explanation and so on. 

For example: 

      1. Introductory sentence
      2. Elaboration
      3. Support
        1. Explanation
      4. Support
        1. Explanation
      5. Support
        1. Explanation
      6. Conclusion or Transition

Try to remember this as you work through the unit and the rest of the course.