While going through chapter for I found some interesting points, some that I have never heard of and some that I knew about but did not know the technical terms for.
One of the main points in this chapter I believe was, focusing on the main point, I knew about this before I got into chapter four, but I was not aware of how technical it can get. As we all know the main point should be clear to readers, and all of the sentences in the paragraphs should relate. What helps people stay on point is a good topic sentence, one that they can always refer back to if they feel like they have lost there train of thought or do not know what to write next. I like how it says on page 40, " A paragraph's main point, acts as a signpost pointing in two directions: backwards towards the thesis of the essay and forward toward the body of the of the paragraph" That is so clear to me, if you are on point, you should be able to refer to this sentence and have it be able to help guide you into what you are trying to make clear in your next sentence. The chapter also states how if you do not have a supportive topic sentence it can destroy the unity of your paragraph, once you have gone off topic of your main point, you will need to go back and either delete or move around some sentences into other paragraphs. Although when this does occur its most likely that you need more evidence to support your topic sentence or adjust your topic sentences accordingly to what you are trying to but with your evidence.
Another thing that I found interesting was developing the main point, I sometimes struggle with this, I try to make such a strong point for my main idea that I tend not to think past the main topic sentence, then after that I am stuck with trying to figure of the rest of the body for my essay. Here it says that short paragraphs are fine, especially if it functions as a transition point, which I never thought about, I think that this would work good for me. But I think that I would have to be careful not to make it to brief, so that its not inadequate and does not weaken my essay.
Another main point that I found in this chapter is to make your paragraphs coherent. This is when your sentences and paragraphs flow from one to another. There are no gaps, bumps or shifts. (pg..50) The book says that this can be improved by the ties of old information to new information, For example technical details are as follows: linking ideas clearly, repeating key words, using parallel structures, maintaing consistency, and providing transitions. All of these details will make a successful essay and help you stay on track with no shifts, gaps, or bumps. I like how the chapter gave me common transitions, its a great resource for my future writings.
This chapter was very informational. I liked it, I will use this chapter when I am going to write my next essay and have it help me develop a strong main point that carries evidence that is well supported. I will now know how and if my topic sentence is strong my being able to refer back to page forty, with the sentence that I have quoted above. I will also use this chapter when I get stuck on how to make my sentences flow and not have any gaps in my sentences structure. All of the details that it provides I think will help me get my points across smoothly.
No comments:
Post a Comment