Paragraphs in Essays and Other Compositions 8 th

Paragraphs in Essays and Other Compositions 8 th Grade Language Arts Nassetta

Understanding the Parts of a Composition Introduction I. The introduction presents the subject of your composition. The introduction should capture your reader’s attention with a strong lead, or first sentence I. II. ***The lead should not sound like an advertisement*** The main points should follow next in a thesis statement.

Body �Forming the body of a composition are several paragraphs that develop, explain, illustrate and support the main ideas in your thesis statement. �The body should be unified and coherent and logically organized. �The topic sentence of each body paragraph should tie directly to the points in your thesis statement

Conclusion �The final paragraph of a composition is the conclusion. �In the conclusion, you restate your thesis statement, usually using different words. You also summarize the support for thesis.

Using Formal and Informal English �Conventions of Formal English �Use formal English for school assignments � Avoid contractions � Do not use slang � Use standard English and grammar and usage Informal English - The English we speak every day is informal English - Contractions - Slang and popular expressions

Assignment �Write a sentence twice. Once, using formal English. Then, write the same sentence using informal English.