The GERRC Paragraph Writing a Paragraph GENERALIZATION One

The GERRC Paragraph Writing a Paragraph

GENERALIZATION: One introductory sentence. l Usually the question phrased as a statement. l Also known as the "topic" or guiding sentence. l The introductory sentence should give a general overview of what the paragraph is about.

ELABORATION and/or Explanations: One to two sentences. l These sentences allow the writer to elaborate or expand upon the general statement above. l Explain why? or how?

REFERENCES: Two to three sentences. l The pertinent (relevant) passages from the text or other examples to support your arguments. l The number of references may vary, but three would be the bare minimum. l There should be sufficient textual evidence to fully support your points. l It is also important to use only the pertinent parts of quotations selected.

REFERENCES: Two to three sentences. l Do not to simply "drop" full lines of text into the paragraph without explaining how they relate to your argument. l Remember that by using excerpts of full quotations, it is possible to include three, four or even five pieces of textual evidence in two sentences.

CONCLUSION: One sentence. l. A summary of the main points of the paragraph. l This sentence should be phrased differently from the introductory sentence. l In an essay, the final sentence is used as a transition to the next paragraph.