Tip for Writing Paragraphs

Astrid Núñez Pardo M.A. 

         It is well-known that writing is a higher order cognitive skill that entails a conscious process and has to be taught (Harmer, 2004). Indeed, for Grabe and Kaplan (1996), this process involves “combining structured sentence units into a more cohesive and coherent larger structure” (p. 6). Several scholars have agreed on the consideration that writing is a cognitive process that demands intellectual stages such as preparing, reviewing, proofreading, and evaluating (Grabe & Kaplan, 1996; Hyland, 2002; Kroll, 1996). Thus, writing in academic contexts implies the knowledge of both surface and underlying rules to convey a specific message.

Despite the complexity of producing academic texts, this writing tip might be useful to construct solid paragraphs. When composing a paragraph, start by writing the what, to state your thesis/thought/ perception regarding an issue or the generally accepted insight of this given issue. This should be followed by the why in which you define a given construct or provide reasons or theoretical support to it in the light of renown researchers or scholars. Finally, use your own words to elaborate the what for by stating your personal insight and assume a stance so as to have your voice heard in relation to the topic of the text you are writing. Enjoy your writing!

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References

Grabe, W., & Kaplan, R. B. (1996). Theory and practice of writing. New York, NY: Addison Wesley Longman.

Harmer, J. (2004). How to teach writing. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited.

Hyland, K. (2002). Teaching and researching writing. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited.

Kroll, B. (Ed.). (1996). Second language writing. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.