ATS1340 ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES WORKBOOK 1 ISSUE 2 | Page 21
The Background/Definitions Paragraph
This type of paragraph is typically quite factual/descriptive listing dates/statistical
information and/or providing a range of definitions or key words, always indicating
why one or other definition is preferred over another.
A signal opening sentence might be: “Understanding the historical context to
_______________ assists in developing the argument that
________________”, or.... “There are a range of competing definitions of the
term ________________________”.
Make sure ANY time you provide a date/statistic/figure/fact you reference
the source.
The Argument Builder Paragraph
This is probably the most important type of body paragraph in your essay as it is
where you present, analyse and evaluate evidence. These paragraphs are the key
building blocks of your essay’s overall argument. These paragraphs can have two
main forms [explain/discuss]:
1. The climactic paragraph
2. The conventional paragraph
In both forms, the following elements need to be present:
A short and unambiguous topic sentence that specifies the main theme/idea
of the paragraph
Sentences that outline the range of positions/perspectives and/or evidence
on the specific theme of the paragraph
Analysis and evaluation of these positions and/or evidence
Summing up and statement of the paragraph’s relevance to overall argument
in the essay
Linking forward to the next discussion, phase or stage of the essay.
A useful abbreviation for the argument paragraph is TEA ESL:
T:
Topic sentence
E:
Evidence
A:
Analysis
E:
Evaluation
S:
Summary
L:
Link
In the argument paragraph, the language is more dynamic, a greater variety of
sentence lengths and pattern. In particular, the relationships (contrast, addition)
between various perspectives/positions are highlighted.
The Case Study Paragraph
The Case Study paragraph is typically more descriptive and also fully referenced.
There will be very little examination of competing theoretical perspectives as the
purpose of the Case Study is usually to provide a ‘real world’ scenario against which
the competing positions/alternate perspectives analysed in previous Argument
Paragraphs can be “tested”.
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