Rules for Writers Chapter 4

The concepts of “Paragraphs” by Diana Hacker are, how to write topic sentences within paragraphs that support the main idea of the paragraph, how to identify the different “methods of development” within the text, how to not create a repetition of words in the writing, and how to know when to start a new paragraph. She stated when creating a paragraph it is imperative to have a topic sentence within the text that provides the main point of the paragraph. If the paragraph is only a few sentences she suggested reviewing the material and deciding whether it needs more supporting information or if it is necessary to delete the short paragraph.

Diana provided examples of “methods of development” which reflects patterns in writing. She said the “example” pattern is used most often but if you need to elaborate more on the example to use the “illustration” pattern because it allows more detail to become involved in the writing. The “narration” design is used when the author wants to tell a story. The “descriptive” outline is used to describe a noun. It is essential to provide the particulars when using this pattern. When the writer wants to provide a paragraph involving the “process” pattern it must be in chronological order. When using the “compare” design the paragraph can explain both subjects together or separately. The writer can use “analogies”, “cause and effect”, or “classification” outlines if necessary.

Diana explained it is important to use different forms of the key terms within a text. She said readers enjoy reading texts that have one to two hundred words per paragraph and where the first paragraph is the introduction and the last is the conclusion. She specified some of the reasons to begin a new paragraph are when the writer is changing ideas, needs to make an important statement, or to separate long paragraphs.

I enjoyed learning about the different patterns in writing. She provided great examples on what the different patterns create within a text. I relate to the distaste of reading the same words several times in a document. I try to use different terms and versions of words in my writing already. At times I tend to generate long paragraphs to emphasize the point of my writing and she provided a list of reasons to end a paragraph that will assist me in my future writing.