Paragraph structure

Name:

ESL 0201 Paragraph Structure Assignment

HOMEWORK:

After you watch the video on Blackboard or attend the BBCU class session about paragraph structure, complete the below activity. Read the paragraph below and complete the outline on the second page. Save your completed outline, and then attach and submit it in Blackboard.

1) Use the form on the back of this paper to outline this paragraph.

NOTE: You may have more or less than 3 details/examples for each supporting point.

Bad Drivers

There are three kinds of bad drivers you see on the streets and highways of almost any country. The first kind of bad driver wants to be a Grand Prix racer. This kind of driver drives very aggressively. For example, he or she steps on the gas and roars away as soon as the traffic light turns green. Driving in the passing lane and ignoring speed limits are also normal for this kind of driver. The second kind of bad driver is the modern multitasker. Modern multitaskers include drivers such as working mothers and overworked businesspeople. They eat a sandwich, drink a cup of coffee, talk on their cellphone, and discipline the children fighting in the back seat while speeding down the highway at 65 miles per hour. The last kind of poor driver is the overly cautious driver. This person drives extremely slowly and carefully. For instance, he or she drives no faster than 40 miles per hour on highways and slows down to 30 miles per hour on every curve. When making a turn, he or she almost comes to a full stop before inching around the corner. In conclusion, bad drivers can be speedsters, may be inattentive, or may be “slowsters” on our roads, and we must all watch out for all of them.

(Adapted from Introduction to Academic Writing, by Alice Oshima and Ann Hogue)

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ESL 0201 – Outline

I. Topic Sentence: ___________________________________________________________________________________

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Topic: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Controlling Idea: ________________________________________________________________________________

II. Body

A. Supporting Point (= Main Point): _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

2. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

3. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

B. Supporting Point (= Main Point): __________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

2. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

3. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

C. Supporting Point (= Main Point): _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

2. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

3. Detail/Example: ___________________________________________________________

III. Concluding Sentence: _____________________________________________________________________________

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