Transcript Document

THE GERRC
Paragraph
A format for formal writing.
GENERALIZATION:
One introductory sentence
 Usually
the question phrased as a
statement.
 Also known as the "topic" or guiding
sentence.
 Introduces/summarizes the main idea of
the paragraph.
 Indicate to the reader what your
paragraph will be about.
GENERALIZATION CONT’D:
One introductory sentence
 Example:
 There
are three reasons why Canada is
one of the best countries in the world.
ELABORATION and/or
Explanations:
One to two sentences
 These
sentences allow the writer to
elaborate or expand upon the general
statement just made.
 Explain why? or how?
 Give details to develop and support the
main idea of the paragraph.
 You should give supporting facts, details,
and examples.
ELABORATION and/or
Explanations CONT’D:
One to two sentences
 Example:
 First,
Canada has an excellent health
care system.
 Second, Canada has a high standard
of education.
 Finally, Canada's cities are clean and
efficiently managed.
REFERENCES:
Two to three sentences
 The
pertinent pieces of evidence (e.g.
relevant passages from the text) to
support your Elaborations and
Explanations.
 The number of references may vary, but
three would be the bare minimum.
 There should be sufficient textual
evidence to fully support your points if you
are writing about a piece of literature.
REFERENCES CONT’D:
Two to three sentences
 It
is also important to use only the
pertinent parts of the quotation.
 Do not to simply "drop" full lines of text into
the paragraph without explaining how
they relate to your argument.
 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.
REFERENCES CONT’D:
Two to three sentences
 Example:
 All
Canadians have access to medical
services at a reasonable price.
 Students are taught by well-trained
teachers and are encouraged to
continue studying at university.
 Canadian cities have many parks and
lots of space for people to live.
CONCLUSION:
One sentence
A
summary of the main points of the
paragraph.
 This sentence should be phrased
differently from the introductory sentence.
 In an essay, the final sentence is used as a
transition to the next paragraph.
CONCLUSION:
One sentence
 Example:
 As
a result, Canada is a desirable place
to live.
There are three reasons why Canada is one
of the best countries in the world. First,
Canada has an excellent health care
system. All Canadians have access to
medical services at a reasonable price.
Second, Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by welltrained teachers and are encouraged to
continue studying at university. Finally,
Canada's cities are clean and efficiently
managed. Canadian cities have many
parks and lots of space for people to live.
As a result, Canada is a desirable place to
live.