V. Paragraph Types and Links

1. Study the paragraphs and underline the topic sentence in each paragraph. Find the

linking words and circle them. What type of organization do they signal?

1. Informality can be seen in many American gestures and much of their non-verbal

communication. For example, placing hands on hips or in pockets while talking is very

Learn to Write with Us: A Process-based Writing Textbook

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common. It is also usual to motion with the index finger or with the hands when trying

to emphasize an idea. To illustrate further, when Americans are in informal situations,

they basically sit as they please – slouched, legs together or crossed, or even with their

feet up on a table or desk. In addition, Americans move frequently while they are talking.

As you can see, the typical American informality comes out in all aspects of communication.

2. Making a paper airplane is quite easy. First, you will need a sheet of paper that is 8 ½

by 11 inches. Fold it in half lengthwise. Next, open the paper and fold one corner toward

the center grease. After you have made the first fold, fold the other corner down in

the same way, along the dotted line. Then fold each side along the diagonal dotted line

toward the center. Now turn the page over. With the paper turned over, fold one side

over along the dotted line. Next, fold the other side along the other dotted line. The last

step is to tape the body of the plane together. You now have a paper airplane that is

ready for a test flight.

3. Researchers have found that parents view boy babies and girl babies differently as early

as the first week of life. Little girls are said to be unlike boys in both facial characteristics

and personality. Boy babies are usually bigger than girl babies and are actually described

as stronger and more alert than little girls. On the other hand, little girls are seen

sweeter, gentler, and more passive than boys. Although two infants may look alike or be

equally fragile, parents handle boy babies with less care than girls. Even though little

boys and girls seem different to their parents as early as one day old, these differences do

not necessarily exist in reality.

4. When the television was invented in 1923, parents had no idea of the harmful effects

this celebrated invention would one day have on children. Because of the tremendous

amount of time children spend watching TV, they become passive observers. Child psychologists

say that children learn best by doing, not by watching. As a result, television

has a negative effect on children’s learning abilities and their creativity. Since children

spend more time in front of the TV and less time behind a good book, their reading abilities

have also suffered. Another harmful effect of television is caused by the excessive

violence in many popular programs. Studies show that aggressive behavior in children is

a direct result of this violence. Young people imitate the behavior they see on TV. Consequently,

youngsters have been known to “fly” out of windows like Superhuman and

kill their enemies like Kojak. For all these reasons, television has evolved from the miracle

it once was into the monster it is today.

VI. Linking Ideas

1. Each of the main ideas below lacks a linking word, expression, or adverb that signals

a generalization. Complete the sentences using different links. The first has been

done for you.

1. Generally, international students like to socialize

with students from other countries.

2. ___________, taking an exam is a stressful

event in a student’s life.

3. ___________ child must learn how to use a knife and a fork.

4. When I am watching TV, I ___________ eat pop corn.

5. It is ___________ a good idea for a traveler to take a lot of baggage on a trip.

6. ___________, St. Petersburg is a good city to live in.

7. ___________, men in my country shake hands when they meet someone for the first

time.

8. The survey found that ___________ the Park Hyatt guests were satisfied with the

service they received.

9. ___________, Chinese people seemed very friendly.

10. ___________, most students finish their coursework by the end of May.

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