Jim Roth’s Website

Paragraphs Set #1 MLA format—double-spaced (Up to 10 points for each)

Due: No later than Wednesday, January 18—beginning of class

Directions: Please write two competent paragraphs following what we’ve learned in Paragraphs Made Easy and subsequent practice. For each paragraph, please make at least two rough drafts before settling upon a final copy.

Note: Please remember to plan first. A plan will assure you of a complete, well-organized paragraph even before you write the topic sentence. Also please remember the three requirements of every paragraph: unity, coherence, and completeness.

EIn addition, when grading your paragraphs, I will be looking for effective sentencing as well as words often confused used properly.

PARAGRAPH IDEAS: Select any two of the ideas below and write one paragraph for each of your selections. Please be sure your final copies conform to the guidelines we’ve discussed.

1. If you could create a holiday, what holiday would you want people to celebrate and why?

2. Anxiety and stress are part of modern life.  What steps can people take to reduce anxiety and stress in their daily lives?

3. Name a person whom you admire and in a paragraph explain why.

4. __________ is a very distracting place to study.

5. Name your favorite hobby, sport, or activity and give reasons you enjoy it.

6. Write a paragraph explaining the benefits of pet ownership.

7. Write a paragraph explaining the drawbacks of pet ownership.

8. If you could enact one law, it would be _____________. Please explain

9. Why did you choose to attend Spokane Community College? Please explain.

10. ________________ is the most (honest/ trustworthy/generous/ supportive) person I know. (Fill the blank and pick one trait.)

11. _________________ is the (sloppiest/ most argumentative/ most dishonest/ most self-centered) person I know. (Fill the blank and pick one trait.)

Things I’ll Look For: sentencing errors (Frag, CS, RO), paragraph unity, coherence and completeness. Revise carefully and often.