English Grammar & Writing Composition & Paragraph Writing Syllabus

What are transition words and phrases?

Words or phrases that link ideas and signal relationships between sentences and paragraphs, guiding the reader through the text.

Give three transition words that signal addition.

Furthermore, moreover, in addition (also: additionally, besides).

Give three transition words that signal contrast.

However, nevertheless, on the other hand (also: whereas, in contrast, yet).

Give three transition words that signal cause and effect.

Therefore, consequently, as a result (also: thus, hence, because).

Give three transition words that signal sequence or time order.

First, next, finally (also: then, subsequently, meanwhile).

Give three transition words used to introduce examples.

For example, for instance, such as (also: to illustrate, namely).

What is sentence variety and why does it matter?

Using a mix of sentence lengths and structures (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) to keep writing engaging and avoid monotonous rhythm.

What are the four sentence types by structure?

Simple (one independent clause), compound (two independent clauses), complex (one independent + one or more dependent clauses), and compound-complex (two or more independent + at least one dependent clause).

Name three methods for adding sentence variety.

Vary sentence openings, vary sentence length, and combine short sentences using conjunctions or subordination.

What is logical ordering of ideas?

Arranging information in a sensible sequence so readers can follow the reasoning, using patterns such as chronological, spatial, order of importance, or general-to-specific.

Name four common patterns of organization for ordering ideas.

Chronological (time) order, spatial order, order of importance (climactic), and compare-contrast order.

What is chronological order?

Arranging ideas or events in the sequence in which they happen in time, from first to last.

What is order of importance (climactic order)?

Arranging points from least to most important (or vice versa) so the strongest idea receives emphasis.

What is the purpose of an introduction in an essay?

To grab the reader's attention, provide background/context, and present the thesis statement that guides the essay.

What is a thesis statement?

A single sentence, usually at the end of the introduction, that states the essay's main argument or central claim and often previews its main points.

What makes a strong thesis statement?

It is specific, arguable (not just a fact), focused on one main idea, and clearly states the writer's position on the topic.

What is a 'hook' in an introduction?

An opening device—such as a question, quotation, statistic, or anecdote—designed to capture the reader's attention immediately.

What is a body paragraph?

A paragraph in the main part of an essay that develops one supporting point of the thesis using a topic sentence, supporting details, and analysis.

Describe the typical structure of a body paragraph.

Topic sentence stating the point, supporting evidence/details, explanation or analysis of the evidence, and a concluding or transitional sentence.

What is the P-E-E (or PEEL) structure for a body paragraph?

Point, Evidence, Explanation (and Link)—state the point, give evidence, explain how it supports the point, and link back to the thesis or next idea.

What is the purpose of a conclusion in an essay?

To restate the thesis in fresh words, summarize the main points, and leave the reader with a final thought, implication, or call to action.

Name two things a good conclusion should avoid.

Introducing brand-new arguments or evidence, and copying the introduction word-for-word.

What is an outline?

A structured plan that organizes a text's main points and supporting details in hierarchical order before drafting.

What are the two main formats for an outline?

Topic outline (short words/phrases) and sentence outline (complete sentences for each point).

What ordering system is traditionally used for outline levels?

Roman numerals for main points (I, II, III), capital letters for subpoints (A, B, C), and Arabic numerals for details (1, 2, 3).

What is conciseness in writing?

Expressing ideas clearly using no more words than necessary—cutting redundancy, wordiness, and filler while preserving meaning.

Rewrite 'due to the fact that' and 'in order to' more concisely.

'Due to the fact that' becomes 'because'; 'in order to' becomes 'to'.

What is the difference between active and passive voice?

In active voice the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The dog chased the ball'); in passive voice the subject receives the action (e.g., 'The ball was chased by the dog').

Why is active voice generally preferred over passive voice?

Active voice is usually clearer, more direct, more concise, and more vigorous, making it easier to see who is doing what.

When is passive voice appropriate?

When the doer is unknown or unimportant, when the action's receiver is the focus, or in scientific/objective writing (e.g., 'The samples were heated').

What is the difference between tone and voice in writing?

Tone is the writer's attitude toward the subject or audience (e.g., formal, humorous, serious); voice is the writer's distinctive, consistent personality and style across their writing.