Sentence, Paragraph, Argument

I. Sentence

A. Which is a sentence?

1. She did it.

2. The flashing electronic sign on the sidewalk which was installed in 2001 near the University Union plaza .

B. A sentence is

1. a statement

2. an assertion

3. a proposition

4. a claim

5. an expression that can be contradicted

II. Paragraph

A. A paragraph is an assertion accompanied by other sentences that support it.

1. She did it. She had the motivation. She had the ability. She had the opportunity. She has no alibi. A witness saw her do it.

2. A paragraph should have

a. Unity--a single subject stated in a topic sentence

b. Coherence--connections between sentences and a movement from beginning to end

c. Adequate development--enough material to give a sense that the topic sentence has been supported

III. Argument

A. An argument is a claim supported by evidence.

1. She didn’t do it. The motivation was weaker than the inhibition. She had the physical ability but she’s a good person. She had the opportunity, but she didn’t use it. She has no alibi, but she often stayed home alone. The witness is prejudiced.

IV. A paragraph is an argument.