Scott Russell Sanders, “Signs” (also in your Bedford Reader)

  • Your task is to analyze Sanders’ use of paragraphing.
  • You may write on the Sanders-handout, but be sure to include each of the elements listed above. You may also write the information in your handout.

Style: Paragraphing

1.  Length (measured by number of words, # of sentences; list these, then divide to get a ratio for each paragraph).

2.  Kind of movement or development (Is the paragraph a series of examples? A definition? A narration? Description? Some form of argument? When in doubt what to call it, just describe what you see.)

  1. Use of transitional devices. (This refers to paragraph-to-paragraph transitions. Typically, you’ll find transitions at the beginning and end of paragraphs, but not always. Consider the ones you’re used to using: “First,” “Second,” and “in conclusion”; professional writers use more sophisticated methods).

Here is an example of what to write: (this example is from “Safe-Sex Lies”)

Paragraph / Length / Movement/Development / Transitions
5 / 140 words; 5 sentences (28 average) / Argues that the behavior runs counter to logic due to previous advances in feminist ideology (precedent). / “I find this reasoning” --serves to connect the prior paragraph’s mindset with her challenge.

Scott Russell Sanders, “Signs” (also in your Bedford Reader)

  • Your task is to analyze Sanders’ use of paragraphing.
  • You may write on the Sanders-handout, but be sure to include each of the elements listed above. You may also write the information in your handout.

Style: Paragraphing

4.  Length (measured by number of words, # of sentences; list these, then divide to get a ratio for each paragraph).

5.  Kind of movement or development (Is the paragraph a series of examples? A definition? A narration? Description? Some form of argument? When in doubt what to call it, just describe what you see.)

  1. Use of transitional devices. (This refers to paragraph-to-paragraph transitions. Typically, you’ll find transitions at the beginning and end of paragraphs, but not always. Consider the ones you’re used to using: “First,” “Second,” and “in conclusion”; professional writers use more sophisticated methods).

Here is an example of what to write: (this example is from “Safe-Sex Lies”)

Paragraph / Length / Movement/Development / Transitions
5 / 140 words; 5 sentences (28 average) / Argues that the behavior runs counter to logic due to previous advances in feminist ideology (precedent). / “I find this reasoning” --serves to connect the prior paragraph’s mindset with her challenge.