Elements of Composition

Composition is also known as continuous writing which involves the use of a lot of sentences to express an idea, one’s opinion or explain a concept.

A composition has a beginning, middle and an end. These parts have specific names- the introduction, the body and the conclusion.

An introduction has two important jobs. First, it should capture the reader’s interest and tell what the entire composition is about. It is the first paragraph of the composition. The sentence that states the central idea of the composition is called the thesis statement.  This helps the writer focus on the main point. It provides the central idea that all other ideas in the composition must relate to closely.

The body contains paragraphs that tell more about the central idea. It may consist of any number of paragraphs that prove or illustrate the thesis statement. In the body, a writer uses supporting paragraphs to provide more information about the thesis statement. The length of the body may vary. The writer may need only two paragraphs to explain the central idea or four or five paragraphs to make the idea clear. The body is always the longest section.

The conclusion ties all the ideas in the composition together. It restates the central idea and may summarise supporting ideas. It should signal completion.

Format

Introduction                            Introduction( with thesis statement)

                                Supporting paragraph

Body                                        Supporting paragraph

                                                Supporting paragraph

Conclusion                               Conclusion      

Evaluation: Write four supporting paragraphs for this thesis statement: Friendship is important for many reasons.

Reading Assignment: Effective English JS2, page 79

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISIONAL QUESTIONS

1. Write out the following sentences into the passive voice:
2. Yinka scolded the boy for fighting in class.
3. The fisherman caught a lot of fish yesterday.
4. I am sure Akpan took my pen by mistake
5. Our principal usually gives a short speech dating assembly.
6. The hungry children ate the food.

• Exam focus English JSCE page 19 Revision Exercise 13.8

Weekend Assignment

Effective English JS 2 Page 103 Practice 2, and page 127 Practice 3.