THE WHOLE

COMPOSITION
Prepared by:
IVIE Y. CANAMAN
MARIA CRISTINA C. DELMO
THREE FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN
WRITING:

1. The content
2. The organization
3. The correctness with which you
observe the general mechanics
of composition
1 THE CONTENT

1. Sources of Material
2. Choosing an Appropriate
Subject
3. How to Begin
THREE GENERAL SOURCES OF
MATERIAL FOR COMPOSITION:

1. What we experience
2. What we study
3. What we read
CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE
SUBJECT:
1. General background
2. Interests
3. Personal experiences
4. Time to develop a
composition
2 THE ORGANIZATION

A. Introduction or Beginning
B. Body or Discussion
C. Conclusion or End
A. INTRODUCTION

It must really introduce.

It must limit and fix the subject.
Sometimes it concerns itself
with the background of the
subject.
Suggestions to create a good
introduction:

1. After checking the outline, quickly write a

page or two.
2. Read the opening paragraphs, cutting
and adding and checking for a clear
statement of the thesis and precise
definitions.
Suggestions to create a good
introduction:
3. Write the rest of the paper, including the
conclusion.
4. Reread the introduction, checking the
thesis and definitions against the materials
used in body of the paper. If necessary,
rewrite the introduction.
An effective introduction
ordinarily does two things:
1. It catches the reader’s interest
(hooks him) and lures him into
the subject.
2. It may explain why the subject
should interest the reader or how
it touches his life.
Here is an example of a good
introduction:
Very few people would sit at the TV for hours
to Hook watch a cargo of potatoes take off from
planet earth in a spaceship. Yet a single potato
orbiting the sun could hold infinitely greater
significance for the future of humanity than
would the landing of a man on the moon. For a
man on the moon can tell us nothing new about
injecting happiness into life on earth. But a potato
in solar orbit might lead to the secret of how all
growth—hence life itself—is regulated.
(John Lear, “The Orbiting Potato”)
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:

1. Begin with a general statement

or principle and then proceed to
show how it applies to your
subject.
Example:
“To a sensitive boy a hobby may be
like patriotism, or religion, in that it
lets him grow by expanding the
circle of his loyalties.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
2. Begin with a striking statement.
Example:
“When I hear some bookworm gloat over
the number of books he has devoured, I
feel tempted to read him a lecture on
dissipations.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
3. Begin with an analogy or a comparison.
Example:
“The book addict, like the drug addict or
the dipsomaniac, finds in his reading an
escape from reality which later in life may
cause him serious trouble.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
4. Begin with a statement of the thesis
you intend to make clear or the problem
you intend to discuss.
Example:
“Fungi are among man’s best friends and
worst enemies.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:

5. Begin with an anecdote or story

and show its application to some
significant phase of your subject.
Example:
“The hold that custom has over
us is illustrated by the story of the
tenant farmer who moved so often
that on the last day of each month
his chickens would run up to him
and lie on their backs, holding up
their legs to be tied.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
6. Begin by stating your attitude or
point of view.
Example:
“I speak as a Liberal Party man.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
7. Begin by telling how you became
interested in the subject. A beginning
of this sort has the merit of
suggesting a like interest in your
reader’s mind.
Example:
“Like some other boys from the
rockless prairies, I first became
interested in rock hunting when as
a G.I. on leave I picked up some
agates on the beach near Newport,
Oregon.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:

8. Begin with a quotation or

comment on your subject.
Agree with it or oppose it.
Example:
“The visiting professor said, ‘I do not
know your traditions, but from what I can
learn I should say that for students who
like the kind of traditions you have, they
are just the kind of traditions such
students like.’ He was gracefully avoiding
expressing the thought that traditions
grow, like trees, and like trees need some
judicious pruning.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
9. Begin with the first or
earliest known reference to
your subject, it, if is significant
in showing contrast, change, or
development.
Example:
“More than five centuries ago,
the fine ladies of the courts of
Europe drooled over the story of
the Patient Griselda, a love story so
drippy with mawkish devotion that
no modern love-story magazine
would dare publish it.”
Here are a few interesting
ways to begin a composition:
10. Begin with a plain statement of
the divisions into which your
subject naturally arranges itself
and which you intend to use in
your discussion.
Example:
“When I look upon the
distinguished insignificance of my
home town, I realize that in three
aspects it is part of the American
tradition: it is typically small, it is
typically middle western, and it is
typically American.”
Avoid these errors in
writing introductions:
1. Writing a vague or ambiguous
introduction, leaving the thesis of
the paper unclear.
Avoid these errors in
writing introductions:
2. Failing to define terms that the
reader is not familiar with; some
terms should be defined if you are
using them in a special sense.
Avoid these errors in
writing introductions:
3. Writing an introduction that is
too long; for most short papers, it
is a mistake to write more than a
one-paragraph (or, at most, a two-
paragraph) introduction.
 B. BODY or DISCUSSION

It is composed of the ideas that

are going to be brought out in the
work.
It should really develop the
introduction.
 B. BODY or DISCUSSION

It must observe organization and

arrangement.
Use transitional markers to fill up
gaps of thoughts such as and, or,
nor, but, and for.
Here are some typical transitional
words and phrases:
 To explain ideas:
for instance, for example, such as, specifically,
in particular, to illustrate, thus
 To count or separate ideas:
first, second, third, (but not firstly, secondly,
thirdly) moreover, in addition, another,
furthermore, also, again, finally
Here are some typical transitional
words and phrases:
To compare ideas:
likewise, similarly, in the same way
To contrast or qualify ideas:
however, on the other hand, on
the contrary, but
Here are some typical transitional
words and phrases:
To show cause or effect:
as a result, consequently,
therefore, thus
Ways of using the transitional
paragraph :

To sum up before beginning

the next unit
Example:
So far, we have spoken only about that portion of the stellar
population that falls within the main sequence. All these stars, as
we have seen, are very much the same. They differ mainly in their
stages of evolution , which in turn is a result of their mass and the
speed at which they use up their original fuel supply. But what
happens to a star after it has used up its allotment of hydrogen?
Can we find examples of such stars that have reached old ages in
their life cycle? Or can we find examples of stars that are still in
their babyhood as far as the stellar cycle is concerned?
(T. Rubloueski, Life and Death of the Sun)
Ways of using the transitional
paragraph :

To introduce a series of

illustration
Example:

This is especially true in religion. So today I

am presenting three ways of looking at life by
looking at three great religious men. The three
men are John Henry Newman, the Catholic;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the Baptist preacher
and evangelist; and James Matineau, Unitarian
minister, writer and scholar. (Lon Call, The
Biography Cure)
Ways of using the transitional
paragraph :

To show what the writer

intends to do next:
Example:

The language of the chalk is not hard

to learn, not nearly so hard as Latin, if you
only want to get at the broad features of
the story it has to tell; and I propose that
we now set to work to spell that story out
together. (Thomas Henry Huxley, On a
Piece of Chalk)
Transitional Devices

 For Narration:

“The next morning,”

“Having satisfied myself that the door was
locked,”
“Such an insult I could not forget,”
“Knowing his irritable nature,”
Transitional Devices

 For Description:
“Across the street from our house,”
“In the center of the excited group,”
“This same scene viewed at sunset,”
“As the man came nearer,”
Transitional Devices

 For Exposition and Argumentation:

1. Begin a new paragraph with a word or a group
of words referring to something mentioned in the
preceding paragraph.
2. End a paragraph with a sentence looking
forward to what is to be discussed in the
paragraph that follows.
Transitional Devices

 For Exposition and Argumentation:

3. Use transitional words and phrases such as

however, therefore, moreover, furthermore,
accordingly, notwithstanding, nevertheless, in
addition to all this, in spite of this fact, for this
reason, in this way, by such a method, on the
contrary
Transitional Devices

 For Exposition and Argumentation:

4. Repetition of a word or a group of words
used in the previous paragraph.
5. Close connection of thought, so that no
formal transitional device is required.
Arranging Ideas in Graded Order:
The ideas are arranged from:
a. the least to the most
important
b. the least to the most useful
c. The least to the most
valuable
Example:
Graded Order Subject: Adopting a Written
Constitution in a Convention
Least easy to A constitution that satisfies only
adopt the economic desires of the people
will not be very easy to adopt.
More acceptable, and therefore
easier to adopt, is the constitution that
appeals to the people’s sense of
justice.
Most easy to Experience shows that the
adopt easiest type of written constitution to
adopt is the one that satisfies most of
the political and economic desires of
the powerful factions in a country.
Graded Order A good deal has been written
Least important about the values of owning a foreign
(expense) car, but few people have given much
thought to the realities of such
ownership. Advertisers bombard us
 With facts about “fabulous gas mileage,” but
miles-per-gallon (so far as expense is concerned)
is the least important thing to an owner of a
foreign car. Of greater importance, since it eats
into his mileage “savings” is the high initial cost of
an import which is often four or five hundred
dollars more than that of the cheaper American
Most makes. More important still is, the fact that parts
important and repair often cost so much that the import
(expense) owner finds himself spending more on his car
than the owner of a much bigger American
automobile.
 C. CONCLUSION/END

 The term conclusion refers to the

sentences or paragraphs that bring a
speech, essay, report, or book to a
satisfying and logical end. Also called
the concluding paragraph or closing.
 From the Latin, “to end”.
Some of the interesting forms of
conclusions:

1. The summary conclusion

2. Leaving a question in the mind of
the reader
3. Indulge in prophesy
4. Reaffirm beginning
5. Quotation
I. A. The summary conclusion

This is the logical type of conclusion. It

is suitable for a formal treatment of the
subject matter or if the subject matter is
inherently difficult.
Example:
“There is only one way out. We have to
learn the lesson that nations, deserting their
petty ideas of sovereignty, prestige, national
self-interest, must combine to act together
for the common good of humanity – which
is the meaning of acting normally. There is
still time to learn this lesson.”
2. Leaving a question in the mind of the reader

 This ending is effective because the

words linger in the mind of the reader
long after he has read them.
Example:
“Is it any wonder that peace is so
often but invisible war, in which
the nations rest only to fight
again?”
3. Indulge in prophesy
 This form is suitable for impassioned or inspired works.
 Example:
“Finally, I reject the defeatist withdrawal from the world as it is… The
only hope for man today is to work for a better world within the
framework of what we have, imperfect as it is. It can be improved,
and such improvement must arise not from withdrawal, but from
intelligent and vigorous participation in existing affairs. Most
scientists stand ready to do their part.”
4. Reaffirm beginning
 This is suitable if the purpose of the composition is
conviction.
Example:
 “Such is a university in its idea and in its purpose, such in
good measure has it before now been in fact. Shall it ever
be again? We are going forward in the strength of the
Cross, under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin, in the
name of St. Patrick, to attempt it.”
5. Quotation
 As a concluding sentence, a quotation is both attractive
and may even be impressive.
 Example:
“As a Chaucer has it, ‘And if gold rust, what shall iron do?’
“And so we have a plain indication of one of the reasons for
the inferiority of American prose-writing to that of England or
of France. It is a simple lack of intellectual discipline.”
 Avoid these errors in writing conclusions:
1.Failing to fill out a conclusion, leaving the
reader hanging,
2.Adding irrelevant or unnecessary detail,
3.Adding an undeveloped idea; the conclusion is
not the place to develop or introduce ideas.
The Title

A Title is a word or phrase given to a text (an essay,

article, chapter, report, or other work) to identify
the subject, attract the reader’s attention, and
forecast the tone and substance of the writing to
follow.
 The qualities of a good title are:
1.Brevity – is a style that is brief, while at the same time covers all
necessary points.
Example of brevity is a point made quickly and clearly.
1.Appropriateness – is the extent to which an utterance is
perceived as suitable for a particular purpose.
2.Attractiveness – is used to arouse/attract the interest of the
reader.
 The Principles of
Composition Building
 1. The Law of Unity
 Unity refers to the extent to which all of the ideas contained within a
given paragraph "hang together" in a way that is easy for the reader
to understand. When the writer changes to a new idea -- one which
is not consistent with the topic sentence of the paragraph -- the
writer should begin a new paragraph. Unity is important because it
aids the reader in following along with the writer's ideas. The reader
can expect that a given paragraph will deal only with one main topic;
when a new paragraph begins, this signals that the writer is moving
on to a new topic.
Example
"Employees' attitudes at Jonstone Electric Company
should be improved. The workers do not feel that they are
a working team instead of just individuals. If people felt
they were a part of a team, they would not misuse the
tools, or deliberately undermine the work of others.
Management's attitude toward its employees should also
be improved. Managers at Jonstone Electric act as though
their employees are incapable of making decisions or doing
their own work. Managers treat workers like objects, not
human beings."
2. The Law of Coherence
 Coherence refers to the extent to which the flow of ideas in a
paragraph is easily understood by the reader. For this reason,
coherence is closely related to unity. When a writer changes
main ideas or topics within a paragraph, confusion often
results. To achieve coherence, then, a writer should show
how all of the ideas contained in a paragraph are relevant to
the main topic.
Example
"Schools should offer courses to help students with the
problems of unemployment. Such a course might begin with
a discussion of where to find employment, then cover
resume writing and interviewing. Algebra and history don't
help students with real-world needs. They are required
courses that students aren't interested in, and this is
frustrating for students who would rather learn about other
subjects. If schools offered job-skills courses, students would
be well prepared for the difficult task of finding a job once
they finish school."
3. The Law of Emphasis
 Emphasis is the repetition of key words and phrases or
the careful arrangement of words to give them special
weight and prominence. The most emphatic spot in a
sentence is usually the end.
 is the ability to attract attention and make an element
stand out.
4. The Law of Interest
 Requires the composition to be interesting and
agreeable as possible by using concrete details
judiciously. It should be made attractive to the reader.
 Use of concrete matter freely to keep the reader’s
interest.
 Concrete matter means the use of particulars,
examples, and illustrations
The Outline

It is a blueprint of some more elaborate written

structure. Its function is to help the writer
construct a more unified and a better organized
idea of a composition or essay.
Four Main Types of Outlines:
1. The Topic-It uses phrases or single words in the headings.
2. The Sentence- In the sentence outline, you expand each part into
a full sentence. Here, you can see every idea in its full form.
3. The Mixed- This type allows you to put your main ideas in
complete sentence form and your subordinate ideas in topic
form. It gives you a relatively specific check on the structure of
your theme, from the first to the last main ideas.
4. The Paragraph- refers to its overall structure, which is a group of
sentence focusing on a single topic.
Thesis: Major league Thesis: Major League Baseball is too Thesis: Major League
slow Thesis: Major League
baseball is too slow. baseball is too slow.
Introduction
I. The pitcher fiddles too long between
baseball is too slow.
Introduction pitches.
Introduction Introduction
He picks up the rosin (whether he needs it
I. The Pitcher’s delay or not) and tosses it down. I. The pitcher fiddles around I. (paragraph) The
He adjusts his uniform-pulls on his cap, too long between pitches. pitcher fiddles around
straightens his shirt, etc.
A. Use of rosin bag Use of rosin bag
B. Adjusting uniform
He peers down at the catcher for what
seems like five minutes, and then throws Adjusting uniform too long between
C. Pitcher-catcher delay off the signal. Pitcher-catcher delay pitches.
II. The hitter has his own methods of
II. Hitter’s delay slowing up the game. II. The hitter has his own II. (paragraph) The
Before hitting, he wanders around methods of slowing up the
helplessly as if hunting for the batter’s box. hitter has his own
A. Below hitting Between pitches, he steps out of the box,
game.
The B. In batter’s box picks at his uniform, knocks on his cleats Before hitting methods of slowing up
C. Fouling off with his bat.
He may foul off five or six pitches before
In batter’s box the game.
either striking out, hitting, or walking. Fouling off III. (paragraph) There
III. Delay between innings III. There is too much time wasted III. There is too much time
between innings.
wasted between innings.
is too much time
The fielders have to throw the ball around.
A. Fielder’s warm-up The umpire struts up and down, stuffs or Fielder’s warm-up wasted between
B. Umpire’s delay in stuffs his pockets, brushes away
imaginary dust from the plate.
Umpire’s delay innings.
Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion

The Topic The Sentence The Mixed The Paragraph

Suggestions for
Outlining
1. Use an accepted numeral form in the outline. It is customary to employ numerals in this
order, according to the rank of ideas or levels of subordination:
I. First level (Main heading)
A. Second Level
1. Third Level
2. Third Level
a. Fourth level
b. Fourth level
(1) Fifth level
(2) Fifth level
(a) Sixth level
(b) Sixth level
B. Second level
I. First level (main heading)
2. Headings in the same level of subordination should be roughly parallel or equal in
importance and grammatical form.
 Example:

I. Not necessarily a college graduate

A. Not necessarily a philosopher
B. What an educated man is not
II. The educated man has a mind well-stocked with ideas.
3. Avoid single headings like IV-A below.
III. Lives in the world
A. Takes part in community affairs
B. Gets along with people
IV. Keeps open mind and forms own opinion
A. is unprejudiced
Remember: Outlining is a help to writing, not an
end in itself. For most themes, a simple one-page
outline will be all the help needed.
Thank
You!