EC Sample Paragraph H
Prof. Bryan Alkema
Word Count: 337
"Persistence"


    The last few weeks of the university semester are always challenging, as most students (and teachers!) are tired, stressed, and sometimes sick. Even so, continuing to work hard is important, because persistence has important consequences on academic scores, on short-term satisfaction, and on long-term personal development. First of all – and very obviously – students who work hard at the end of the semester are more likely to achieve high scores on assignments and final exams. Much of the end-of-semester work involves putting together ideas and concepts taught throughout the semester, which requires discipline. Students who are willing to work at their assigned tasks are likely to have their success rewarded. Second, once the semester is over and final grades are released, students who worked even under difficult circumstances will have the opportunity to share their grades with friends and family. Success throughout the semester, including the last month when things were tough, will be recognized and appreciated. This is especially important for students whose parents are paying for the tuition bills! Most important of all, however, is that persistence at the end of a busy and tiring semester is an important life-lesson. Persistence is valued by teachers because, while intelligence is important, any good idea must be put into application. Edison once said that genius is one percent inspiration (thoughts) and ninety-nine percent perspiration (hard work). Of course teachers want students to have knowledge and intelligence, but knowledge without reliable and steady effort is almost useless. A university semester is an opportunity for students to perspire, to put in the hard work necessary for success, and to learn about their limits. In conclusion, students who are already tired and stressed and doubtful about their ability to endure these last weeks of the semester should find their motivation by thinking about succeeding in their classes, sharing those successes with family and friends, and growing as well-rounded individuals. Don’t give up on this semester! The end is in sight and success will come to those who work for it. 

 

Sample Paragraph H: Structure Questions [Opinion]

• Where is the topic sentence? 
  ​
  
  
• What is the topic of this paragraph?
  
  
  
• What is the writer’s opinion in this paragraph?
  
  
  
• What reasons does the writer provide to support his opinion?
  
  
  

• Look at the sentences that start each supporting point of the paragraph. What transition words tell the reader that there is a new idea?
  
  
  
• How long is the conclusion section of this paragraph?
  
  
  
• What suggestion does the author give as part of the conclusion?
  
  
  
• Compare the topic sentence and the conclusion. Which one is stronger?
  
  
  
• How many times was the pronoun “I” used in this paragraph?
  
  
  
• How many times was the pronoun “you” used in this paragraph?
  

Sample Paragraph H: Skill Questions

• Read the bolded sentences in the paragraph. For each one, decide if the sentence is simple, compound, or complex.
  
  
  
• Circle any words you don’t know. You may add these words to your vocabulary workbook. 
  

Sample Paragraph H: Content Questions

• How are you feeling about your different classes this semester? Do you think that you’re succeeding in those classes?
  
  
  
• Do you share your semester results (grades) with your parents and friends? Why or why not?
  
  
  
• What are some of the challenges you’re facing at the end of this semester?
  
  
  
• What motivates you to succeed? What reasons keep you moving forward?
  
  
  
• Many of you are finishing your first year at Handong? Has this been a good year?
  
  
  
• What changes are you going to make in your second year at Handong?
  
  
  
• “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
  Do you agree with Thomas Edison?  Explain your answer.