Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Writing / 21

SAMPLE INDEPENDENT PARAGRAPH

The following paragraph, written as an independent composition, serves as a sample
for analysis for this section. You can find numerous examples of other independent
paragraphs throughout Parts II and III.

From Sitting to Standing

Pulling out of the water on skis requires complex muscular coordination. The simplest part of

the coordinated effort occurs when the skier positions himself in the water on his skis behind

the towboat. He assumes a squatting position, toes of the skis just above the water’s surface,

and the towrope between his knees. As the towboat idles forward to keep the towrope taut, the

skier uses both leg and body muscles to keep himself in a ready position, squarely behind the

skis. All muscles work against the steady pull. Then, as the towboat accelerates, back muscles

work together with leg muscles, and the skier leans against the boat’s power. As the pull inten-

sifies, muscles from the toes to the hips work to keep the skis parallel, pointed forward, tips

above the surface. Finally, the towboat’s full thrust tests the skier’s arm muscles. With his skis

climbing to a plane and his body rising above the water, the skier must flex his arms to provide

a counter-balance against the lessening drag behind the towrope, thus pulling himself to a

standing position. Once a skier experiences this complex muscular coordination, it is like that

for riding a bicycle: It comes without thinking and never leaves.

ANALYSIS of THE SAMPLE INDEPENDENT PARAGRAPH

The preceding sample represents a good independent paragraph. While paragraph
structure can vary widely, the following typical characteristics appear:

•    A topic sentence begins the paragraph.

•    Four subtopics divide the topic sentence predicate and emphasize the attitude

"complex."

•    Each subtopic provides specific details to help the non-skier understand the

complexity of the muscular coordination.

•    Sentences vary both in length (from    7    to     38   words) and complexity (from

simple to compound-complex).

•    Transitions connect subtopic sentences into a smoothly flowing paragraph.

•    The concluding statement refers back to the topic sentence and suggests the

longevity of the experience.

For additional examples, read other independent paragraphs and their accompany-
ing analyses in Parts II and III.