Paragraph writing

Paragraphs are groups of related sentences that form complete units. They usually support the main ideas of an essay, article, or story; however, every paragraph has an identity and an idea of its own. A paragraph is like a miniature essay.

A paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

Three essential parts compose any paragraph: a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.

Topic Sentence:
The topic of a paragraph is stated in one sentence and this is called a topic sentence. This sentence has to be precise and serves to limit the topic to one or two areas that will be discussed entirely in the space of one paragraph. A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples, by giving details, by telling an incident.

Supporting sentences:
The sentences that develop the paragraph or explain the topic are called supporting sentences.

Concluding sentence:
Concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph or it summarises the paragraph.

Characteristics of a Paragraph:


 * Unity-	Completely based on main idea
 * Cohesion	(Transitional signals	-comparison with traffic signals, Punctuation,	linkers, conjunctions,	articles, pronouns)- it	means that your paragraph is easy to read and understand because:	your supporting sentences are in logical order & your ideas are	connected by the use of a appropriate transition signals.
 * Completeness (	logical order, chronology, in relation to one another)
 * Seven Types of	Paragraph Development :

1. Narration
Paragraphs written as a narration are a chronological presentation of events that add up to a story. Paragraphs of this type contain characters, setting, conflict and resolution.

2. Description
Descriptive type of paragraphs is written in such a way that the reader is able to imagine the scene, object, person, etc. Series of detailed observations are recorded, using sensory language. Descriptions are like narrative paragraphs, with visual characteristics unfolding in a dramatic way. The main objective of a description is to move the story ahead.

3. Definition
Definition type of paragraphs, provide the meaning, using events and happenings. A strong effort should be made to clearly explain what something is, and not what it is not.

4. Comparison
The objective of paragraphs written in comparison style is to compare, two or more objects, characters, events etc. A chart can be prepared before writing a comparison paragraph. This chart could include the names of the items compared, and the criteria by which they are compared.

5. Persuasion
This type of paragraph is used in editorials and columns. A direct approach is the best in writing a persuasive paragraph. The objective of a persuasive paragraph is to persuade people to change their minds, or take action. Persuasive paragraphs help people formulate an opinion and deepen it, by adding conviction.

6. Exposition
Expository paragraphs are explanatory in nature. They could be an important part of a description or narration. Credibility should be added in an expository paragraph, by citing authorities that have good credentials. This type of paragraph could also be a justifier that explains why something is important.

7. Process analysis
A process analysis paragraph describes how a process happens, through a series of actions. The actions are put in a sequence. These types of paragraphs are usually followed by illustration, as they help in understanding the process better.

Task: Read each of the paragraphs below. On the space provided indicate the topic and the writer’s purpose. Remember the purposes that people write are to inform, to entertain, and to persuade,


 * 1) Littering is an unnecessary plight that affects all cities to some extent. It is one of the few city problems that could quickly, easily, and economically be corrected. Littering is the result of careless, uniformed, or uncaring individuals. Trash cans are visible and within easy access to citizens on virtually every street corner. People need to simply think before they toss. Think of the untarnished beauty that your streets could have if not inundated with unsightly litter. Think of the savings to government coffers that would not have to be allocated for cleaning up the mess. Think of the health and safety of your children that could play in the streets and parks without fear of illness, disease, or injury; litter is a potential source of these things. Think of the positive image that city visitors would have in such a pristine environment. Everyone can do his part easily to make their city one to be proud of: just think before you toss.   Topic: __________________________________________ Purpose: __________________________________________
 * 2) Scrabble is a word game that is fun and challenging for young and old alike. It is easy to play. The only skill needed is the ability to spell. The game consists of a game board about 36 centimeters square. The board is divided into 215 squares, each square about two centimeters by two centimeters. There are also 100 tiles, about two centimeters square, with letters printed on them. Each tile also has a number on it, which represents the numerical value for that tile. The object of the game is to spell words, placing then either horizontally or vertically on the board. The numerical value of the word is determined by adding up all the numbers on the tiles used. Each player in turn makes a word, using at least one of the letters already on the board. For added excitement, some of the squares on the board are designated as double or triple letter scores and double or triple word scores. These squares allow the players to accumulate more points. The winner of the game is the person with the highest score after all the tiles have been played. Try playing Scrabble today; it’s not only fun, but educational!  Topic: _________________________________________________ Purpose: ______________________________________________
 * 3) Pigs are the cleanest of animals in spite of the bad press they sometimes receive. Pigs prefer clean, cool areas to sleep in. When they relieve themselves of bodily waste, they do it in one small area of the pen, away from where they sleep and spend most of their time. Although it is true that pigs wallow in the mud, they don’t do it because they like dirt. Pigs have no sweat glands, so they roll around in mud to keep cool. In addition to being clean animals, pigs are also intelligent. Many animal experts consider pigs to be more trainable than dogs or cats. The next time someone says that your house looks like a pigsty, take it as a compliment, and thank them.   Topic: ________________________________________ Purpose: _________________________________
 * 4) Many people consider Leonardo de Vinci one of the most brilliant people ever born. De Vinci was an Italian artist, architect, and inventor during the 13th and 14th centuries. Two of de Vince’s greatest paintings, the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, have survived down the ages and still inspire people today with their unparalleled artistic beauty. Between 1485 and 1490 de Vinci designed many buildings, ranging from churches to fortresses. An inventor well before his time, de Vinci invented the parachute. He also designed numerous devices for war and combat, including a submarine, a tank, numerous weapons, and a helicopter 500 years before the airplane was invented. Leonardo de Vinci, a great man whose works and achievements is still loved and admired the world over even today.   Topic: ________________________________________________ Purpose: ______________________________________________
 * 5) Ocean and tidal waves offer a vast source of untapped energy that both government and industry need to exploit to benefit from its full potential. There are numerous advantages to this source of power, when compared to fossil fuel or nuclear generating plants. Once a power plant is built, the cost of continued operation and maintenance is negligible. This source of power is also renewable, unlike fossil fuels which generate much of the electrical power used today. In addition, there is no pollution created from the burning of fossils fuels, nor is there the danger associated with nuclear power plants. Tidal and wave devices appear to have only a minimal impact on the environment, and may even have a positive effect on coastal erosion. Finally, the energy produced is reliable and predictable, unlike the energy produced from wind power. Although research and development of this form of energy is still in the infancy stage, it offers future generations hope for a cheap, environmentally friendly source of electrical power.

Topic: ____________________________________________

Purpose: __________________________________________

