WRITING A PARAGRAPH

WRITING A PARAGRAPH

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences that develop an idea. The first sentence of a paragraph should be indented.
The sentences in the paragraph support and give examples of the main idea.

Paragraph Structure

A paragraph should have a logical structure that is easy to put into an outline:

I. Topic Sentence
II. Supporting Detail
III. Supporting Detail
IV. Supporting Detail
V. Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is the sentence that tells the reader the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence should contain only one main idea. It should be specific and detailed. The topic sentence is often found at the beginning of the paragraph, but it can be in other places, too.

Supporting Details

The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully and adequately. Again, this varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's purpose, but writers should beware of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences.
Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:
Use examples and illustrations
Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
Use an anecdote or story
Define terms in the paragraph
Compare and contrast
Evaluate causes and reasons
Examine effects and consequences
Analyze the topic
Describe the topic

Concluding Sentence

It restates your topic sentences, preferably in slightly different words. It finishes with a strong sentence that sums up your main point.
A rounding off, possibly by summarizing what has been said or drawing a logical conclusion from it.

Types of paragraphs

There are basically four types of paragraphs: narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive.
- A narrative paragraph conveys a story, usually in a clear order, with a beginning, a middle and an end.
- A descriptive paragraph presents a definite description of a person, place, thing or idea.
- An expository paragraph provides facts, offers directions or defines terms.
- A persuasive paragraph offers information to support or refute an opinion.