Paragraph Writing

Ben Pin-Yun Wang

What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is defined as a group of sentences that develops one main idea (topic). This main idea is expressed through three sections of a paragraph:
(1) Beginning: Introduce your idea. (2) Middle: Explain your idea. (3) End: Make your point again, transition to next paragraph.

Develop an Outline
Outline of a paragraph
A. The topic sentence B. Paragraph development (body) a. Supporting detail (1) b. Supporting detail (2) c. Supporting detail (3) C. The concluding sentence

Constructing a Paragraph (1/4)

Four sentence types used to construct a paragraph:
(1) Topic sentence
Introduce the topic/subject of the paragraph State your idea, point, opinion, or attitude about the topic => controlling idea(s) E.g. Students require more recreational time in

order to better focus on lessons in class.

An easy way to make sure your reader understands the topic of the paragraph is to put your topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraph.

Constructing a Paragraph (2/4)

(2) Supporting sentences
Provide explanations and support for the topic sentence (main idea) of your paragraph Supporting sentences that include facts, statistics and logical reasoning are much more convincing that simple statements of opinion. E.g. In fact, studies have shown that students

who enjoy a recess of more than 45 minutes consistently score better on tests immediately following the recess period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly improves the ability to focus on academic materials.

Constructing a Paragraph (3/4)

(3) Concluding sentence
Restates the main idea (found in your topic sentence) in different words and reinforces the point or opinion. E.g. Longer periods of recess are clearly

required to allow students the best possible chances of success in their studies.

Constructing a Paragraph (4/4)

(4) Transitional sentence
Prepares the reader for the following paragraph. Should help readers logically understand the connection between your current main idea, point or opinion and the main idea of your next paragraph. E.g. Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the

necessary ingredients for improving student scores on standardized tests.

Paragraph Development
Nine patterns of paragraph development
Providing examples Explaining a process Examining cause and effect Comparing or contrasting Defining a term Dividing and classifying Describing a scene or person Narrating an event Arguing a position

Four Bases of Effective Writing

Unity
Clear opening statement of the point of your paper? All material on target in support of opening point?

Support
Specific evidence? Plenty of it?

Coherence
Clear method of organization? Transitions and other connective devices?

Sentence Skills

Unity
Each sentence within a paragraph should relate to the topic and develop the controlling idea. A paragraph with irrelevant sentences lacks unity. => omitted from the paragraph. The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with a one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

Coherence
A coherent paragraph contains sentences that are logically arranged and that flow smoothly. Logical arrangement refers to the order of your sentences, which varies depending on your purpose. Smooth flow refers to how well one idea or sentence leads into another.
Can be achieved through sentence combining and through the use of certain transitional expressions

Check Your Work

Revision checklist for the paragraph:
Is your topic sufficiently narrowed down? Does your paragraph has a topic as well as a concluding sentence? Does your topic sentence have a clear, focused controlling idea? Does the body of the paragraph support your topic sentence? Are there any irrelevant sentences? Do your arguments make logical sense? Are your ideas in a correct order? Do the sentences flow smoothly from one to another? Are there any errors in spelling, punctuation, vocabulary or grammar?

References
Langan, John. 2001. English Skills (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Smalley Regina L. et al. 2001. Refining Composition Skills: Rhetoric and Grammar (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle http://esl.about.com/od/writingintermedia te/a/paragraphs.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pr int/general/gl_pgrph2.html