Writing effective Paragraphs

How to Start Writing?

Writing is always hardest at the beginning when the page is blank; we start to write, find the going slow,
and imagine our secret fears of our inability to write.

 I have nothing to write about.

 I can’t write the way you are supposed to with big words and long sentences.

 I hate to write because I make too many mistakes.

The truth is that for nearly everyone, writing is hard and slow work. The only solution to the slow work is
to get started quickly. Once the words are flowing, self-doubt will give way to the practical business writing.

There are three things you can do to start yourself writing.

 Free writing

 Brainstorming

 Clustering

Freewriting

A good warm-up exercise for the writer is freewriting. To freewrite is to write about a topic for a timed
period of about ten minutes. Forget about grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Just sit and write freely. The
result of such freewriting will be that you will gradually find yourself warming up to the topic. Here is an
example of student freewriting.

I go to school every day. Then I go to work. I have no time for myself. I can’t think of anything to say. That
reminds of the party I attended last week. It was an interesting party.

It shows that you are writing and thinking freely.

Brainstroming

Brainstorming is an exercise in thinking. You list every thought that pops into your head about a subject.
Jot down words and phrases. Don’t try to write in sentences or worry about logic, style, punctuation and
grammar. Above all don’t judge ideas that flow onto the page. Later, after the storm has passed, you can
decide which ideas are worthwhile. Here is an example of brainstorming on “my neighborhood.”

Noisy

Lots of traffic

There are few trees

Most people take the bus to work

A park down the street

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 Clustering

Clustering is thinking with the help of a diagram. As with brainstorming, you don’t worry about grammar,
or wording. You simply think about your subject or topic, writing down your ideas in circles.

One aim of clustering is to narrow a broad subject to a manageable topic.

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is a single sentence that sums up the main point of your paragraph. It is usually the
opening sentence and must not be dry. Rather, it should be a discussible edge that gives you something to
write about. Here is an example of a weak and good topic sentence.

Weak: I own a blue Honda Civic.

Good: A Honda car is an ideal car for a student.

A weak topic sentence is a dead end and difficult to write about. For example, after you say, I own a blue
Honda Civic, what else can you say? Noting comes to your mind without head-scratching effort.

How can you tell if your topic sentence is discussible enough for a paragraph? You tell by using common
sense. If your topic sentence offers noting to discuss, you will have trouble writing the paragraph. You will
suffer head-scratching and pen-chewing. The obvious thing to do when you see these signs is to rewrite your
topic sentence.

Circe a good topic sentence that would be easiest to write a paragraph about.

I.
a. Chicken burger is a nourishing food.
b. Last week, I ate a chicken burger.
c. The chicken burger looks old.
II.
a. .I went to university yesterday.
b. University life builds your character.
c. I play football in university.

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Paragraph Writing

Moving from Sentences to Paragraphs

“What Kinds of Supporting details paragraph writers most often use? That depends on the topic sentence.”

A typical paragraph consists of three main parts: a topic sentence, supporting details and a concluding
sentence. The topic sentence – usually the opening one – that states the main point of the paragraph.
Supporting details are sentences that back up the topic sentence with specifics.

What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

What are supporting sentences?

They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.

What do they do?

They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

Concluding Sentence:

In formal paragraphs you will sometimes see a sentence at the end of the paragraph which summarizes the
information that has been presented. This is the concluding sentence. You can think of a concluding sentence
as a sort of topic sentence in reverse.

The Cheeseburger Paragraph

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Sample of a Paragraph

There are several advantages of using a computer. First of all, it is especially beneficial in the workplace,
where employees can do their work far faster that they could in the past. In addition to this, computers can be
educational and fun. From a very young age, children can gain basic computer skills by the help of programs
which help them to learn, draw, paint, and play. As a result, in today’s technological world, this knowledge
can only help them in the future. To sum up, computers are useful for our fast-fast moving world of high
technology.

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an
excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second,
Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to
continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities
have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Today's car manufacturers have not only developed the fastest autos in history, but also the most
comfortable and convenient. Soft, reclining, adjustable seats await the driver as he gets in. Even his feet get
special attention, being cushioned on foamy floor carpets. Starting the vehicle presents no problems with an
automatic transmission. A key is turned, a lever moved, and the car is off. No matter what the weather is like,
the heater sends hot or cold air in to suit the occasion. The car radio supplies music and news for the driver's
enjoyment. Sudden stops and sharp corners mean nothing as power brakes and steering can stop or turn the
car on a dime. Modern drivers never had it so good.

Supporting Details

What kinds of supporting details do paragraph writers often use? That depends on the topic sentence. A
good topic sentence suggests the kinds of details needed for its support. Basically there are three kinds of
supporting details:

1. Examples

2. Reason

3. Personal observation

[Link]

An example is a part used to represent the whole. You say that working at McDonalds is hard. Someone
asks you, “What do you mean by hard?” For example, you say, employees must work 12-hour shift without a
break. Working long hours without break is one example that supports your point.

To use examples, simply introduce them with suitable phrase, such as

For example and for instance.

Topic sentence: Ahmad always gets first position in his class.

First example: He comes to class regularly.

Second example: He studies his every subject seriously and hard at home.

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II. Reasons

Some topic sentences are best supported by reasons – explanation based on common sense, good
judgment, clear thinking and logic.

In the following paragraph, reason is used to support the writer’s argument that cafeteria food should be
prepared on campus and not by off-campus caterers.

Sample paragraph

Cafeteria food should be prepared in campus kitchen, not trucked in by off-campus caterers. Common
sense tells us that a sandwich made to order and served immediately is going to taste fresher and better than
one made miles away and trucked to the campus for sale. Even if the sandwich is prepared elsewhere the same
day. It is going to lose some of its taste in being refrigerated and transported. Fresh food tastes better because
it’s fresh, not half-fresh. If we want cafeteria food, we should insist that it is prepared on campus, where it is
eaten.

Use reasons to support the topic sentence

Topic Sentence: University students should take their studies seriously.

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

III. Personal Observation

Some topics are strictly personal and must be supported mainly by your own personal observation. That old
stand-by topic, “Write about how you spent your summer vacation.” is an example of a personal topic. You
must draw entirely on you own personal observations for support.
Personal observation includes descriptive details and examples. Here is an example of both in a
paragraph.

Sample paragraph
Last summer I spent a week hiking and discovered that I hate it. To begin with, we got caught in a two-day
rain on the Appalachian Trail. The tent turned out not to be waterproof, and for one whole night I tried to sleep
with water dripping on my face. When I moved, it dripped on my arms and legs. I also found out that aside
from weather problems, hiking is unhealthy for you. For example, I ate so poorly that I was starving. Next
time I go camping, it will be Winnebago.

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Activity for practice
Discuss what types of supporting details the topic sentence requires.
– Everyone should play sport.
– Doctors are too quick to give people drugs.
– Good health depends on taking responsibility for yourself.
– Some TV programs are not good for children.
– A favorite time of the year.
–
Essential Qualities of a Paragraph
The essential qualities of good Paragraphs are;
1. Unity.
Unity means that the paragraph deals with only one main point or topic.

Unity in the Paragraph

Essential Qualities of a Paragraph

2. Coherence/ sequential order

All the sentence forming a paragraph must be placed in a logical order so that one sentence leads naturally
to the others.

Coherence in a Paragraph

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Essential Qualities of a Paragraph

3. Variety

A third principal of paragraph construction is variety which is necessary to avoid monotony.

How to put sentences in order

Topic sentence: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.

Supporting ideas: 1. Good Location, 2. Affordable, 3. Good preparation for major

– We decided to order these supporting ideas according to importance as shown in the outline below.

– Now we put this information into outline form and added some reasons, examples, names, numbers, and
senses for each supporting idea.

A. Good preparation for your major

1. Hard curriculum
2. Qualified professors

B. Affordable

1. be able to pay tuition and living expenses

2. Possibility of scholarships

C. Good Location

1. Study environment
2. Possibilities of part-time job in your major

 Concluding sentence: You should consider these points carefully so you can choose the most
appropriate college or university for yourself.

Choosing a college or university

Choosing a college or university can be difficult. The most difficult part is finding a university that
prepares you well for your future career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be
thorough and up-to-date. In addition, the professors must be highly qualified and respected in their fields.
Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. You need to be able to pay the tuition
fees and living expenses. Some institutions might be able to offer you scholarships if you cannot afford the
fees. A good location is also very important when choosing a school. The environment should be safe and
quiet to facilitate studying. Moreover, there should be possibilities near the school for part-time or summer
jobs in your major, so you can get some practical work experience. You should consider all of these points
carefully so you can choose the most appropriate college or university for you.

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Types of Paragraphs

 The narrative paragraph

 tells a story

 The persuasive paragraph.

 tries to convince the audience

 The descriptive paragraph

 describes something

 The expository or explanatory paragraph

 gives information or explains something

Narrative Paragraph
Once upon a time there were two friends.

They were walking in a jungle. Suddenly, a bear attacked on the friends. One of the friends escaped and left
the other to the bear alone. The bear came close to the guy, smelled him and went away. The boy smelled by
the bear came to know that ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’

Steps to Write a Narrative Paragraph

– Have the point of the story in mind.

– Start with a general sentence (i.e. usually, with once upon a time under the blue sky…)

– Develop sentences that build upon each other and they all lead to an interesting point called suspense.

– Follow chronological or time order by using transitions or logical connectors to maintain coherence,, unity
and smooth flow of ideas.

My Best Memory (Narrative paragraph)

When I was a wee child, I was very naughty. Mostly, I used to do vices that would bother and tease the
others. In fact, I do distinctly remember one of the memories. Actually, there was a bee hive in our house. It
was very huge and awesome. One day, one of my maternal cousins, who was my age and chum, came home. I
told him that there was a very interesting creature in the hole of wall, where situated the bee hive. Simple silly
little boy started entering a stick into the hole when abruptly, the troops of bees enraged and began assaulting
and stinging the poor little tiny lad who was shouting and dashing rapidly. Unfortunately, after a while, I
couldn’t recognize my own cousin since his face and body were too swollen. In the long run, I was scolded by
my mother and beaten by my father. From that day onwards, I decided neither to be crafty nor to play tricks on
anyone.

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Steps to Write an Expository Paragraph

– Begin your topic with a few sign post questions to make the reader interested in your topic.

– Write your topic sentence (that should contain a controlling idea).

– Develop supporting sentences

– Use transitions to maintain logical such as chronological or logical order.

– End with a restatement.

– Your details should be factual and logical.

Expository Paragraph
In an expository paragraph the writer explains the subject to the readers. Details in an expository paragraph
are informative, clear and carefully arranged so that the readers can understand it easily.

(Sample of an Expository paragraph)

T.V is a source of information. It gives lots of information about the world. Setting in our house, we can
know about the rest of the world through Television.

Steps to write a persuasive paragraph

– Decide on your topic whether you support or oppose it.

– Write your topic sentence and include your controlling idea too.

– Develop supporting sentences in which you should present a few logical and factual reasons in support of
your stance or position.

– Use logical connection.

– Use transitions.

– Give the best idea at the end.

– Restate your stance or controlling idea.

Persuasive Paragraph (Sample)

Even though our population is increasing and land is needed for housing and development. I would hope
that our country could save the land in its natural state for future generations to enjoy. This land would be
good for promoting tourism, for preserving the environment, and for remembering our history. Thus, the land
ought to be preserved in its natural state.

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 The city should build a shelter at each bus stop in the business district. First of all, shelters along busy
streets would make the stops easy to find. Shelters also would provide a new way for business to advertise.
Finally, shelters would give protection from the weather; commuters could wait for their buses in greater
comfort. Workers in the business district would welcome shelters along the bus routes.

Steps to write a Descriptive paragraph

o Choose the description manner.

o Have the topic related sentence.

o Use specific sensory words

o Follow a spatial order

o Use place related transitions

o Present a clear word picture of the place, thing and person

Descriptive Paragraph
Last week we had a trip to a very beautiful place. The road which leads to the place is very beautiful. It has
got trees on both sides. Lots of birds come and sit in the trees. The chirping of the birds attracts the mind of
every one to the charming scene out there. And there a river flows near the trees, which has very crystal water.
The sound of the water can be heard on the road. The place is surrounded by rocky mountains. It is a very
good place to be seen.

My Dormitory (Descriptive paragraph)

My dormitory room, on the second floor of Shame Paris, is small and crowded. In fact, the dark green walls
and dirty white ceiling make the room seem dark; thus, even smaller than it really is. As you walk into the
room, you are stopped by my bed which fills half of the room. The two large windows over the bed are hidden
by heavy dark drapes. Against the wall on your left, there is a large bookcase which is filled with paper and
books. Between the bookcase and the wall opposite the bed is a small gray metal desk.

Cont’d...

Stuffed under the desk is a woven wastepaper basket overflowing with paper and debris. Moreover, the
wall above the bookcase is completely taken up with two small posters. On the right side of the room is a
narrow closet with clothes, shoes, hats, tennis racquets, and boxes bulging out of its sliding doors. Eventually,
every time I walk out of the door, I think that how it is to live in a closet.

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Cause and Effect Paragraph samples

(Effects) Negative Effects of Televisions

Television negatively influences people's behavior in a number of ways. First of all, advertisements
force people to buy things they may not need. For example, those who buy camping equipment, but they
never go camping. Someone who buys a new car but can't really afford it. Also, someone who buys a new
computer even though his or her old computer works fine. The most important negative effect is that
television may lead to violence. When children see terrible things on TV and sometimes act them out. They
may not be able to understand right from wrong and think that violence is ok. In conclusion, television
influences everybody’s behavior in negative ways. Therefore, people should consider those effects before they
start to watch television programs.

(Causes) Studying Outside

There are many reasons why students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home
countries. To get a college degree from a university outside their home country may be prestigious for
students. Many people think that students may get a better education outside their home country. Moreover,
students may get more money in their job if they have a degree from outside the country. Furthermore, some
students may get scholarships to study abroad. Therefore, they may pay less to study abroad and the programs
can be better abroad. In short, students study abroad for a number of reasons. Most students get a good
education wherever they go if they are strong-minded to achieve something in their studies.

Compare and Contrast Paragraph sample

1. Similarity and Differences

Classroom Behavior Rules

There are some similarities and differences in the classroom behavior rules between North America
and my country, Turkey. First, there is the student’s right to speak. In North America, students can ask the
teacher questions. They can even ask questions when the teacher is giving a lesson. Similarly, in my country
students have the right to ask questions. However, they can only ask questions at the end of the class. Next,
students respect their teachers. In North America students look up to teachers and respect them. For example,
when the teacher asks them to speak they must look into the teacher’s eyes to show respect. Likewise, in my
country, Turkey, students respect teachers; however, when a teacher asks us to speak we look down to show
respect. We do not look into their eyes. In conclusion, there are both similarities and differences in the way
students behave toward their teachers in the classroom.

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 Two Different Educational Systems

The educational systems of Europe and the United States are similar in a number of ways. To begin
with, elementary school classes look the same everywhere. There are about twenty to twenty-two pupils per
class, and the classes are coeducational. Also, there is one teacher for all subjects for each grade (except in
Scandinavia), and the majority of elementary school teachers are women. In addition, the subjects which are
taught at the elementary level are basically the same everywhere: reading and writing, mathematics,
introductions to the sciences, music, sports, and art. The only major difference in the elementary curriculum is
that most Europeans study a foreign language in elementary school, but most American children do not. As a
result, American and European educational systems differ in some ways.

Argumentative Paragraph sample

Importance of University Education

People attend university to prepare for a career, to attend for personal fulfillment and to make more
money in the job market. First of all, some attend university in order to prepare for a career. They learn
about a particular subject in depth there. In addition to this, employers want employees who have very
specific knowledge. Secondly, some attend for personal achievement. Adults may attend university just for the
joy of learning. Students also may feel a sense of success by learning new things. Finally, some attend in order
to make more money in the job market. Because, If one has specialized skills, one can make more money in
the job market. In short, people attend college for many reasons some of which include desire to prepare
for a career, personal fulfillment and financial rewards.

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