Composing an

Effective Paragraph

Lauro M. Galima Jr. Date: 2025.02.27

What is a Paragraph?
• A paragraph contains a group of
sentences arranged in a certain order.
• A sentences states an idea.
• A paragraph develops an idea.
• Paragraph grow out of sentences.
What are the parts of
Paragraph?
There are three parts of a paragraph
namely
• Topic sentence
• Supporting sentences
• Concluding sentences
Each serves a different function in the
paragraph.
 Topic sentence/Main topic
• A topic sentence presents the topic of the paragraph.
It will serve as a guide for the writer to keep his or her
writing under control. This is why, a topic sentence is
called the "controlling idea" of a paragraph
• Below is an example of a topic sentence.
There are three reasons why I prefer walking to other
physical activities.

The sentence above shows that the topic is about

walking. It will guide the writer to focus only on the
reasons why he or she prefers walking to other physical
 Supporting Sentences
• The Supporting sentences serve as the
body of your paragraph.
• This is where you elaborate your topic by
including specific details or evidences.
• All of the sentences in the body must
relate to the topic sentence.
• These sentences should be organized
accordingly through the use of
transitional devices.
 Supporting Sentences
One reason is that walking can be done easily. I
can do it anywhere at any time with no need for
any equipment. Also, I prefer walking because it
is good for the heart. I don’t have to do much
effort while walking. Lastly, I prefer this physical
activity because it is safe. It is not as risky as
other physical activities like swimming, racing or
 Concluding Sentence
• A concluding sentence restates what the
topic of the paragraph is all about. It
comes after all the details have been
included in the body of the paragraph.
Conclusion: thus, hence, indeed, finally, therefore,
consequently, in conclusion, to conclude, as a result,
in the end, and for all these reasons
Summary: so, accordingly, briefly, in brief, in sum,
summing up, in summary, to sum up, as can be seen,
given this point, and to summarize
 Concluding Sentence
For all these reasons, I consider walking the best
physical activity of all.

The sentence above is the concluding sentence

showing the conclusion how the speaker feels about
walking. It uses the transitional device for all these
reasons.
 Principles in Writing
a Paragraph
COHERENCE UNITY
DEVELOPMENT

Add a short description

 1. UNITY
• Unity means that all sentences in the paragraph talk
about one central idea.
• This means that the writer will deal only with one
topic. It is important because it guides the writer
Example:
with his or her idea.
Apples make us healthy. They are rich in fiber that reduces
the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They also have vitamin C
that boosts the immune system and helps defend the body
from infections and diseases. Lactobacilli, a type of
probiotic that is good for digestion, is another component
present in apples. In addition, apples have potassium that
reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular
complications. Indeed, apples are nutritious and good for
 2. COHERENCE
• Coherence refers to the connection of ideas in the
paragraph in general. The idea in the topic sentence,
as well as in the supporting sentences and concluding
sentence, is connected to each other through the use
Example:
of transitional devices.
Apples make us healthy. They are rich in fiber that reduces
the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They also have vitamin C
that boosts the immune system and helps defend the body
from infections and diseases. Lactobacilli, a type of
probiotic that is good for digestion, is another component
present in apples. In addition, apples have potassium that
reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular
complications. Indeed, apples are nutritious and good for
 3. DEVELOPMENT
• Development refers to the principle when a paragraph
describes, elaborates, explains, and supports its topic
sentence. A paragraph is considered adequately
developed if after reading it, the reader is left with no
Example:
questions.
Apples make us healthy. They are rich in fiber that reduces
the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They also have vitamin C
that boosts the immune system and helps defend the body
from infections and diseases. Lactobacilli, a type of
probiotic that is good for digestion, is another component
present in apples. In addition, apples have potassium that
reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular
complications. Indeed, apples are nutritious and good for
ACTIVITY 1
Direction: Provide a topic sentence and three
supporting details to develop a well organized
paragraph based on the picture below.
Topic: Bullying

1. Topic Sentence
____________________________________________________
2. Supporting Details
a. __________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________

3. Concluding sentence.
____________________________________________________
QUIZ #1
Direction: Choose the best answer for the questions below.
Write your answer on a ¼ sheet of paper.

1. What is a Paragraph?
a. A single sentence.
b. A group of related sentences
focused on specific idea.
c. A collection of random
thoughts.
2. What is the main purpose of a
topic sentence in a paragraph?
a. To introduce the main idea of
the paragraph
b. To conclude the paragraph
c. To provide supporting details.
3. What are supporting details in a
paragraph?
a. Examples, evidence, or
explanations that supports the
topic sentence.
b. Irrelevant information
c. The conclusion of the
paragraph.
4. What is coherence in a
paragraph?
a. The font size and style used in
the paragraph.
b. The length of the paragraph.
c. The logical flow of ideas from
one sentence to another.
5. How can transition words
contribute to coherence in a
paragraph?
a. By signaling shifts in time or
sequence.
b. By providing extra details.
c. By repeating the same
information.
6. Which of the following is not a
characteristic of an effective
paragraph?
a. Clear topic sentence
b. Supporting details unrelated to
the topic.
c. Coherent organization.
7. What does it mean for a
paragraph to be well-organized?
a. The ideas are presented in a
logical order
b. The paragraph is written in a
formal tone
c. The paragraph is free of grammar
mistakes.
8. Which of the following is an
example of a topic sentence?
a. “I like dogs because they are cute
and playful.”
b. “In the United States, the legal
voting age is 18.”
c. “There are three main types of
renewable energy sources.”
9. Which of the following is an example
of supporting detail for the topic
sentence: “The benefit of exercise
include increased energy, and better
overall health”
a. “Exercise can be done indoors or
outdoors.”
b. “I prefer going to the gym for my
workout.”
c. “Many people find exercise boring
10. What is the recommended
structure of the paragraph?
a. Topic sentence, supporting
details, conclusion.
b. Supporting details, topic
sentence, conclusion.
c. Conclusion, supporting details,
topic sentence.
 Different Patterns of
Paragraph
Development
NARRATION DESCRIPTION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTRAST DEFINITION
CLASSIFICATION CAUSE
Add & EFFECT
a short description
 NARRATION
• In the narration pattern, the paragraph tells a
story or recounts a series of events.
• It arranges the events or ideas in a
chronological order which means the events
are organized from beginning to end.
Example:
My most memorable trip is my last vacation. For me, it is a
very special moment because my family was finally complete
after ten years. The plan was to go in a white island where
the sea was as clear as crystals. It is one of the booming
tourist destinations in our country. Since it was a rare
occasion that we were all complete, we immediately took the
chance to have our first family photo. This makes my last
 DESCRIPTION
• In a description pattern, the paragraph is
characterized by using more adjectives or vivid
sensory description.
• It creates a mental picture of the idea or the
topic by describing how it sounds, smells,
tastes, feels, and/or looks.
• It is often recommended to use transitional
words and phrases that indicate location.
 DESCRIPTION
Example:

One of the most visited tourist attractions

in Caraga is the Enchanted River of
Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is a deep cold
spring river with bright blue color that
sparkles when the sun hits the clear water.
The blue river is surrounded by trees and
jungle vines of scenic green. Beneath the
water lies a cave system that consists of
 PROCESS
• This pattern of development is usually used to
explain a process on how to do something.
• It uses transitional devices of enumeration
(e.g., first, second, third) and time (e.g., then,
next, finally).
Example:

Cooking spaghetti is very simple. First, cook pasta

according to the instructions on the packaging. When
pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Second, sauté
garlic and onion in butter. Third, add ground beef and
cook for 5 minutes. Next, add hotdog and cook for 2
minutes. Then, pour spaghetti sauce over pasta. Finally,
 EXEMPLIFICATION
• This pattern of paragraph development uses
series of examples to support the topic
sentence.
• This means that to further explain the topic,
the use of specific examples must be provided.
Example:

Potential energy refers to an energy that is at rest or

without motion. For example, you are sitting on a chair.
The stored energy while on a sitting position is referred
to as potential energy. Similarly, a boy who is sleeping
on a bed is another example of potential energy.
Therefore, potential energy is the stored energy
 COMPARISON/
• CONTRAST
This pattern of paragraph development is used
when a paragraph demonstrates either similar
or different.
• Comparison examines how the subjects are the
Example:
same while contrast examines how the
Crocodiles
subjectsand
arealligators
different.are different species. Crocodiles
came from the family of Crocodilia while alligators came from
the family of Alligatoridae. In terms of their habitat, crocodiles
prefer to live in saltwater while alligators live in freshwater
like rivers and lakes. Crocodiles have long pointed V-shaped
snouts while alligators have rounded U-shaped snouts. These
features make crocodiles and alligators distinct from each
 DEFINITION
• This pattern of paragraph development aims
to give a complete working definition of a
term, concept, or idea.
• The main purpose of this pattern is to provide
clarity
For example: what something is (or is not)
• explaining
Friendship is a close relationship between two people who
care about each other. It involves trust, support, and spending
time together. For example, friends help each other through
difficult times and celebrate happy moments together. In
essence, friendship means being there for someone, no matter
 CLASSIFICATION
• This pattern of paragraph development
presents a topic and classifies it into
component parts, types, kinds or categories.
• It distinguishes its parts by presenting the
characteristics of each.
Example:
There are three main types of pets: dogs, cats, and birds.
Dogs are loyal companions who enjoy being active and social.
Cats, on the other hand, are independent and often prefer
quiet environments. Birds are small, colorful animals that can
be playful and are known for their ability to mimic sounds.
Each type of pet has unique characteristics, making them
 CAUSE AND EFFECT
• This pattern of paragraph development
explains the reasons why something happened
or explains the effects of something.
• When an author gives reasons, he or she is
explaining the causes.
Example:
There are many reasons why students are not allowed to chew
gum in the class. First, some irresponsible students do not
properly dispose their gum after chewing.
 Activity 3: Burger ka
Directions:
sakin! Based on the paragraphs below, identify
the essential parts of the paragraph and write them
on their corresponding boxes.

Leptospirosis can be deadly. It is a bacterial

infection that usually comes from the urine of
rats, dogs, and farm animals. Leptospirosis
infection to persons rarely lasts for more than a
week. However, if the person gets a severe form
infection, he or she must be hospitalized for it
could lead to serious conditions like chest pain,
shortness of breath, kidney damage, meningitis,
liver failure, and even death. Without proper
Directions: Based on the paragraphs below, identify
the essential parts of the paragraph and write them
on their corresponding boxes.
 Activity 3: Guess the
pattern
Directions: The following paragraphs
talk about a single topic but apply
different patterns. Read each
paragraph and identify the pattern of
development used.
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

1. To get the most out of your exercise routine,

you should follow a few simple steps. First, start
with a warm-up to get your muscles ready and
reduce the risk of injury. Then, choose a workout
that targets your fitness goals, whether it's
cardio for endurance or strength training for
building muscle. After the workout, make sure to
cool down and stretch to help your muscles
recover. Finally, be consistent and try to exercise
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

2. There are three main types of exercise:

aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility exercises.
Aerobic exercises like jogging and cycling focus
on cardiovascular health and endurance.
Anaerobic exercises, such as weightlifting and
sprinting, build strength and muscle mass.
Finally, flexibility exercises, like yoga and
stretching, improve mobility and reduce the risk
of injury. Each type serves a different purpose
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

3. Last year, I decided to start exercising

regularly. At first, it was tough; I could barely
complete a 10-minute workout without feeling
exhausted. However, after a few weeks of
persistence, I began to notice changes. I had
more energy throughout the day, and my mood
improved. By the end of the month, I was not only
able to work out for longer periods but also felt
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

4. Exercise can take many forms, but two of the most

popular types are aerobic exercise and strength
training. Aerobic exercise, such as running or
swimming, is great for improving cardiovascular
health and burning calories. On the other hand,
strength training, like weightlifting, focuses on
building muscle and increasing bone density. While
both are important for overall health, they target
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

5. Regular exercise has numerous benefits. For

instance, a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic
found that people who engage in physical
activity have a lower risk of developing heart
disease. Similarly, research from Harvard
University shows that regular exercise can
improve mental health, reducing symptoms of
anxiety and depression. These examples
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

6. Exercise is not just about physical movement;

it has a profound effect on the body and mind.
After a good workout, you may notice your heart
rate increasing, your muscles working hard, and
your body producing endorphins, the "feel-good"
hormones. As you push your limits, your body
becomes stronger, leaner, and more toned. The
physical sensation of exertion and the
satisfaction of achieving a fitness goal are also
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

7. Regular exercise has a significant impact on

both physical and mental health. For example,
when you exercise, your heart works more
efficiently, improving circulation and oxygen
delivery to your muscles. As a result, your overall
stamina and endurance increase. Furthermore,
exercise triggers the release of endorphins,
which improve your mood and reduce stress.
 NARRATION CLASSIFICATION
PROCESS EXEMPLIFICATION
COMPARISON & CONTAST DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT

8. Exercise is any physical activity that improves

or maintains physical fitness. It can range from
simple activities like walking or cycling to more
intense ones like running or weightlifting.
Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, as it helps improve cardiovascular
health, build muscle, and boost mental well-
being. Essentially, exercise is a key factor in
Answers
1. PROCESS
2. CLASSIFICATION
3. NARRATION
4. COMPARISON & CONTRAST
5. EXEMPLIFICATION
6. DESCRIPTION
7. CAUSE & EFFECT
8. DEFINITION
 Illustration/Example
Sentence Examples
Ela loves ice cream. Truly, she’d be
happy to eat sundae’s every day.
Specifically, Ela has a favorite flavor,
namely double Dutch ice cream. To
demonstrate her love of ice cream, Ela
is planning an ice cream social for all her
ACTIVITY 1
Direction: Determine which type of transition word
was used in the sentence.

1. Because of the heavy rain, the

picnic was cancelled.
2. The two paintings are similarly
inspired by nature, but one uses
bright colors while the other is
more subdued.
3. First, the chef chopped the
vegetables.
4. The store sells a variety of fruits,
such as apples, oranges, and
bananas.
5. Before leaving the house, he
checked the weather forecast.
Reflect!
1. In your own understanding,
define transition signals.

2. As a student, why do you think it

is important to know the use of
transition signals in sentences or
paragraphs?
Activity 2
Direction: Read the paragraph carefully. List down the transition signal that
you can find in the paragraph and indicate what type of transition word it
belongs to.
Learning a new language can be challenging,
but it’s also very rewarding. First, you have to
study a lot of new words and grammar rules.
Then, you need to practice speaking and
listening, which can be a little bit scary at first.
Because of all the hard work, you’ll be able to
communicate with that people
can be used as
demonstrations. from different
that can be used as
demonstrations.

cultures. For example, you could travel to a

new country, which would be a great feeling!
Activity 3
The power of Storytelling!
Instructions:

1. Choose a topic that you are passionate

about and write a story about it. This could
be a hobby, or a personal experience.
2. Organize your essay using transitional
signals to connect your ideas in your writing.
3. Use the four discussed transition signals.
Activity 3
The power of Storytelling!
Example:
The evolution of internet

The internet has dramatically changed how e communicate.

For example, email has replaced traditional mail, allowing
for instant communication across vast distances. In
addition, social media flatforms like Facebook and Twitter
have created new ways to connect with others. However,
the rise of internet has also led to concerns about privacy
and security. For instance, online scams and data
breaches. As a result, individuals and organizations are
taking steps to protect themselves from these threats, such
as using strong passwords and implementing cybersecurity
measures.
 Assignment
Research the meaning of the following types of transition signals
and give one (1) example for each. Note: Make your own
example.

1. Addition
2. Clarification
3. Qualification
4. Summary/Conclusion
PASS THE
MESSAGE!
THANKS
FOR USING TRANSITION

LISTENING!
SIGNALS

Lauro M. Galima Jr Date:2024.09.12