EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH

Paragraph
- A group of closely related sentences dealing with a single topic or idea.

Main Parts
1. Topic sentence
- It contains the main idea. It is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, and tells what the rest of the
paragraph is going to be about.

To be effective, a topic sentence must:

 Be narrow enough so that the topic can be covered easily in one paragraph.
 Be interesting enough to catch the reader’s attention.
A topic sentence has several important functions:
a. It substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement;
b. It unites the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and
c. It advices the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it.

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.

2. Body of paragraph/supporting sentences

- Contains sentences that develop or explain the idea given in the topic sentence.

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.

3. Concluding sentence/ Clincher sentence

- It summarizes what has been said and reinforces the topic. It restates the main idea of the paragraph
using different words. Closing sentences can also be a transition to the next paragraph.

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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A WELL WRITTEN PARAGRAPH

To be effective, every paragraph should possess the essential qualities of unity, coherence, and
emphasis.
 1. UNITY
A paragraph should always be a unit, whether independent or part of the whole
composition. When all its parts contribute to the development of the central thought, or
emotional effect, the paragraph has unity.

Example: No Unity
The start of this paragraph is incorrect:
 "Sunday is my favorite day, because I can watch football with my dad. There are other sports on
other days to watch on TV."

The second sentence detours from the main topic: how watching football with dad makes Sunday your
favorite day.
 Don't include unrelated details
Sentences like these don't relate to the main idea in the topic sentence:
"There are other sports on other days to watch on tv."
Or
"Some days my dad doesn't make it home from work until after I'm in bed."

Example of Unity
This is a better start to the paragraph:
 "Sunday is my favorite day, because i can watch football with my dad. He spends the whole day
watching football on TV with me, since he doesn't have to work that day."
The second sentence elaborates on the main topic. This is a unified start.

Ways of Achieving Paragraph Unity

a. Completeness
b. Order

Element #1: Completeness

 For a complete paragraph, you need enough information to support the main idea, or prove your
thesis.
If all sentences clearly and thoroughly support the main idea, the paragraph is complete.

Element #2: Order

You can order your supporting sentences in different ways:
1. By chronology: the order of events in time
2. By importance: the order of most to least important, or least to most important
3. By logic: the order that makes the most sense based on the topic

 Random sentences cause confusion.

 Without organization of your sentences, it's hard to tell what your main idea is.
 Order helps you make your point, and helps the reader follow along from one idea to the next one,
until you prove your conclusion.

What is the correct order of these sentences?

• And if I'm really late, I even miss the school bus.
• If I forget to set my alarm, I get up late and rush through everything.
• As a result, I often have to gulp my breakfast.
• It's always much better if I remember to set the alarm, so i have more time to get ready.
• I also might rush out and forget my books.

2. Coherence
- This is how you make your writing understandable to the reader.
- You make your paragraph coherent by connecting ideas to one another.

Some useful transitions

a. To show addition:
 Again, also, and, besides, equally important, first (second, etc), further, furthermore, in
addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too
b. To give examples
For example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate
c. To compare
Also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly
d. To contrast
Although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in
spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet
e. To summarize or conclude
All in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, therefore, that
is, to sum up
f. To show time
After, afterwards, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly,
immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, after, until, when,
while
g. To show place or direction
Above, below, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north etc)
h. To indicate logical relationship
Accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since,
so, then, therefore, thus

Parallelism
- It is the use of similar grammatical structures in a series; single words go together, phrases go
together, and clauses go together.

 In the morning he gets dressed; breakfast is then served, brushes his teeth and then kisses her
mother goodbye.
In the morning he gets dressed, eats breakfast, brushes his teeth and then kisses her mother goodbye.
 The student loves cooking, dancing and to travel around the world.
The student loves cooking, dancing and travelling around the world.

3. Emphasis
- Is the element in which a paragraph is made more effective and forceful by making the main ideas stand
out above the minor ideas supporting it.
- An emphatic paragraph plays up the important points and subordinates the less important ones. It can
be achieved by repetition, parallelism, proportion, and position.

METHODS OF PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

1. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST PARAGRAPH

A comparison and contrast paragraph describes the similarities and differences between
two more subjects (Carell, et al. 2001)
Comparison is pointing out similarities while contrasting is pointing out differences.

Qualities of a good and effective comparison and contrast paragraph

 Identifies a purpose for comparison and contrast

 Identifies similarities and differences between two or more things, people, places or ideas
 Gives factual details about the subject being compared
 Uses an organizational plan suited to its topic and purpose

LIST OF COMPARISON CONJUNCTIONS

Short Conjunctions Longer Expressions

Similarly, In the same way,
Likewise, X is similar to Y in that (they)…
 …the same… X and Y are similar in that (they)…
… the same as … Like X, Y (verb) …
…also… In like manner,

LIST OF CONTRAST CONJUNCTIONS

Short Conjunctions Longer Expressions
However, On the other hand,
In contrast, Even though + [sentence]
By contrast, Although + [sentence]
…. But Whereas + [sentence]
….. yet Unlike + [sentence]
While + [sentence]
Nevertheless,

Helper words

Similarities Differences
is similar to on the other hand
Both However
Also But
Too In contrast
As well Differs from
While

Example of comparison and contrast paragraph:

Two Visits to Parts

Even though the cityscape of Paris has not changed during the past decade, my
enjoyment of my first visit to Paris ten years ago was a hundred percent greater than that of my
recent visit last summer. In 1977, I visited Paris as a member of a high school tour group. I met
new friends on the plane, and they provided me security for my first trip abroad. However, my
next visit to Paris was a solitary, lonely trip; I travelled alone and had to protect myself all the
time. In 1977, I had friends to talk with and share the new sensational atmosphere; we spent a
night at a five-star hotel and talk all night about our adventures, and we often stopped at a café
for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. In contrast, in 1987, I had to share a room with strangers,
so I had no one to talk with. Moreover, whenever I went was no longer exciting. I visited many of
the same places, but I could not express my feelings to anybody. I saw many people sitting in
cafes, and I even stop at several that I remember, but even a cold glass of beer no longer looked
fascinating to me. I finally realized that my friends in 1977hads made Paris lively and memorable
for mer.
- Shinei Tsukamo (Japan)

2. DEFINITION PARAGRAPH

Definition is a method of development which is essentially employed in expository writing

which aims to explain, define, or interpret facts or ideas. More than a statement of what a thing
is, a definition is strengthened by explanation which in turn may be supported by details and
examples.

Neurosis is any of several functional mental disorders. It is usually characterized by

anxiety, depression, personal dissatisfaction, and maladaptive behavior. A person
afflicted with neurosis may not need hospitalization and can still function in everyday
life but not at full capacity.

3. CAUSE AND EFFECT PARAGRAPH

 Accounting to Carrell (2001), a cause and effect paragraph examines the relationship
between events, explaining how one situation causes another. A successful cause and
effect paragraph includes:
- a discussion of a cause, the event or condition that produces a specific result
- an explanation of an effect, the outcome or result
- evidence or examples to support the relationship, between cause and effect\
- a logical organization that makes the explanation clear.

Common markers of a cause and effect paragraph

Cause Effect
Caused by As a result
Due to Effects to
Led to Resulted from
Affected Impact on
Originated from Fruits of
Borne out of Symptoms of
Resulted to As an implication

Example:
The Effects of Apartment Life
My decision to live in an apartment during my first year college had several negative
effects. First, I live with three girls from my country, so I did not improve my English because
I spoke Malay most of the time. Moreover, we took exactly the same classes, so I did not have
a chance to meet or to study with my roommates. Fortunately, since I don’t have many
American friends, I did not learn very much about American culture; I did not celebrate
Halloween or Thanksgiving or Christmas. Finally, I did not share experiences with people. I
did not attend parties or go skiing or even spend leisure time in the Student center. So,
although my life during my first year of college was secure and pleasant, if I could change one
thing about my first year in college, I would choose to live in the Dormitory; I think my life
would have been more interesting and fun.

Cause Effect
 Did not improve her English
 Did not have the chance to study or meet
her other classmates
 Did not have many American friends
Living in an  Did not share experiences with other
apartment people
 Dis not attend parties or Leisure

4. ILLUSTRATION PARAGRAPH

This involves clarifying the main topic by means of examples, comparisons, analogies, or even
stories.

Many people visit hospital top get check-up. For example, in cold season the most
common illness is cold and coughs. While in hot season the most common illness is
conjunctivitis and etc. These are the example of illness that is very common in our life. In
addition, people must take their healthy diet to prevent this illness.

5. DESCRIPTION PARAGRAHP

The kind of writing that concentrates on creating a picture of words. Through description, a
writer helps the reader use the senses of feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling and trashing to
experience what the writer experiences.
 Description helps the reader more clearly understand the people, places and things about
which the writer is writing.

Provide specific details about what something looks, smells, tastes, sounds, or feels like.
Organized spatially, in order of appearance, or by topic.

Helper words:

Properties Measurement Analogy Location

Size Length Is like In
Color Width Resembles Above
Shape Mass/weight Below

Piranhas are omnivorous, freshwater fish, which are mostly known for their single row
of sharp, triangular teeth in both jaws. Piranhas’ teeth come together in a scissor-like bite and
are used for puncture and tearing. Baby piranha are small, about the size of a thumbnail, but
full-grown piranha grow up to about 6-10 inches, and some individual fish up to 2 feet long have
been found. The many species of piranha vary in color, though most are either silvery with an
orange underbelly and throat or almost entirely black.

6. EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPH

In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often
in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.

Helper words
Cause Effect
Because Therefore
Since Thus
As a result of Consequently
Is due to Hence
It follows that

7. SEQUENCE PARAGRAPH
In a sequence paragraph, you are willing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort
or order. Usually, this order is based on time.

Helper words
Cause Effect
First, second, third, etc Recently
In the beginning Previously
Before Afterwards
Then When
After After

STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH

Develop the body of the paragraph:

 With reasons
 By giving examples
 By using a story/incident to illustrate the idea
 By using statistics
 With descriptive details

Characteristics of an effective paragraph

1. An effective paragraph talks about one maid idea usually expressed by a topic sentence.
 Effective:
The term discourse has been defined in several ways. Some scholars look at
the concept as a structure, i.e. a set of ordered sentences or utterances produced in a
context. Others define it in terms of a process, i.e. as a system of conveying and interpreting
a meaning. Still other view as more than just a structure and a process; to them discourse is
a social practice which aims at shaping, and is shaped by, the interaction of people in a
society. It is this interaction that helps convey and construct meaning.

Ineffective
Learning is a life-long process. Even after we obtain advanced degrees, we
still read books and journals, and crave for more knowledge. The government should
require all college teachers to get their Ph.D. degrees.
2. An effective paragraph is adequately developed by appropriate supporting details such as
explanations, examples, reasons, facts, statistics, etc.

Effective
Results of national international exams suggest that the quality of education
in the Philippines may have deteriorated. For example, the Philippines ranked 43rd out of 45
countries that had participated in The International Mathematics and Science Survey
(TIMSS). In The National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT) in 2000-2001, 10 out of 20
competencies tested in science were below mastery level, whereas six out of 16
competencies in mathematics had not been mastered by the examinees nationwide. In
English, 11 out of 21 competencies, several of which involved analytic and critical thinking,
were below mastery level. More recently in 2004, the High School Readiness Test
administered by the Department of Education to screen out students who were not ready
for college work, found that roughly 98% of the examines failed to make the cut, and were
therefore advised to take an additional one-year bridge program.

Ineffective
The quality of education in the Philippines may be said to have deteriorated.
The employability rate of college graduates has declined significantly.

3. An effective paragraph is one in which sentences are logically interrelated to one another,
thus making it coherent.

Effective
International surveys keep showing the Philippines sliding in the quality of
everything, from public education to the skills of its workforce to credit worthiness. The
latest survey, conducted by the World Economic forum, showed Philippines sliding 10
notches within the past year in global competitiveness, dampening prospects for economic
growth. Among 104 economies, the Philippines ranked 76th in the forum’s Global
Competiveness Report, with the country’s public institutions rankled a dismal 99th, ahead
only of Bangladesh, Chard, Pakistan, Georgia and Honduras.
Among its neighbors, the Philippines was ahead only of Vietnam, which came in at
77 . Taiwan ranked fourth, Singapore seventh, japan ninth, Hong Kong 21st, South Korea
th

29th, Malaysia 31st, Thailand 34th and china 46th.

Ineffective
It may be said that despite the current political crisis, the economy grew significantly.
Inflation rate has been kept at a single digit. Most high school graduates have reached first
Year College.