Paragraph Writing

What is a paragraph?

Paragraphs are comprised of sentences, but not random sentences. A paragraph is a group of sentences organized around a central topic. In fact, the cardinal rule of

paragraph writing is to focus on one idea. A solidly written paragraph takes its readers on a clear path, without detours. Master the paragraph, and you’ll be on your

way to writing “gold-star” essays, term papers, and stories.

Characteristics of a paragraph

A basic paragraph structure usually consists of five sentences: the topic sentence, three supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. But the secrets to paragraph

writing lay in four essential elements, which when used correctly, can make a okay paragraph into a great paragraph.

1. Element #1: Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence. Every paragraph has one single, controlling idea that is expressed in its topic sen-

tence, which is typically the first sentence of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea, with the supporting sentences providing detail and discussion.

In order to write a good topic sentence, think about your theme and all the points you want to make. Decide which point drives the rest, and then write it as your topic

sentence.

2. Element #2: Order. Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences. Whether you choose chronological order, order of importance, or an-

other logical presentation of detail, a solid paragraph always has a definite organization. In a well-ordered paragraph, the reader follows along easily, aided by the pat-

tern you’ve established. Order helps the reader grasp your meaning and avoid confusion.

3. Element #3: Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other and

work together as a whole. One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition words. These words create bridges from one sentence to the next. You can use

transition words that show order (first, second, third); spatial relationships (above, below) or logic (furthermore, in addition, in fact). Also, in writing a paragraph, using

a consistent verb tense and point of view are important ingredients for coherency.

4. Element #4: Completeness. Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed. If all sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea, then your

paragraph is complete. If there are not enough sentences or enough information to prove your thesis, then the paragraph is incomplete. Usually three supporting sen-

tences, in addition to a topic sentence and concluding sentence, are needed for a paragraph to be complete. The concluding sentence or last sentence of the paragraph

should summarize your main idea by reinforcing your topic sentence.

Types of paragraphs
There are four types of paragraphs that you need to know about: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. A quick search around the internet will yield other

types, but to keep this simple, it's a good idea to consider just these four.

Descriptive paragraph: This type of paragraph describes something and shows the reader what a thing or a person is like. The words chosen in the description often

appeal to the five senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Descriptive paragraphs can be artistic and may deviate from grammatical norms.

Narrative paragraph: This type of paragraph tells a story. There's a sequence of action or there's a clear beginning, middle, and end to the paragraph.

Expository paragraph: This type of paragraph explains something or provides instruction. It could also describe a process and move the reader step by step through a

method. This type of paragraph often requires research, but it's possible that the writer is able to rely on his or her own knowledge and expertise.

Persuasive paragraph: This type of paragraph tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of view or understand the writer's position. This is the type of para -

graph that many teachers focus on because it's useful when building an argument. It often requires the collection of facts and research.

It important to point out that many paragraphs are a combination of these four types, but for the purpose of instruction, let's consider some examples of each:

EXAMPLES

Now let us examine a few paragraphs by standard authors, in illustration of these principles of paragraph construction.

1. “Hence it is that it is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is

mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him; and he concurs with their movements rather

than takes the initiative himself. His benefits may be considered as a parallel to what are called comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature, like an

easy chair or good fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them.” - J.E. Newman.

This is a paragraph from Cardinal Newman's famous description of a “Gentleman” in his The Idea of a University, Notice that the paragraph is confined to one point in

the character of a gentleman, which is clearly stated in the first, or topical sentence viz., that "he is one who never inflicts pain." The rest of the paragraph is simply a

development and illustration of the topical sentence. And the concluding sentence drives home the statement of the subject with its similies of the easy chair and the

good fire.

2. "The Road is one of the great fundamental institutions of mankind. Not only is the Road one of the great human institutions because it is fundamental to social exis-

tence, bin also because its varied effects appear in every department of the State, It is the Road which determines the sites of many cities and the growth and nourish-

ment of all. It is the Road which controls the development of strategies and fixes the sites of battles. It is the Road that gives framework to all economic development.

It is the Road which is the channel of all trade, and, what is more important, of all ideas, In its most humble function
it is a necessary guide without which progress from place to place would be a ceaseless experiment; it is a sustenance without which organised society would be impos-

sible, thus the Road moves and controls all history." - Hilaire Belloc.

In this paragraph, the first sentence states the subject. It is the topical sentence. The body of the paragraph consists of examples which prove the statement in the first

sentence. The final sentence sums up the whole.

3. "Poetry is the language of the imagination and the passions. It relates to whatever gives immediate pleasure or pain to the human mind. It comes home to the bosoms

and businesses of men; for nothing but what comes home to them in the most general and intelligible shape can be a subject for poetry. Poetry is the universal language

which the heart holds with nature and itself. He who has a contempt for poetry cannot have much respect for himself, or for anything else. Wherever there is a sense of

beauty, or power, or harmony, as in the motion of a wave of the sea, in the growth of a flower, there is poetry in its birth." - William Hazjitt.

Here again, the first sentence is the topical sentence. The sentences that follow enforce or restate the statement that "poetry is the language of the imagination and the

passions"; and the concluding sentence reinforces it by showing that poetry exists wherever men feel a sense of beauty, power or harmony.

In all these paragraphs, the principles of Unity and Order are observed, and also the general rules about the place of the topical sentences and the rounding off the

whole with a good conclusion.

THE WRITING OF SINGLE PARAGRAPHS

So far we have been treating of paragraphs which are sections of a more or less lengthy composition, like an essay or the chapter of a book. But students are often asked

in examinations to write short separate paragraphs, instead of essays, on subjects of ordinary interest. Such single paragraphs are really miniature essays; but the same

principles as we have discussed above (except the principle of variety), must be followed in their construction. Each paragraph must be a unity, treating of one definite

subject, and must follow a logical order of thought. In most cases, too, the rules about the topical sentences and the conclusion should be borne in mind.

A few examples should make this clear. Suppose, for example, you are asked to write a paragraph on “The Cat.” It is obvious that you cannot treat this subject fully, as

you might in a long essay. And yet you must, according to the principle of unity, confine your paragraph to one definite topic. You must, therefore, choose one thing to

say about a cat, and stick to it throughout. You might, for example, write of one characteristic of the cat, say, its love of comfort and attachment to its home. In that

case, you might write a paragraph something like this:

The Cat There is some truth in the common saying that while dogs become attached to persons, cats are generally attached to places. A dog will follow his master any-

where, but a cat keeps to the house it is used to; and even when the house changes hand, the cat will remain there, so long as it is kindly treated by the new owners. A

cat does not seem to be capable of the personal devotion often shown by a dog. It thinks most of its own comfort and its love is only cupboard love.
Notice the construction of this paragraph. It begins with the topical sentence, which clearly states the subject. The following sentence explains the statement by expand-

ing it; and the last sentence, by giving a reason for the attachment of a cat to a particular house forms a fitting conclusion. The paragraph is therefore a Unity, treating

of one characteristic of cat character: and it follows an orderly plan.