Paragraph

• Paragraph


  A piece of writing that focuses on one topic or idea
• Elements of a Paragraph

  • Coherence
  • Unity
  • Emphasis
• Unity


  A unified paragraph makes a clear reading. The discussion of the topic starts with the beginning sentence and ends with the last. There is nothing in-between that distracts the reader from a clear understanding of the text. A unified paragraph sticks to the purpose for which it is written.
• Types of orderly relationships of sentences

  • Time of Chronological Relationships
  • Space Relationship
  • Particular to General
  • General to Particular
  • Cause-Effect Relationship
• Cohesion


  The connection of the sentences and ideas in your text. For example, words and phrases used in a statement must stick together or lead to the flow of ideas in the succeeding statements. When a text is cohesive, the sentences appear as a single unit, not just as a random sequence of sentence or thoughts.
• Coherence


  The overall understanding of what you say or write. It refers to the logic of ideas and how such ideas are presented, rather than the language used to explain or express them. It makes sure that each phrase, sentence, and paragraph contributes to the overall meaning of an entire piece.
• Transitional words and expressions

  • Addition
  • Cause-Effect
  • Comparison
  • Place
  • Contrast
  • Emphasis
  • Example
  • Restatement
  • Time
  • Conclusion and Summary
• Emphasis


  This element enables you to highlight the idea/s you wish to emphasize. Emphasis may also be secured by (1) repetition; (2) by the development of important ideas through supplying plenty of details; (3) by the allotment of more space to the more important ideas; (4) by contrast, which focuses the reader's attention; (5) by selection of details so that the subjects related to the main idea are included and irrelevant material excluded; (6) by climactic arrangement; and (7) by mechanical devices such as capitalization, italics, symbols, and different colors of ink.
• Parts of a Paragraph

  • Topic sentence
  • Supporting details
  • Concluding statement
• Topic sentence


  The most important sentence in the paragraph. This states the central idea being developed. It is usually a generalization. It may be implied or expressed.
• Supporting details


  Every paragraph needs supporting details to elaborate on the topic sentence. These supporting details may range from facts, examples, or instances. Good supporting details expound on the main idea and act as adequate support; they are specific and stem from the general idea established by the topic sentence.
• Concluding statement


  The final sentence of a paragraph. The purpose of the conclusion is to summarize the key ideas, provide comments or suggestions, and give the paragraph proper closure. The writer usually reiterates the topic sentence by rephrasing it or rewording some of its parts.
• Steps to consider when writing a paragraph

  1. Start with a topic sentence

  2. Provide details and examples that show the main idea is correct

  3. Explain how the details and examples you chose prove you topic sentence is true

  4. Check the length
• Good beginning


  Arouses the reader's interest and curiosity. It is a COME ON; it invites a person to read right away because it is irresistible.
• Effective ending


  Fixes the idea of the paragraph in the reader's mind.
• Ways to begin a paragraph

  • Using a quotation
  • Using an intriguing statement
  • Using an anecdote or an incident
  • Using a question
• Ways to end a paragraph

  • Using a brief summary
  • Using a quotation
  • Using a challenge to act
  • Using a question