Paragraph

• Paragraph


  A group of related sentences that develops main thoughts or ideas about a topic. It is indicated by a new line indentation.
• Paragraphs


  • They are stepping stones that build up your argument point by point
  • They enable the reader to clearly see when an idea ends and another begins
• Writing a paragraph


  1. Think about the order in which you will position your paragraphs

  2. Jot down the key points you want to develop in each paragraph

  3. Arrange the points in the order that will allow your arguments to flow logically

  4. Use various phrases and signposting words to guide the reader
• Topic sentence


  The main idea or specific idea presented to readers in a single sentence
• Topic


  The general subject or idea of an entire paragraph. Every sentence in a paragraph in some way discusses or explains this topic.
• Topic sentences


  • There are many reasons why pollution in Ananse Town is the worst in Ghana
  • To be an effective lecturer requires certain important characteristics
• Topic sentence


  • It should be intriguing enough to make readers want to learn more
  • It alerts readers to a change of focus in a paragraph and what that paragraph will entail
  • It can be placed in the first sentence, within a sentence, or at the end of a paragraph
• Supporting sentences


  They expand or provide more information about the topic sentence through the use of reasons, examples, steps, description or explanation
• Concluding sentence


  A brief summary of the main idea in a different way. It prompts the reader to a new viewpoint or subject.
• Characteristics of a good paragraph

  • Unity - the idea being discussed must focus solely on a single idea, point, or argument
  • Coherence - the content is in a logical manner with consistent point of view, verb tense and number. Transitional words are used between sentences and paragraphs.
  • Development - the topic sentence is sufficiently explained with details, data, examples etc. to suit the purpose.
• Organic paragraph


  A paragraph that is sufficiently developed, with a single idea fully explored or explained to make it complete and understandable
• Oceans and lakes have much in common, but they are also quite different
• Oceans


  • Very large bodies of salt water
• Lakes


  • Much smaller bodies of fresh water
  • Surrounded by land
• Both oceans and lakes have plants and animals living in them
• The ocean is home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes support much smaller forms of life
• Both oceans and lakes make a great place to visit and enjoy
• Inorganic paragraph


  A paragraph without unity and coherence, with more than a single idea and inconsistencies
• Structural paragraph


  The introductory and concluding paragraph of an essay
• Mainstream paragraph


  Paragraphs that form the body of an essay, projecting the purpose of the topic
• Descriptive paragraph


  • Describes an item or individual vividly using words that appeal to the five senses
• Narrative paragraph


  • Tells a story in a sequential order
• Expository paragraph


  • Takes the reader through a process or step-by-step method of an idea
• Persuasive paragraph


  • Convinces a reader to consider a particular belief, opinion or concept, presenting facts to support the issues raised
• Deductive paragraph


  Begins with the topic sentence and ends with supporting details
• Inductive paragraph


  Begins with supporting details and is followed by the topic sentence
• Developing paragraphs by facts and statistics


  • Uses factual and statistical data or information to support the topic sentence
• Developing paragraphs by examples and illustration


  • Uses specific detailed examples and illustrations to explain or support the topic sentence
• Developing paragraphs by process

  • Explains the steps to complete a task, with a topic sentence, supporting sentences describing the steps, and a concluding sentence
• Developing paragraphs by comparison and contrast

  • Examines similarities and differences between subjects, using transitional words
• Developing paragraphs by cause and effect


  • Explains why something happens (the cause) and what results a particular event produces (the effect)
• Developing paragraphs by classification and analysis

  • Identifies what is to be classified or categorised in the topic sentence, then provides more information about the categories
• Developing paragraphs by reasoning of a line of argument


  • Depicts the writer's train of thoughts or the arrangement of their ideas, with the overall claim in the topic sentence and supporting claims or reasons with specific evidence