The document discusses the typical structure of paragraphs. It states that paragraphs typically contain three components: a topic sentence to introduce the main idea, sentences to develop and elaborate on that idea, and optionally a concluding sentence. It provides examples of the functions of each component. The document also discusses guidelines for determining whether paragraphs are too long or too short, such as ensuring each paragraph covers one main idea and is adequately developed.

1. TYPICAL STRUCTURE OF A PARAGRAPH
This section introduces you to the components of a typical paragraph and demonstrates how effective paragraphs are
constructed. You will see how the component parts of the paragraph work together to provide both internal consistency
and the linkage of ideas and arguments across a text.
A paragraph typically contains the following three components. While the first two of these components are always
present, not every paragraph has a concluding sentence.
Component Function
Topic sentence(s)
 To introduce and clearly state the main idea/point that you intend to
develop
 To preview for the reader the kinds of information that the rest of the
paragraph is likely to contain
 To link back to your thesis or the immediately preceding argument
Development or elaboration of
ideas
 To elaborate the new idea or point that you have introduced. Elaboration
may include analysis, exemplification and persuasion, or any combination
of these.
Concluding sentence(s)
 To round off what you have said so far in your paragraph
 To qualify the views expressed
 To link the current paragraph to the next paragraph

2. So, you can see that paragraph structure is like a mini-version of other writing structures, with an introduction, a body and
a conclusion.
Like an argument, paragraphs have:
 an introductory assertion – a sentence that orients the reader to the topic.
 a body – a section that develops and supports the assertion.
 a conclusion – a concluding sentence that rounds off, draws together and links to the next idea.
Paragraph Length
There are no fixed rules about paragraph length. There is no set number of sentences per paragraph or paragraphs per
page.
Making a paragraph shorter or longer cannot be used to indicate its importance. Nor can you indicate the relative
importance of your paragraphs through formatting devices such as double-spacing, indenting or italicising. The
importance of each paragraph is gauged only by the value of the information in it and the way this information is
organised, presented and argued.

3. Here are some helpful guidelines to help you decide whether your paragraphs are the right length.
Paragraphs which are too long
Sometimes paragraphs ‘get out of hand’ and run over pages. Paragraphs like these are almost always too long. If you feel
your paragraph is too long, ask yourself:
Does everything in my paragraph relate to the same idea (the one spelt out in the topic sentence)?
If not:
 subdivide the paragraph by identifying more than one idea.
 re-paragraph around each identified idea.
Is there too much information in this paragraph for the reader to take in?
If so:
 look for ways of subdividing the information into shorter paragraphs.
 rewrite the information to a certain extent to make sure that your new paragraphs link well to each other.
Paragraphs which are too short
Paragraphs can also be too short. If you feel your paragraphs are generally too short, ask yourself:
Have I really identified a major new idea/point in each paragraph?
If not, look for ways of regrouping your information by incorporating it into the preceding or following paragraph.
Have I developed each idea adequately within the paragraph?
If not, extend your paragraphs by further elaborating and supporting each idea.

4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF WRITING
Whether you write essays, business materials, fiction, articles, letters, or even just notes in your journal, your
writing will be at its best if you stay focused on your purpose. While there are many reasons why you might
be putting pen to paper or tapping away on the keyboard, there are really only four main types of
writing: expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative.
Each of these four writing genres has a distinct aim, and they all require different types of writing skills.
You may also have heard them referred to in an academic setting as modes of discourse or rhetorical
modes. Institutions of higher learning teach nine traditional rhetorical modes, but the majority of pieces we
are called upon to write will have one of these four main purposes.
.Expository Writing
The word expository contains the word expose, so the reason expository is an apt descriptor for this type of
writing is that it exposes, or sets forth, facts. It is probably the most common writing genre you will come
across throughout your day. In an expository piece, a topic will be introduced and laid out in a logical order
without reference to the author’s personal opinions.

5. Expository writing can be found in:
Textbooks Journalism (except for opinion and editorial articles) Business writing Technical writing Essays
Instructions
All of these kinds of writing are expository because they aim to explain and inform.
The city government of Monrovia unanimously approved the construction of sixty-two miles of kekeh lanes in 2019. Made possible by
a new tax levy, the kekeh lanes are expected to help the city reduce traffic and congestion. Eighteen stop areas with restrooms and
snack centers have been planned at a variety of access points. The city expects construction to be complete in April 2022.
Because this paragraph supplies the reader with facts and figures about its topic, the new kekeh lanes,
without offering the author’s opinion on it, it is expository.
Descriptive Writing
The aim of descriptive writing is to help the reader visualize, in detail, a character, event, place, or all of
these things at once. The author might describe the scene in terms of all five senses. Descriptive writing
allows the writer a great deal more artistic freedom than expository writing does.

6. Descriptive writing can be found in:
Fiction Poetry Advertising Journal and diary writing
The drivers drove freely down the streets of Monrovia. They were filled with laughter and smiles as the driving freedom on the clean
and clear streets allow them to generate and increase in their daily reporting fees. The beautiful signboards advertising various
products and services in the country could be viewed more clearly by their passengers as they drove by. Even the Central Park in the
Vai town area became very inviting for some passengers who choose to cut abort their journeys just for an opportunity to take some
selfie in the newly renovated and brightly decorated park, with background scenery that made pictures appear more than first class.
Through description, this passage paints a vivid picture of the benefits of the traffic ease due to the
construction of a lane for kekeh.
Persuasive Writing
The aim of persuasive writing, or argumentation, is to influence the reader to assume the author’s point of
view. The author will express personal opinions in the piece and arm him- or herself with evidence so that
the reader will agree with him or her.

7. Persuasive writing can be found in:
Advertising Opinion and editorial pieces Reviews Job applications
The new kekeh lane is one of the best things that have ever happened to the traffic in the city of Monrovia. If you do a comparative
analysis of the city two years ago and now, you will find a great difference, and the freedom with which vehicle drivers now move
about, until it provides additional encouragement to passengers to enjoy and experience other beauties of the city. If you live out of
town, it is advisable that you pay a weekend visit to Monrovia, and you will always to return.
A number of statements in this paragraph are opinion rather than fact: that the kekeh lane is beautiful and
one of the best things that have ever happened to the city, are all expressions of thoughts from the writer,
intended to persuade visitors to come to the city.
Narrative Writing
The purpose of narrative writing is to tell a story, whether that story is real or imaginary. Pieces in a narrative
style will have characters, and through the narrative, the reader learns what happens to them. Narrative
writing can also include dialogue.

8. Narrative writing can be found in:
All types of fiction (e.g., novels, short stories, novellas) Poetry Biographies Human interest stories
Anecdotes
As I drove my vehicle down the streets of Monrovia, I experience a sense of freedom that was not felt before. At the intersection of
broad and Johnson streets, I saw two police officers with smiles on their faces, and they gave a friendly wave at me. I was reminded
that they are the friends of the public and not enemies. When I reached the Gurley street turn, I was surprised at how easy it was to
turn, based on the fact that the congestion had eased so much due to the absence of kekehs in the main streets. One street vendor
came to my window and tried to sell me a charger for my car, but I already had one so I didn’t bother.
In this passage, the author gives a narrative of an experience on the streets of Monrovia due to the absence
of kekehs (which is referred to as narrating in the first person). Using both description and dialogue, the
story that takes place is laid out in chronological order.
Understanding Your Purpose Empowers Your Writing
Simply puzzling out which of these four types of writing best suits your purpose and adhering to it can help
you write more efficiently and effectively.

9. To summarize:
 Expository writing sets forth facts. You can find it in textbooks, journalism (except opinion or editorial
articles), business writing, technical writing, essays, and instructions.
 Descriptive writing evokes images through rich description. You can find it in fiction, poetry, journal writing,
and advertising.
 Persuasive writing aims to sway the reader toward the author’s point of view. It is used heavily in
advertising, and can also be found in opinion and editorial pieces, reviews, and job applications.
 Narrative writing tells a story. It can be found in fiction, poetry, biographies, human interest stories, and
anecdotes.