5. - a group of sentences organized
around a central topic.
“A solidly written paragraph takes its readers
on a clear path, without detours.”
5
6. 6
Topic Sentence - tells the reader what the paragraph is
going to be about.
- It also helps the writing under control.
- sometimes called the “controlling idea" of a paragraph.
1
2
Supporting Sentence – make the topic more interesting or
help explain it more clearly .
- It helps support a topic sentence through providing sensory
details, facts, or examples that expand upon, explain, or prove
a paragraph’s main idea or topic sentence.
Clincher/Concluding Sentence –provides a logical conclusion
based on the information found in the supporting sentences.
-also used to cement the main idea in the reader’s mind.
3
7. My mother is neither tall nor heavy, but she’s the
biggest person in my life. There has been no other person
with a greater influence on me. Most mothers
feed, wash, and clothe their children, and my mother is no
exception. But more than this, she made sure that I
received the finest education possible. This education
was not at expensive schools or famous universities, but
at home, by her knee, patiently. My mother explained to
me the difference between right and wrong; the virtues of
generosity, honesty, and hard work; and the importance
of family and social ties. From her I understood who I
was, where I belonged, and how I should spend my
energy. No matter how big I might grow to be, I hope to
be as great as my mother.
7
8. My mother is neither tall nor heavy, but she’s the biggest
person in my life. There has been no other person with a greater
influence on me. Most mothers feed, wash, and clothe their
children, and my mother is no exception. But more than this, she
made sure that I received the finest education possible. This
education was not at expensive schools or famous
universities, but at home, by her knee, patiently. My mother
explained to me the difference between right and wrong; the
virtues of generosity, honesty, and hard work; and the
importance of family and social ties. From her I understood who I
was, where I belonged, and how I should spend my energy. No
matter how big I might grow to be, I hope to be as great
as my mother.
8
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentence
Clincher
10. UNITY
• Refers to the extent to which all of the ideas
contained within a given paragraph ‘hang
together’ in a way that is easy for the reader to
understand.
• Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic
sentence.
10
11. 11
ORDER
• Refers to the way you organize your
supporting sentences.
Whether in chronological order, order of
importance, or another logical
presentation detail.
• Helps the reader grasp the meaning and avoid
confusion
12. COHERENCE
• The quality the makes your writing
understandable.
• Closely related to UNITY.
Paragraph need to connect each other and work
together as a whole.
• Uses transition words that show order (first
second, third); logic (furthermore, in
addition, in fact)
12
14. Paragraph writing is the
foundation of all essay
writing, whether the form is
expository, persuasive, narrative
, etc.
14
15. If you take the parts of a paragraph and
expand them, you can create an essay.
ESSAY
1. generally much
shorter than an
essay
2. should be centered
on one idea only
or write about only
one topic
15
1. Consists of many
paragraphs
2. you could explore
many ideas while
talking about one
general topic
PARAGRAPH
DIFFERENCE?
16. PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT
Developing paragraphs in a variety of patterns
that reflect your thinking about the material. As
you write the topic sentence and its supporting
sentences, look for ways to structure your
thinking. Where one author advances his or her
material by narrating a series of events, another
undertakes a physical description and another
undertakes an analysis of the topic.
16
18. NARRATION PARAGRAPH
• are most frequently used in fiction
and personal statements.
• Requires consequently, accounting
for sequential order of events and
chronology.
• like telling the reader a story.
18
ELEMENTS
Protagonist Setting Goal Climax Resolution
19. Example of a Narrative Paragraph
The one day I spent in Morocco, Africa was an
experience of a lifetime. When I finally reached Morocco and
got off the bus, there were four little girls standing shoeless
in the hot sun. After I swallowed my tears, I could not even
try to picture this in America as it is not something you often
see in the U.S. Meanwhile my tourist guide instructed me not
to give them money as it encouraged the children to beg;
however, I was wearing four silver bracelets. As I walked over
to the girls, their eyes watched my every move. Then I
kneeled down to their level while I gave each girl a bracelet.
They stood there gleaming at me, for they were pleased. I felt
completely in disbelief that this tiny gesture could mean so
much. Though this experience was upsetting, and a huge
culture shock, it will stay with me forever.
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20. Narrative Paragraph
The one day I spent in Morocco,
Africa was an experience of a lifetime. When
I finally reached Morocco and got off the bus,
there were four little girls standing shoeless
in the hot sun. After I swallowed my tears, I
could not even try to picture this in America
as it is not something you often see in the
U.S. Meanwhile my tourist guide instructed
me not to give them money as it encouraged
the children to beg; however, I was wearing
four silver bracelets. As I walked over to the
girls, their eyes watched my every move.
Then I kneeled down to their level while I
gave each girl a bracelet. They stood there
gleaming at me, for they were pleased. I felt
completely in disbelief that this tiny gesture
could mean so much. Though this experience
was upsetting, and a huge culture shock, it
will stay with me forever.
20
Setting – Morocco, Africa
21. EXPOSITION PARAGRAPH
• written in order to clarify or explain
problems and phenomena, and requires
strict focus on evidence and objective
language.
• provides essential examples as well as
comparison &contrast, or cause & effect
writing as both facilitate accurate
exposition of the subject matter
21
Formal
Language
Evidence Explanation Background
22. 22
Example of an Exposition Paragraph
A disease that causes chronic gastrological
disorders, IBD, is envisioned in a spectrum of severities.
Cats can vomit heavily, and suffer from continuous
diarrhea. Reasons for the disease are yet unknown.
Bacterial infections, gastrological irritation, lack of
vitamins are often quoted as factors contributing to the
development of the disease. Veterinarians, treating IBD in
cats, usually prescribe medicine and advice on the dietary
management as well as make surgical choices. If
untreated, IBD, can be fatal for cats. Research - conducted
mostly by pet owners - shows that a cat’s diet can be
critical. Further research will include inspection of several
vaccines. So far, grain-free, raw meat diet has already
proved to be largely beneficial.
23. Exposition Paragraph
A disease that causes chronic
gastrological disorders, IBD, is envisioned
in a spectrum of severities. Cats can vomit
heavily, and suffer from continuous
diarrhea. Reasons for the disease are yet
unknown. Bacterial
infections, gastrological irritation, lack of
vitamins are often quoted as factors
contributing to the development of the
disease. Veterinarians, treating IBD in
cats, usually prescribe medicine and
advice on the dietary management as well
as make surgical choices. If
untreated, IBD, can be fatal for cats.
Research - conducted mostly by pet
owners - shows that a cat’s diet can be
critical. Further research will include
inspection of several vaccines. So
far, grain-free, raw meat diet has already
23
24. DEFINITION PARAGRAPH
• used in order to explain the
meaning, origin and function of
things. They are used both in
academic writing and fiction.
• Serves the purpose of giving a
reader a complete definition of a
concept, a term or an idea.
24
ELEMENTS
Explanation
of Meaning
Account
of the
Origin of
Things
Method
Examples and
Comparisons
Citing
Verifiable
Sources
25. 25
Example of a Definition Paragraph
The IAU has so far recognized five dwarf
planets differentiated from planets by a parameter of
“planetary discriminant” which allows estimating the
capacity to dominate orbits. According to Nation
Master Encyclopedia dwarf planets follow orbits
which are not free from other minor celestial bodies.
Simultaneously, they always circulate the Sun and not
other celestial objects (they are not satellites).
Several dwarf planets have already been scrutinized
effectively. Their physical properties have been
calculated through routine Earth-based observations
as well as advanced image-searching software. Since
current data may not be entirely accurate, further
examinations are undertaken by astronomers and
physicists world-wide.
26. Definition Paragraph
The IAU has so far recognized
five dwarf planets differentiated from
planets by a parameter of “planetary
discriminant” which allows estimating
the capacity to dominate orbits.
According to Nation Master Encyclopedia
dwarf planets follow orbits which are not
free from other minor celestial bodies.
Simultaneously, they always circulate the
Sun and not other celestial objects (they
are not satellites). Several dwarf planets
have already been scrutinized effectively.
Their physical properties have been
calculated through routine Earth-based
observations as well as advanced image-
searching software. Since current data
may not be entirely accurate, further
examinations are undertaken by
astronomers and physicists world-wide.
26
27. ELEMENTS
CLASSIFICATION PARAGRAPH
• concentrated on defining as well
as making relevant comparisons.
27
Definition
Comparison
Multiple
Contex-
tualization
Descriptive
Vocabulary
Performed on
Multiple Levels:
Semantic – comparing
different meanings of
things
Linguistic – using
vocabulary to show
contrast
28. Example of a Classification Paragraph
A first date can end up being categorized as
successful, a clingy, a boastful or awkward. Successful first
dates include both parties expressing information about
what they like, who they are, and so forth. Usually, these
dates will end in tentative plans for a second one. Clingy
dates end up with one of the parties practically begging
for information about the other. However, the non-clinger
is not interested. On boastful dates, one member of the
duo talks about all of his or her skills, talents, and
abilities. The listening end of the pair is never asked
about his or her life. Awkward first dates generally involve
lots of silence or one or both of the partners not knowing
how to act appropriately. While many dates occur every
day, they can generally fall into one of these categories.
28
29. Classification Paragraph
A first date can end up being
categorized as successful, a clingy, a boastful
or awkward. Successful first dates include
both parties expressing information about
what they like, who they are, and so forth.
Usually, these dates will end in tentative
plans for a second one. Clingy dates end up
with one of the parties practically begging
for information about the other.
However, the non-clinger is not interested.
On boastful dates, one member of the duo
talks about all of his or her
skills, talents, and abilities. The listening end
of the pair is never asked about his or her
life. Awkward first dates generally involve
lots of silence or one or both of the partners
not knowing how to act appropriately.
While many dates occur every day, they can
generally fall into one of these categories.
29
30. ELEMENTS
Information Context Descriptive
Language
30
DESCRIPTION PARAGRAPH
• Describing and creating a dominant
sensory impression to the readers.
• Help the readers to understand a story
setting by creating visual pictures and
giving readers a mental image of a scene.
• Should be detailed, clear, and render the
represented reality chronologically.
31. Example of Description Paragraph
“Let’s walk,” she says serenely, slipping her arm in
mine and heading into Central Park. As she strolls
along, folks check her out and occasionally point.
She is tall, strong, and straight-backed, glowing with
vegan health and moving confidently through the
crowds in her all-black ensemble. In videos and
photos, she looks like she has a prominent jaw, but
in person it is much softer, as are her other features
(Windex-blue eyes, glossy black hair). Her voice is
gentle and melodious, and she looks you square in
the eye when she speaks.
—from Jancee Dunn’s “The Cole Truth,” Rolling
Stone 786, May, 1998.
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32. ELEMENTS
PROCESS ANALYSIS PARAGRAPH
- very concise and uses formal,
non-descriptive vocabulary.
- It should be written in
chronological order accounting for
subsequent actions or events.
Chronology Clarity Explanation
32
33. Example of a Process Analysis Paragraph
The problem of hairballs that have already
formed in cat’s fur can be solved by proper brushing.
In order to brush your cat’s hairballs, you’ll need two
kinds of brushes: a wide-teeth wipe and a metallic
one. The former will help you dissolve
and, partially, remove tightly knotted hairballs
without causing any pain or discomfort to your cat.
The latter, used subsequently, will remove excess of
loose puffy hair and decrease the possibility of
reoccurrence the next day. Once brushing is
over, make sure to polish your cat’s fur all over his
body with the help of a clean, cotton, or woolen
cloth. 33
34. Process Analysis Paragraph
The problem of hairballs that have
already formed in cat’s fur can be solved
by proper brushing. In order to brush your
cat’s hairballs, you’ll need two kinds of
brushes: a wide-teeth wipe and a metallic
one. The former will help you dissolve
and, partially, remove tightly knotted
hairballs without causing any pain or
discomfort to your cat. The latter, used
subsequently, will remove excess of loose
puffy hair and decrease the possibility of
reoccurrence the next day. Once brushing
is over, make sure to polish your cat’s fur
all over his body with the help of a
clean, cotton, or woolen cloth.
34
Chronology – gives a
guide/instruction by way
of telling the reader how
to do the treatment
Clarity – the information
is clear so as the
instruction given
Explanation – the writer
had explain well about
the problem of hairballs
in the cat’s fur
35. PERSUASION PARAGRAPH
• require exhortatory and dynamic
language.
• are aimed at persuading the reader
into taking a particular action or
adopting a certain point of view.
35
36. Example of a Persuasion Paragraph
Plan ahead before you go camping in
Florida,. Don’t wind up in the wilds when you
want to be near Disney World, and don’t wind
up on a concrete RV pad when you really want
the forest primeval. Find out what parks are
available, and what they are like. Get good
information on what to expect, and what
options are. This can make all the difference in
the quality of your vacation.
36
37. 1. Creating an Outline
• Write down the main points that you wish to discuss
in the paragraph first. Aim for two or three main
points.
• Underneath each main point, add a piece of
supporting evidence from a
journal, novel, poem, etc.
• After the evidence, offer a brief explanation.
37
WAYS IN DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH
38. 1. Creating an Outline
2. Topic Sentence Development
How to write?
It should discuss an idea only in generic terms
without proving too many details.
38
WAYS IN DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH
39. 3. Supporting details
For example, a piece of support in an essay about drug usage
could read, "Drug usage is becoming an increasing problem in
the United States." After that, introduce a statistic showing the
rise of drug usage over the last decade.
4. Using quotations and evidence
5. Analyzing quotations and evidence
39
WAYS IN DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH
40. 6. Providing strong, relevant information
Important facts, textual analysis and all of the
information must be relevant. Stay focused!
7. Using concise language
Words such as "good," "nice" and "bad" are extremely
vague and should not be used in professional writing.
Find clearer words - "respectful," "giving" and "selfish,"
for example, with which to replace these vague words.
40
WAYS IN DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH
41. 8. Using colorful and clear words
Furthermore, do not use confusing words or words of
which you do not know the meaning, because your lack
of understanding will translate to the reader.
9. Crafting a strong conclusion statement
At the end of one paragraph, suggest that there is
another idea that piggybacks on top of the one that
you have discussed, or state that there are some
disagreeing ideas in the field.
41
WAYS IN DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH
42. 10. Utilizing appropriate transition words
Ex: Order (first,second,last),
Spatial Relationships (above, below),
Logic (furthermore, in addition, in fact), etc.
11. Following proper grammar rules
Ensure that your paper is free of grammar errors.
42
WAYS IN DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH