I. Comparison / Contrast :
This technique is employed to construct paragraphs dealing with topics meant to compare
or draw out a contrast between two or more entities in issue of discussion. The topic
sentence introduces the terms to be compared or contrasted and it is supplemented
by adequate justification to draw out the comparison or contrast. In case the terms
have to be compared, points of similarity must be enumerated. For making out a
contrast, there have to be enough of differentiating points to reveal the gap
between the two terms in question.
Examples: Home life vs. Hostel Life.
Metropolitan cities vs. Small towns.
Corporate sector vs. Public sector.
Corporate Sector vs. Public Sector
Corporate sector as well as public sector both are indispensable to the growth of developing
nations like India. While the corporate symbolizes globalization, public sector forms
the backbone of a country’s economy. If the corporate sector takes care of quality
standards, the public sector ensures that the common man is catered to. But if a
nation has to reach the standards of a developing nation it has to follow the work
culture of the corporate. The speed and efficiency of the corporate indeed gives an
edge over the public sector. High targets and deadlines, all keep the corporate
employees up and about, with no room for laziness. Hence, for the country’s growth
sake, it could be a wise decision to turn corporate.
II. Cause effect: This technique of paragraph development is employed to deal with
topics discussing causes and effects of a particular issue in question. Such topics are
generally problem topics. The topic sentence introduces the theme. Thereafter, first
the causes are discussed, may be, with examples, if required. Causes are followed by
effects, one after the other. The effects might as well be illustrated.
Examples: Unemployment
Price Rise
Deforestation.
Generation Gap
Generation gap is a general problem faced by majority of people these days. It is the difference
of values and ideology among generations, leading to a major difference in their lifestyles.
There are issues relating to food,culture, dressing style, socializing etc. where different
generations just don’t agree. The major cause of generation gap is westernization. In a
traditional country like India, growing westernization has played havoc among generations. The
present generation finds the deep-rooted family traditions and ethics superfluous and wants to
do away with the stereotypes.The elders however make all efforts to keep the family traditions
intact.There is an ongoing tussle between generations over lifestyle.The younger generation
imitating the west , always trying to adopt a modern lifestyle has made its way through in spite
of all the pulls and pressures from the conservatives.It is , however, advisable to strike a
balance so that all the generations are able to co-exist .
III. Illustration: This technique of paragraph writing deals with topics that need to be illustrated.
Once the topic sentence establishes the theme, it is followed by illustrations to support the
topic sentence. Here, one has to get into lot of reference work to derive data, facts and
statistics to add supporting details. Utmost care should be taken to provide only correct
illustrations. Incorrect or inaccurate illustrations can render the whole paragraph wrong.
Examples: Terrorism.
India's progress since Independence.
Globalization.
Movies
Movies hold a significant place in the world of recreation. They not only entertain us but also
acquaint us with the changing social set up across the world. There are various kinds of movies
available for us to pick and enjoy according to our inclination and taste. As kids, we grow up
watching children’s movies that carry social message for us to imbibe and grow with. They leave
impeccable impressions on our mind and remain with us all over life as sweet memories to
cherish. Then, there are sci-fi movies that defy the real world and have the power to carry us to
an altogether new world of fantasy and untold happenings. Action movies are generally
preferred by the youngsters for the heroic fighting scenes and show of power. Thrillers go a
step forward to action movies and are enjoyed by a vast majority of people in all age categories.
Horror movies give you spine-chilling experiences so they are not popular. There are movies
based on historical events that help people know about the world and their country better. The
most common views are family dramas which might be in the form of comedies or tragedies.
Movies have always been and will continue to be a part of our lives forever.
III. Classification: Certain topics in paragraph writing call for classification in order to
understand the various kinds or varieties of the things or institutions being
discussed. Here the topic sentence itself establishes that the paragraph is going to
talk about classification. While classification is being done, there might be a
requirement for illustrating the types or kinds of the topic in concern. While drawing
out a classification of animal kingdom, it would be essential to state the examples
with each category. This would enhance the understanding of the classification
better.
Examples: Education system in India.
Mass Communication.
Travel.
Mass Communication
Communicating to a large number of people together is called Mass Communication. There
are two broad categories of mass communication – Oral and Written. Oral mass
communication can be done through public speaking and mass meetings. It can also
be done through radio and television. Movies are also examples of mass
communication. Written mass communication involves the use of print media-the
newspapers and magazines. With the coming of internet, even computers are a
medium of written mass communication. Whatever might be the medium of mass
communication, it calls for a lot of caution and a little flaw in mass communication
can cause unnecessary stir in the masses.
IV. Listing: There are certain topics which have to be elaborated through the process of
listing. Once the topic sentence introduces the theme, there has to be a complete
list of supporting sentences to justify the topic sentence. This technique is employed
to talk about advantages or disadvantages of something. It can be used to enlist the
uses as well.
Examples: Advantages of Technology.
Uses of mobile phones.
Cyber Crime.
Advantages of Mobile Phones
The object of mobile phones in our system of communication has proved to be a major
breakthrough in increasing the speed and efficiency of communication. It has made distance
communication handy and affordable to every individual. It helps one to reach out to the
remotest places instantly. Communication can be done across the global with speed and care.
Mobile phones help a great deal in handling emergency situations. They have been highly
instrumental in curbing crime. With advancement mobile phone technology one can have
access to internet also. All in all, mobile phone has become an indispensable gadget in modern
times.
VI .Problem solving: Topics dealing with problems can be dealt with through this technique of
paragraph development. Here the topic sentence introduces the problem, which is then
followed by solution mentioned one by one. There might be a little mention about the causes
and effects of the problem as well but the emphasis remains on the solutions to the problem.
Example: Global Warming
Generation gap.
Brain Drain.
Child Labour
Children form the future of a nation. They must be the most looked after section of the society.
But, unfortunately, in India,we see small children working on roadsides, in factories, workshops
and picking rags. They work in unhealthy conditions and fall prey to harmful diseases for all
their lives. This must be stopped immediately. This is an issue that our government must deal
with at first priority. Laws against child labor must be strictly implemented. Employment
facilities must be made available to their parents. It must be ensured the children under the
age of 14 must attend school by all means. Government must pay special attention to the task
of laying social foundation stone for the future generation of our country.
VIII. Definition: Certain topics in paragraph writing just need to be defined well. Instead of
giving any additional information relating to topics, the emphasis remains on explaining the
meaning of terms in discussion. It must be first defined in accurate words and then followed by
supporting details to make the act of definition clear to the reader. Examples and illustrations
can be given in support of the definition.
Examples: Westernization
Nuclear Disarmament
Nanotechnology
Brain Drain
Brain drain can be defined as large scale of exodus of educated and skilled brains from a
country. A large number of educated Indians, after completing their studies in India, move to
other lands to work for them. The reasons might be several, ranging from better packages, hi-
life, better infrastructure and fine work culture. Tempted by all these factors, they leave their
motherland,settle in a land full of strangers and also undergo lots of trouble and struggle to
make place for themselves there. The super brains that could have been instrumental in the
growth of our country drain a lot to foreign lands, facilitating their economic growth. Such
drainage of super brains from India must be controlled for the country’s sake.
VIII. Generalization: Here the topic sentence attempts to generalize a situation talking about its
widespread scope. An issue or a problem is established to be common either to a section of
society or globally. For example: A paragraph starting with a topic sentence ‘Story books no
more interest the kids these days.’ well establishes the general problem faced by teachers and
parents if kids don’t take interest in story books. They are rather more interested in T.V and
computers. Once the generalization has been made, It can be then supported with details.
Organizing a Tour
Travelling can be real fun if organized well. On the contrary, it can be an awful experience if not
planned well in advance. The first step, when planning a tour would be to decide the
destination to be covered. Then, the mode of transportation must be decided according to the
number of members and the distance. Internet must be surfed to take note of the sightseeing
places and interesting spots on the destination. If going to a foreign country, enough know-how
should be collected about the language system and the culture of the place. A proper itinerary
should be chalked out to keep perfect timings. Adequate baggage, music, camera, first aid kit
etc.all should be taken care of, to make the whole experience worthwhile.
X. Narration : This technique is used to narrate personal experiences and events. The topic
sentence states the events to be explained. It is then narrated sequentially. The emphasis, in
this technique, remains on the substantial details to be added with each step in the narration
process. The event is described right from the beginning to the end, informing about the
incidents and happenings in between.
Examples : An Interesting Journey.
Republic Day Celebration
Award Ceremony.
A Memorable Journey
After our exams were over, our group of four decided to go for a journey to go to the Himalayas
for trekking. We had an early morning train from the city station. We had already got a
compartment reserved for ourselves. It was nice and cozy there. The weather was perfect for
travel. The whole way, we went listening to music, singing and chatting. I am especially fond of
reading. We relished some awesomely delicious snacks on the way. After about a day and a half
we were near to our destination. As soon as the train approached the hills, the breeze got
fresher and the calm and serene woods around seemed to be quite rejuvenating. The visit to
the Himalayas was indeed an experience of lifetime.
XI. Persuasion / Argument: There are certain topics that have to be argued upon to establish
the facts. Such topics can be dealt with through this technique of paragraph writing. There are
the topics which need adequate amount of supporting details to establish the righteousness of
the issue in question. The topic might be highly controversial one like Centralization of
Education. Here, lots of facts can be supplied for the topic and lots many against it. The writer
has to take a stand and establish his own viewpoint regarding the issue.
Examples: Corporal Punishment
Gender Equality
Handling Terrorism
Handling Terrorism
Terrorism is one of the major global issues today. There have always been contemplations
about the ways of handling terrorism whether it is handled through negotiation or with a strong
hand. Those supporting the strategy of negotiation argue that matters can only be sorted
through talks and discussions. But, looking at the history of terrorism across the world, it has
been noticed that negotiations have not worked. Negotiations can work with rational beings.
Terrorists, on the other hand, are absolutely a brainless lot, trying to establish their supremacy
through terror. They should be treated with power. That’s the only way terrorism can be wiped
off this planet.

PARAGRAPH WRITING for Graduation level students

  • 1.
    I. Comparison /Contrast : This technique is employed to construct paragraphs dealing with topics meant to compare or draw out a contrast between two or more entities in issue of discussion. The topic sentence introduces the terms to be compared or contrasted and it is supplemented by adequate justification to draw out the comparison or contrast. In case the terms have to be compared, points of similarity must be enumerated. For making out a contrast, there have to be enough of differentiating points to reveal the gap between the two terms in question. Examples: Home life vs. Hostel Life. Metropolitan cities vs. Small towns. Corporate sector vs. Public sector. Corporate Sector vs. Public Sector Corporate sector as well as public sector both are indispensable to the growth of developing nations like India. While the corporate symbolizes globalization, public sector forms the backbone of a country’s economy. If the corporate sector takes care of quality standards, the public sector ensures that the common man is catered to. But if a nation has to reach the standards of a developing nation it has to follow the work culture of the corporate. The speed and efficiency of the corporate indeed gives an edge over the public sector. High targets and deadlines, all keep the corporate employees up and about, with no room for laziness. Hence, for the country’s growth sake, it could be a wise decision to turn corporate. II. Cause effect: This technique of paragraph development is employed to deal with topics discussing causes and effects of a particular issue in question. Such topics are generally problem topics. The topic sentence introduces the theme. Thereafter, first the causes are discussed, may be, with examples, if required. Causes are followed by effects, one after the other. The effects might as well be illustrated. Examples: Unemployment Price Rise Deforestation. Generation Gap
  • 2.
    Generation gap isa general problem faced by majority of people these days. It is the difference of values and ideology among generations, leading to a major difference in their lifestyles. There are issues relating to food,culture, dressing style, socializing etc. where different generations just don’t agree. The major cause of generation gap is westernization. In a traditional country like India, growing westernization has played havoc among generations. The present generation finds the deep-rooted family traditions and ethics superfluous and wants to do away with the stereotypes.The elders however make all efforts to keep the family traditions intact.There is an ongoing tussle between generations over lifestyle.The younger generation imitating the west , always trying to adopt a modern lifestyle has made its way through in spite of all the pulls and pressures from the conservatives.It is , however, advisable to strike a balance so that all the generations are able to co-exist . III. Illustration: This technique of paragraph writing deals with topics that need to be illustrated. Once the topic sentence establishes the theme, it is followed by illustrations to support the topic sentence. Here, one has to get into lot of reference work to derive data, facts and statistics to add supporting details. Utmost care should be taken to provide only correct illustrations. Incorrect or inaccurate illustrations can render the whole paragraph wrong. Examples: Terrorism. India's progress since Independence. Globalization. Movies Movies hold a significant place in the world of recreation. They not only entertain us but also acquaint us with the changing social set up across the world. There are various kinds of movies available for us to pick and enjoy according to our inclination and taste. As kids, we grow up watching children’s movies that carry social message for us to imbibe and grow with. They leave impeccable impressions on our mind and remain with us all over life as sweet memories to cherish. Then, there are sci-fi movies that defy the real world and have the power to carry us to an altogether new world of fantasy and untold happenings. Action movies are generally preferred by the youngsters for the heroic fighting scenes and show of power. Thrillers go a step forward to action movies and are enjoyed by a vast majority of people in all age categories. Horror movies give you spine-chilling experiences so they are not popular. There are movies based on historical events that help people know about the world and their country better. The
  • 3.
    most common viewsare family dramas which might be in the form of comedies or tragedies. Movies have always been and will continue to be a part of our lives forever. III. Classification: Certain topics in paragraph writing call for classification in order to understand the various kinds or varieties of the things or institutions being discussed. Here the topic sentence itself establishes that the paragraph is going to talk about classification. While classification is being done, there might be a requirement for illustrating the types or kinds of the topic in concern. While drawing out a classification of animal kingdom, it would be essential to state the examples with each category. This would enhance the understanding of the classification better. Examples: Education system in India. Mass Communication. Travel. Mass Communication Communicating to a large number of people together is called Mass Communication. There are two broad categories of mass communication – Oral and Written. Oral mass communication can be done through public speaking and mass meetings. It can also be done through radio and television. Movies are also examples of mass communication. Written mass communication involves the use of print media-the newspapers and magazines. With the coming of internet, even computers are a medium of written mass communication. Whatever might be the medium of mass communication, it calls for a lot of caution and a little flaw in mass communication can cause unnecessary stir in the masses. IV. Listing: There are certain topics which have to be elaborated through the process of listing. Once the topic sentence introduces the theme, there has to be a complete list of supporting sentences to justify the topic sentence. This technique is employed to talk about advantages or disadvantages of something. It can be used to enlist the uses as well. Examples: Advantages of Technology. Uses of mobile phones. Cyber Crime.
  • 4.
    Advantages of MobilePhones The object of mobile phones in our system of communication has proved to be a major breakthrough in increasing the speed and efficiency of communication. It has made distance communication handy and affordable to every individual. It helps one to reach out to the remotest places instantly. Communication can be done across the global with speed and care. Mobile phones help a great deal in handling emergency situations. They have been highly instrumental in curbing crime. With advancement mobile phone technology one can have access to internet also. All in all, mobile phone has become an indispensable gadget in modern times. VI .Problem solving: Topics dealing with problems can be dealt with through this technique of paragraph development. Here the topic sentence introduces the problem, which is then followed by solution mentioned one by one. There might be a little mention about the causes and effects of the problem as well but the emphasis remains on the solutions to the problem. Example: Global Warming Generation gap. Brain Drain. Child Labour Children form the future of a nation. They must be the most looked after section of the society. But, unfortunately, in India,we see small children working on roadsides, in factories, workshops and picking rags. They work in unhealthy conditions and fall prey to harmful diseases for all their lives. This must be stopped immediately. This is an issue that our government must deal with at first priority. Laws against child labor must be strictly implemented. Employment facilities must be made available to their parents. It must be ensured the children under the age of 14 must attend school by all means. Government must pay special attention to the task of laying social foundation stone for the future generation of our country. VIII. Definition: Certain topics in paragraph writing just need to be defined well. Instead of giving any additional information relating to topics, the emphasis remains on explaining the meaning of terms in discussion. It must be first defined in accurate words and then followed by supporting details to make the act of definition clear to the reader. Examples and illustrations can be given in support of the definition.
  • 5.
    Examples: Westernization Nuclear Disarmament Nanotechnology BrainDrain Brain drain can be defined as large scale of exodus of educated and skilled brains from a country. A large number of educated Indians, after completing their studies in India, move to other lands to work for them. The reasons might be several, ranging from better packages, hi- life, better infrastructure and fine work culture. Tempted by all these factors, they leave their motherland,settle in a land full of strangers and also undergo lots of trouble and struggle to make place for themselves there. The super brains that could have been instrumental in the growth of our country drain a lot to foreign lands, facilitating their economic growth. Such drainage of super brains from India must be controlled for the country’s sake. VIII. Generalization: Here the topic sentence attempts to generalize a situation talking about its widespread scope. An issue or a problem is established to be common either to a section of society or globally. For example: A paragraph starting with a topic sentence ‘Story books no more interest the kids these days.’ well establishes the general problem faced by teachers and parents if kids don’t take interest in story books. They are rather more interested in T.V and computers. Once the generalization has been made, It can be then supported with details. Organizing a Tour Travelling can be real fun if organized well. On the contrary, it can be an awful experience if not planned well in advance. The first step, when planning a tour would be to decide the destination to be covered. Then, the mode of transportation must be decided according to the number of members and the distance. Internet must be surfed to take note of the sightseeing places and interesting spots on the destination. If going to a foreign country, enough know-how should be collected about the language system and the culture of the place. A proper itinerary should be chalked out to keep perfect timings. Adequate baggage, music, camera, first aid kit etc.all should be taken care of, to make the whole experience worthwhile. X. Narration : This technique is used to narrate personal experiences and events. The topic sentence states the events to be explained. It is then narrated sequentially. The emphasis, in this technique, remains on the substantial details to be added with each step in the narration
  • 6.
    process. The eventis described right from the beginning to the end, informing about the incidents and happenings in between. Examples : An Interesting Journey. Republic Day Celebration Award Ceremony. A Memorable Journey After our exams were over, our group of four decided to go for a journey to go to the Himalayas for trekking. We had an early morning train from the city station. We had already got a compartment reserved for ourselves. It was nice and cozy there. The weather was perfect for travel. The whole way, we went listening to music, singing and chatting. I am especially fond of reading. We relished some awesomely delicious snacks on the way. After about a day and a half we were near to our destination. As soon as the train approached the hills, the breeze got fresher and the calm and serene woods around seemed to be quite rejuvenating. The visit to the Himalayas was indeed an experience of lifetime. XI. Persuasion / Argument: There are certain topics that have to be argued upon to establish the facts. Such topics can be dealt with through this technique of paragraph writing. There are the topics which need adequate amount of supporting details to establish the righteousness of the issue in question. The topic might be highly controversial one like Centralization of Education. Here, lots of facts can be supplied for the topic and lots many against it. The writer has to take a stand and establish his own viewpoint regarding the issue. Examples: Corporal Punishment Gender Equality Handling Terrorism Handling Terrorism Terrorism is one of the major global issues today. There have always been contemplations about the ways of handling terrorism whether it is handled through negotiation or with a strong hand. Those supporting the strategy of negotiation argue that matters can only be sorted through talks and discussions. But, looking at the history of terrorism across the world, it has
  • 7.
    been noticed thatnegotiations have not worked. Negotiations can work with rational beings. Terrorists, on the other hand, are absolutely a brainless lot, trying to establish their supremacy through terror. They should be treated with power. That’s the only way terrorism can be wiped off this planet.