para gr agh writing

7/31/2019 Para Gr Agh Writing

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Paragraph Writing

In general, the purpose of a paragraph is to express one point, idea or opinion.

For example: Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in

class.

This main idea is expressed through three sections of a paragraph:

1. Beginning - Introduce your idea.2. Middle - Explain your idea.3. End- Make your point again, transition to next paragraph.

Here is a paragraph taken from an essay on various strategies required for an overall

improvement of student performance:

Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in class. In fact,

studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess of more than 45 minutes consistently

score better on tests immediately following the recess period. Clinical analysis furthersuggests that physical exercise greatly improves the ability to focus on academic materials.

Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best possible chances of

success in their studies. Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients forimproving student scores on standardized tests.

There are four sentence types used to construct a paragraph:

1. Topic sentenceOne sentence which states your idea, point, or opinion. This sentence should use a

strong verb and make a bold statement.

For example: Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on

lessons in class.

NOTE: Notice the strong verb 'require' which is a call to action. A weaker form of

this sentence might be:I think students probably need more recreational time ... Thisweaker form is inappropriate for a topic sentence.

2. Supporting sentencesSupporting sentences (notice the plural) provide explanations and support for the topicsentence (main idea) of your paragraph.

For example: In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess of morethan 45 minutes consistently score better on tests immediately following the recess


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period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly improves the

ability to focus on academic materials.

NOTE: Supporting sentences provide the evidence for your topic sentence.Supporting sentences that include facts, statistics and logical reasoning are much more

convincing that simple statements of opinion.

3. Concluding sentenceThe concluding sentence restates the main idea (found in your topic sentence) and

reinforces the point or opinion.

For example: Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best

possible chances of success in their studies.

NOTE: Concluding sentences repeat the main idea of your paragraph in different

words.

4. Transitional sentenceThe transitional sentence prepares the reader for the following paragraph.

For example: Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients forimproving student scores on standardized tests.

NOTE: Transitional sentences should help readers logically understand the

connection between your current main idea, point or opinion and the main idea of

your next paragraph. In this instance, the phrase 'just one of the necessary ingredients...' prepares the reader for the next paragraph which will discuss another necessaryingredient for success.

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Elements of a Paragraph

To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: Unity,

Coherence, A Topic Sentence, and Adequate Development. As you will see, all of thesetraits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct

effective paragraphs.

Unity

The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with a one focus or

major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

Coherence


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Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can

help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.

Logical bridges

The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence

Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel formVerbal bridges

Key words can be repeated in several sentences Synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences Transition words can be used to link ideas from different sentences

A topic sentence

A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the

paragraph is going to deal with. Although not all paragraphs have clear-cut topic sentences,

and despite the fact that topic sentences can occur anywhere in the paragraph (as the first

sentence, the last sentence, or somewhere in the middle), an easy way to make sure yourreader understands the topic of the paragraph is to put your topic sentence near the beginning

of the paragraph. (This is a good general rule for less experienced writers, although it is not

the only way to do it). Regardless of whether you include an explicit topic sentence or not,you should be able to easily summarize what the paragraph is about.

Adequate development

The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully andadequately. Again, this varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's

purpose, but writers should beware of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a

pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.

Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:

Use examples and illustrations Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others) Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)

Use an anecdote or story Define terms in the paragraph Compare and contrast Evaluate causes and reasons Examine effects and consequences Analyze the topic Describe the topic Offer a chronology of an event (time segments)


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16.Describe the interior of a crowded bus as seen from its inside. Highlight itsconveniences in a state like Tamil Nadu and also point out the disadvantages of thismode of transport. Limit your answer to about 200 words.

para gr agh writing

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