What Is A Paragraph

What is a paragraph?
After sentences, paragraphs are the next order of organization for written
communication
A paragraph is a part of a written composition, which consists of a collection of

sentences all related to one topic. Each paragraph can begin with an indented line. An
indent is signified by hitting the Tab key, or inserting five spaces.
Paragraph Content:
There are four essential elements to good paragraph writing:
1. Paragraph Unity
Every paragraph has one single, controlling idea. That idea is expressed in the topic
sentence. A paragraph is unified around this main idea.
The topic sentence sums up the whole of the paragraph and ties it all together. The
topic sentence is usually the first sentence in the paragraph, but not always. The topic
sentence points the reader toward where you, the writer, are going next. The topic
sentence is the most “general” sentence in the paragraph.
“Support” sentences add detail to the topic sentence. Supporting sentences develop,
explain, and substantiate the topic sentence. Supporting sentences provide facts,
details, and examples. Supporting sentences explain why the main idea is true. A
paragraph may have as many supporting sentences as needed to corroborate the main
idea.
2. Paragraph Order
A paragraph’s order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences.
There are many ways to organize a paragraph. Here are just a few:
• Chronological: the order of events, or time order

• Spatial: looking at how things are arranged in a space (descriptive)
• Emphatic: details presented in their order of importance or for emphasis
• Cause and Effect: a certain situation causes or results from another
•Comparison/Contrast: examining the similarities or differences between things
3. Paragraph Coherence
Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable. Sentences within a
paragraph need to connect to each other and work together as a whole.
Using Transitional Tags or words
One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition words. These words
create bridges from one sentence to the next. Here is a chart of the transitional
accompanied with a simplified definition of function:
again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first, further,
addition furthermore, in addition, in the first place, last, moreover, next, second, still, too
granted, naturally, of course

concession
although, and yet, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even
so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead,
contrast nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise,
regardless, still, though, yet
certainly, indeed, in fact, of course

emphasis
after all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in conclusion, indeed,
example or in fact, in other words, in short, it is true, of course, namely, specifically, that is,
illustration to illustrate, thus, truly
all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in other
words, in particular, in short, in simpler terms, in summary, on the whole, that
summary is, therefore, to put it differently, to summarize
after a while, afterward, again, also, and then, as long as, at last, at length, at
that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, formerly, further,
time furthermore, in addition, in the first place, in the past, last, lately, meanwhile,
sequence moreover, next, now, presently, second, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far,
soon, still, subsequently, then, thereafter, too, until, until now, when
4. Paragraph Completeness
Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed. If all sentences clearly and
sufficiently support the main idea, then your paragraph is complete. If there are not
enough sentences or enough information to develop your main point, then the
paragraph is incomplete.
Usually three supporting sentences, in addition to a topic sentence and concluding
sentence, are needed for a paragraph to be complete. The concluding sentence or last
sentence of the paragraph should summarize your main idea by reinforcing your topic
sentence. The concluding sentence either finishes the paragraph or prepares the reader
for the next paragraph.
Typical structure of a paragraph
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
 To introduce and clearly state the main idea/point that

you intend to develop
 To preview for the reader the kinds of information that
Topic sentence(s) the rest of the paragraph is likely to contain
 To link back to your thesis or the immediately
preceding argument
 To elaborate the new idea or point that you have

Development or introduced. Elaboration may include analysis,
elaboration of ideas exemplification and persuasion, or any combination of
these.
 To round off what you have said so far in your

paragraph
Concluding sentence(s)  To qualify the views expressed
 To link the current paragraph to the next paragraph
Paragraph Editing
The Editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them.
Grammar and Spelling

• Check your spelling.
• Check your grammar.
• Read your assignment again.
• Make sure each sentence has a subject.
• See if your subjects and verbs agree with one another.
• Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
• Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
Style and Organization

• Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
• Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
• Make sure you have a concluding sentence.
• Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
•Check your use of transition words.
•See if your paragraph is interesting.
The Basic Rule: Keep one idea to one paragraph
The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you
begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some
simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one. You can have one idea
and several bits of supporting evidence within a single paragraph. You can also have
several points in a single paragraph as long as they relate to the overall topic of the
paragraph. If the single points start to get long, then perhaps elaborating on each of
them and placing them in their own paragraphs is the route to go.
https://www.liberty.edu/media/2030/Paragraph_Construction.pdf
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/
http://writesite.elearn.usyd.edu.au/m3/m3u2/m3u2s2/m3u2s2_1.htm
http://plato.algonquincollege.com/applications/guideToGrammarUS/?page_id=1154

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What Is A Paragraph

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What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a part of a written composition, which consists of a collection of

• Chronological: the order of events, or time order

granted, naturally, of course

certainly, indeed, in fact, of course

 To introduce and clearly state the main idea/point that

 To elaborate the new idea or point that you have

 To round off what you have said so far in your

Grammar and Spelling

Style and Organization

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