Paragraph writing
•
What is a paragraph
•
A paragraph is a group of related
sentences that work together to develop a main idea or accomplish a single
purpose.
•
Paragraphs are the building blocks of
writing.
•
A paragraph needs to be solidly
constructed
•
A paragraph is a distinct section of a
piece of writing.
•
It consists of several related sentences
and deals with one controlling idea.
•
The main function of a paragraph is to
develop, support, or explain this theme.
•
A paragraph is a short paper of around
150 to 200 words.
•
It usually consists of an opening point
called a topic sentence followed by a series of sentences which support
that point.
•
A paragraph has two essential parts:
•
1. a point is advanced
•
2.That point is then supported
Essential characteristics of a good paragraph
•
1. topic sentence: The first
sentence of the paragraph
•
2. Unity of thought: The
paragraph deals with only one topic.
•
3. coherence: concerned with
relatedness, linking of ideas, shows the logical relationship between the
elements and the construction
•
4. Sequencing of sentences:
mutually connecting both in meaning and structure
1.
Topic sentence
•
The main idea or the theme is expressed
by one sentence called a topic sentence
•
The topic sentence states the gist of
the idea to be developed in the paragraph.
•
The other sentences of the paragraph
develop, support, and explain the
central theme,
2.
Unity
•
A paragraph has unity when all sentences
tell about one main idea or serve a single purpose.
•
Unity is the principal of oneness.
•
Only one idea should be developed and
every sentence in the paragraph should be used to support and expand that idea.
3.
Coherence
A
paragraph has coherence when the sentences flow smoothly and logically from
beginning to end
Sequencing
of sentences
•
Cohesive devises (or)
•
Transitions:
•
Transitions are the connecting words
that let readers know how the details in a paragraph are related
Transition words and phrases
•
Linking words or connectives:
•
Addition:
and, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition (to), besides
•
Contrast:
but, yet, though, even though, while, still,
•
Choice:
or, either … or, neither… not
•
Cause: for,
because of, since
•
Time: before,
after, until, till, by the time, when, first, then, afterwards, at last,
finally
Length
of the paragraph
•
A paragraph may sometimes be as short as
one sentence or as long as a page or more
•
Ideal:
•
Three to eight sentences.
•
Two to ten lines
•
Shorter paragraphs may be used to
emphasize a particular point,
•
Larger paragraphs are normally used in
professional or technical writing.
A basic paragraph
•
Consists of five sentences:
•
The first sentence: introduces the
topic.
•
The next three explain the topic further
•
The last sentence: concludes the
paragraph
Example
• Anitha is an excellent student (1). She is intelligent. She is responsible. Anitha always
does her home work, and she is never late for class.(2) As a result of her hard work, Anitha
is one of the best students in school.(3)
•
1. topic sentence
•
2.. Supporting sentences
•
3. Concluding sentence
