Paragraph Writing

A paragraph is a brief piece of writing that's around seven to ten sentences long. It has a topic sentence
and supporting sentences that all relate closely to the topic sentence. The paragraph form refers to its
overall structure, which is a group of sentences focusing on a single topic.
There are three main parts of a paragraph:

• Topic sentence - it has the main idea

• Supporting sentence - details that relate to and support the topic sentence
• Concluding sentence - a brief reflection or statement about the main idea

Topic sentence
• Complex sentences
By definition a complex sentence is one that has a main clause which could stand alone and a dependent
clause which cannot by itself be a sentence. Using a complex sentence is a great way to refer to the
content of the paragraph above (dependent clause) and then bring in the content of the new paragraph
(the independent clause). Here is a typical example:
While the ant generally works for the benefit of the community, he also carries out duties for his own
needs.
The beginning, dependent, clause probably refers to the content of a preceding paragraph that presented
the ant as a community-focused worker. As suggested by the main clause, which is the second within the
sentence, the new paragraph will address how the ant works to benefit himself as well.
• Questions sentences
Questions at the beginning of new paragraphs can make topic sentences which both remind the reader of
what was in the previous paragraph and signal the introduction of something new. Consider this example
of a question for a topic sentence:
But will the current budget cuts be enough to balance the school district’s budget?
This question refers to the content of the previous paragraph, but it introduces the content for the new
one – how the budget cuts may not in fact be enough to balance the budget.
• Bridge sentences
A "bridge sentence" reminds the reader of what went before and does not signal what is to come. It
merely hints that something new is about to be introduced. Example:
But there may be more to this issue than first thought.
• Pivot sentences
Pivot topic sentences will come somewhere in the middle of a paragraph, and usually announce that the
content will be changing in a different direction. These are often used when there are two differing
opinions about something or when two "experts" are being quoted or referred to that may have a different
opinion or approach to something. A paragraph may begin something like this:
Kubler and Kessler have identified 5 stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and
acceptance. And they have provided a detailed explanation of the symptoms and behaviors of each of
these stages, so that those experiencing grief may identify which stage they are in at any given time and
develop strategies with the help of their therapists, to move through those stages more effectively. Since
their original work, however, a number of other psychologists have developed different models of the
grieving process that call into question some of Kubler and Kessler’s contentions….
The first part of this paragraph addresses Kubler and Kessler; the second part will obviously address
another opinion. The topic sentence is underlined, to show the pivot point in the paragraph. Pivot topic
sentences will always have some clue word, such as "yet," "sometimes," or "however.
 ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES OF PARAGRAPHS IN DOCUMENTS

• Completeness
The message must be complete and geared to the receiver’s perception of the world. The message must be
based on facts and a complex message needs additional information and/ or explanation. A good
subdivision of subjects will clarify the message as a result of which there will be a complete overview of
what is said.

• Concreteness
Concrete business communication is also about a clear message. This is often supported by factual
material such as research data and figures. The words used as well as the sentence structure can be
interpreted univocally. Nothing is left to the imagination.

• Courtesy
In addition to considering the feelings and points of view of the target group, it is also important to
approach the audience in a friendly and courteous manner. Use of terms that show respect for the
receiver contribute towards effective communication. The same goes for the manner in which you address
someone. Not everyone will be charmed if you use a familiar form of address and use of a formal address
could come across as too distant. By using the word ‘they’ a larger audience is immediately addressed.

• Correctness
A correct use of language has the preference. In written business communication, grammatical errors
must be avoided and stylistic lapses or a wrong use of verbs are not sufficient either in verbal
communication. A correct use of language increases trustworthiness and the receiver will feel that they are
taken seriously.

• Clarity
Clear or plain language is characterized by explicitness, short sentences and concrete words. Fuzzy language
is absolutely forbidden, as are formal language and cliché expressions. By avoiding parentheses and
keeping to the point, the receiver will get a clear picture of the content of the message. Briefly-worded
information emphasizes the essence of the message.

• Consideration
Communicating with the target group (Consideration). In order to communicate well, it is important to relate
to the target group and be involved. By taking the audience into account, the message can be geared
towards them. Factors that play a role in this are for example: professional knowledge, level of
education, age and interests.

• Conciseness
A message is clear when the storyline is consistent and when this does not contain any inconsistencies.
When facts are mentioned, it is important that there is consistent, supporting information.
Systematically implementing a certain statement or notation also contributes to clear business
communication. When statements are varied, they will confuse the receiver.

• Creativity
A text will only be lively when the words and sentence structures are used creatively and when short
sentences are alternated with longer sentences. Creativity is especially important in texts in which search
words are used, it is essential that the search words are constantly used in a different setting.

• Credibility
By creating an atmosphere of trust in a conversation or text, you add credibility to the message. This can
be achieved by a clear and striking ‘tone’, which indicates that the information you are discussing contains
the right information.
Defining

A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols).Definitions
can be classified into two large categories,

• intensional definitions(which try to give the essence of a term) and

• extensional definitions (which proceed by listing the objects that a term describes).
• Another important category of definitions is the class of ostensive definitions, which convey the
meaning of a term by pointing out examples. A term may have many different senses and
multiple meanings, and thus require multiple definitions.
 Kinds of Paragraphs
1. Descriptive paragraph
2. Narrative paragraph
3. Persuasive paragraph
4. Explanatory paragraph

1. Descriptive Paragraph
A descriptive paragraph is one that is describing a person, place, thing, animal, theme or idea to the reader.
Descriptive phrases make use of the five senses: how something feels, smells, sounds, tastes or looks. The more
descriptive that you can get, the better picture you’re providing your reader. A good descriptive paragraph will make
them feel like they were experiencing everything you’re talking about. Descriptive paragraphs are powerful tools for
fiction writers, as these paragraphs are responsible for setting the stage and telling the story.

2. Narrative Paragraph
A narrative paragraph helps tell the story and keeps the story moving. Narrative paragraphs will include action,
events and exciting descriptive words. These paragraphs help keep the reader engaged in the story. Narrative
paragraphs are similar to descriptive paragraphs (and a paragraph may actually be both at once), but a narrative
paragraph tends to offer the reader more background information, such as past events that lead up to or cause events
in the story. These are also very important paragraphs for fiction writers, as they help the reader to see the whole
picture.

3. Persuasive Paragraphs
A persuasive paragraph is one in which the writer is actually giving his own opinion on a certain subject or topic.
Persuasive paragraphs will also include facts and information that help to back up the writer’s opinion. These
paragraphs often show up in speeches or editorial essays and other forms of writing where the main goal is
persuasion. In fiction, use these paragraphs to convince the reader to feel a certain way toward a character, place
or event, perhaps a different way than they may have felt earlier in the story.

4. Explanatory Paragraph
An explanatory paragraph offers the reader information on a certain subject. These paragraphs may contain
directions or might describe a process in a logical, linear manner. Explanatory paragraphs are also factual in
nature and are not a common tool for fiction writers. A how-to article is an example of a piece of writing that would
use these paragraphs.
 Classification Paragraph

Classification Paragraph: the purpose of a classification paragraph is to clearly define something

and place it in a group according to some basis or rule so that it only fits in one group.

The same information can be classified into more than one category, but the classification paragraph sticks
to one basis of classification. The topic sentence has two parts: the topic, and the basis of classification,
which is the controlling idea; it controls how the writer approaches the subject.

Classify- to gather into types, kinds, or categories according to a single basis of division.

Logical sequence- list the categories in this order: either most to least outrageous, least to most expensive,
from largest to smallest and so on.

Transitional expressions:
• can be divided
• can be classified
• can be categorized
• the first type
• the second kind
• the last category

Use a classification paragraph when you can sort a large idea or topic into at least two small sub-
categories. Once a topic has been selected, you need to come up with a method of how you want to sort
or break the topic into smaller categories. If you choose music, you need to decide if you want to sort the
topic by the following:

Example 1: music

• people who listen to country music

• types of country music
• female singers of country music
• male singers of country music
• country music radio stations

Example 2: Computer Languages

A computer language used for creating web documents can be classified according to its purpose: HTML,JavaScript, and
CCS. The first type of computer language, HTML, is the basic language for creating an HTML, or web document. HTML,
or Hypertext Markup Language was developed in the 1980’s and revised until it reached its current form. The style and
content of a webpage is determined by HTML code, tags, and attributes. A text file ending with the.html extension is
written in a text editor such as Notepad, and then interpreted by a browser. For example, the MSUGF homepage
contains images, text, links, headers and other HTML elements specified by HTML code which causes it to display in a
web browser such as Internet Explorer. The second type of computer language, CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets is also
a language used for creating web pages; however, its purpose is to describe a pages structure and style. An inline,
embedded, or external style-sheet is used in accompaniment to HTML and indicates styles for features like fonts, colors,
images and text. CSS is also used to position elements on a web page, and to format how the page is displayed on
various output devices, including printed documents, monitors and handheld devices. The third language, JavaScript, is
a computer language used for creating executable applications in web documents. Like HTML and CSS, JavaScript is
created with a text editor and displayed by a browser. An application is composed of objects like expressions, variables,
values and operators. An automatically updated time or date on a web page is a JavaScript application. A script can be
produced for various functions including hiding e-mail addresses from spammers, or performing mathematical
functions. HTML, JavaScript, and CSS computer languages used for indicating the style, content, and formatting of
elements within web pages are constantly being revised to improve usability for the programmer and the end-user and
to offer endless options for web design.

(VOCABULARY )

For giving examples

for example, for instance, an illustration of this, another example

• For providing a description

in the foreground, in the middle distance, in the background, in the far distance, next to, near, up, down,
between, above, below, on top of, beneath, left, right, centre, front, back, middle, in the interior, on the exterior,
on the inside, on the outside, surrounding

• For beginning an explanation

at first, initially, to begin with, in the beginning, first of all, the first step

• For continuing an explanation

while, as, at the same time, the next step, after, next, then, where, in general, other

• For ending an explanation

finally, eventually, at last, the final/last step
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