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Paragraph:
A paragraph is a group of sentences organized around a central topic.
The Parts of a Paragraph:
• Topic Sentence
• Supporting Details
• Closing Sentence
Topic Sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph. It tells the reader what the
paragraph will be about.
This sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph and summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
All of the following sentences will add information that expands upon or supports the idea stated
here.
The Supporting Details make up the body of the paragraph. You should develop and
support the main idea of the paragraph by giving facts, details and examples. All of the
supporting details in the paragraph MUST relate to the topic sentence. Do not include irrelevant
details.
The Closing Sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. It repeats the main idea of your
paragraph in other words.
The last sentence of your paragraph is your concluding sentence, which quickly ties your
supporting thoughts together.
It also might restate your first topic sentence using different terms.
In fact, the cardinal rule of paragraph writing is to focus on one idea.
Four Essential Elements for a Paragraph:
A basic paragraph structure usually consists of five sentences: the topic sentence, three
supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
But the secrets to paragraph writing lay in four essential elements, which when used correctly,
can make an okay paragraph into a great paragraph.
1. Element #1: Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence. Every paragraph
has one single, controlling idea that is expressed in its topic sentence, which is typically the
first sentence of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea, with the
supporting sentences providing detail and discussion. In order to write a good topic
sentence, think about your theme and all the points you want to make. Decide which point
drives the rest, and then write it as your topic sentence.
2. Element #2: Order. Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences.
Whether you choose chronological order, order of importance, or another logical
presentation of detail, a solid paragraph always has a definite organization. In a well-
ordered paragraph, the reader follows along easily, aided by the pattern you’ve established.
Order helps the reader grasp your meaning and avoid confusion.
3. Element #3: 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.
One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition words. These words create
bridges from one sentence to the next. You can use transition words that show order (first,
second, third); spatial relationships (above, below) or logic (furthermore, in addition,
infact). Also, in writing a paragraph, using a consistent verb tense and point of view are
important ingredients for coherency.
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4. Element #4: 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 prove your thesis, 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.

Process of Writing a Paragraph:

Compose your topic sentence. Think of a topic and a controlling idea that will narrow the topic
enough to support it well in one paragraph.
Brainstorm supporting ideas. Choose 2—6 ideas that do a good job supporting your topic
sentence.
Write your paragraph in topic outline form as follows. Don’t actually write sentences in the
outline, except for the topic sentence.
Topic sentence:
A. Supporting idea 1.
1.
2.
3.
B. Supporting idea 2.
1.
2.
3.
C. Supporting idea 3.
1.
2.
3.
Concluding sentence
Put your supporting ideas in a logical order.
For each supporting idea, think of RENNS that further explain the idea. For balance, each
supporting idea should have about the same number of RENNS.
Think of a concluding sentence.
Write your paragraph using sentences. Use the coherence strategies to make your paragraph easy
to follow.
Example:
➢ Brainstorm and come up with a good topic sentence and supporting ideas:
➢ Topic Sentence: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.
➢ Supporting Ideas: 1. Good Location, 2. Affordability, 3. Good Preparation for major
➢ Then decide to order these supporting ideas according to importance, as shown in the
outline below.
➢ Next put this information into outline form and add some RENNS (reasons, examples,
names, numbers, and senses) for each supporting idea or detail.
Topic Sentence: Choosing a college or university can be difficult for high school graduates.
A. Good preparation for your major
1. Thorough, solid curriculum
2. Qualified professors
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B. Affordability
1. Ability to pay tuition and living expenses
2. Possibility of scholarship
C. Good Location
1. Study environment
2. Possibilities of part time job in major
Concluding Sentence: Consider these points carefully so that it can be possible to choose the
most appropriate college or university.

Finally write the paragraph using sentences and try to make the paragraph coherent.
Choosing a college or a university can be difficult for high school graduates. The most
difficult part is to finding a university that prepares them well for their future
career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough
and up-to-date. In addition, the professors must be highly qualified and respected
in their fields. Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is
affordability. Students need to be able to pay not only the tuition fee but
also the living expenses. Fortunately, some institutions might be able to
offer scholarship if students cannot afford the fee. Of course, a good location is
also very important while choosing a school. The environment should be safe and quiet to
facilitate studying. Moreover, there should be possibilities near the school for part time or
summer jobs related to major to provide some practical work experience. High school
graduates should consider all of these points carefully so they can choose the most appropriate
college or university for them.
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TYPES OF PARAGRAPHS:
There are four types of paragraphs that you need to know about: descriptive, narrative,
expository, and persuasive.
A quick search around the internet will yield other types, but to keep this simple, it's a good idea
to consider just these four.
Descriptive Paragraph:
This type of paragraph describes something and shows the reader what a thing or a
person is like. The words chosen in the description often appeal to the five senses of touch,
smell, sight, sound, and taste. Descriptive paragraphs can be artistic and may deviate from
grammatical norms.
In short, we can say that a Descriptive Paragraph describes people, animals or things.
Example:
Some people might say that the camel is an ugly creature, but in fact, it is a remarkable
animal. It has floppy hump in the middle of its back, big teeth, a strong smell, and long legs as
thin as sticks. Its natural habitat is the desert, where there is little water and a lot of hot sand. Yet
the camel can survive these difficult conditions because it is built for it. It can exist for long
periods on the fat stored in its hump and by eating the thorny plants of desert; it has pads on its
feet knees and chest so that it can endure the hot sand whether it is standing or sitting. Don’t be
deceived by appearances. You may think the camel ugly, but its qualities go far beyond its looks.
Narrative Paragraph:
This type of paragraph tells a story of an event that is meaningful and significant. There's
a sequence of action or there's a clear beginning, middle, and end to the paragraph.
Example:
Do you remember your first day in university? Well, I remember my first day I was
waiting for almost 4 months to enter the university. I felt excited because this was once in
lifetime being in university and at the same time I felt nervous because I didn’t know anybody.
My first day in the university was good.
I didn’t know how to find my class room. So, I waited at the pathways students usually went
through to go class. Luckily the girl that I asked the way to go to class was my one school friend
but we never talked. So I felt so grateful because I met her and she was the same course with me.
What a sweet coincidence. So I felt a bit relaxed to go to class because already found a friend.
We came in the classroom and the time to start classes began.
When we began our classes, all our classmates were quiet, nobody talked. The teacher arrived
early. He asked the newcomers like us to introduce ourselves before started the class. My first
class was programming. It was quite confusing, after 4 months sitting home, wasting time and
being in the class after that period.
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At that class I got to know a lot of my classmates. I am always going to remember that day
because I had the opportunity to meet more people and the most important I met the best friends
that I have ever had. Finally, I think that it is natural that on first day we feel nervous, but the
things always have a happy ending, that’s why I say that my first day in the university was very
good.
Expository Paragraph:
This type of paragraph explains something or provides instruction. Their purpose is to
give information to readers in an organized format. It could also describe a process and move the
reader step by step through a method. In simple, it explains and reveals information. This type of
paragraph often requires research, but it's possible that the writer is able to rely on his or her own
knowledge and expertise.
Example:
All toilet flush tanks work about the same. When the toilet is flushed, the trip handle lifts the
tank ball, opening the outlet and letting water flow into the bowl. When the tank is nearly empty,
the ball falls back in place over the outlet. The float falls with the water level, opening the water-
supply inlet valve just as the outlet is being closed, and the tank is refilled through the filler tube.
Water also flows through the bowl refill tube into the overflow pipe to replenish trap-sealing
water. As the water level in the tank nears the top of the overflow pipe, the float closes the inlet
valve, completing the cycle.

(This paragraph from Reader's Digest Complete Do-it-yourself Manual gives detailed
information about how the water moves through a toilet when it is flushed. It's instructive, and if
you like this kind of thing, it may even be interesting.)
Persuasive Paragraph:
This type of paragraph tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of view or
understand the writer's position. Persuasive paragraph are used to share opinions and convince
others to agree or take action. This is the type of paragraph that many teachers focus on because
it's useful when building an argument. It often requires the collection of facts and research.
Example:
Persuade: I am going to PERSUADE my neighbors to buy tickets to the school fair.
The school fair is right around the corner, and tickets have just gone on sale. We are selling a
limited number of tickets at a discount, so move fast and get your while they are still available.
This is going to be an event you will not want to miss! First off, the school fair is a great value
when compared with other forms of entertainment. Also, your ticket purchase will help our
school, and when you help the school, it helps the entire community. But that’s not all! Every
ticket you purchase enters you in a drawing to win fabulous prizes. And don’t forget, you will
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have mountains of fun because there are acres and acres of great rides, fun games, and
entertaining attractions! Spend time with your family and friends at our school fair. Buy your
tickets now!
Argue: I am going to present a logical ARGUMENT as to why my neighbor should attend
the school fair.
The school fair is right around the corner, and tickets have just gone on sale. Even though you
may be busy, you will still want to reserve just one day out of an entire year to relax and have
fun with us. Even if you don’t have much money, you don’t have to worry. The school fair is a
community event, and therefore prices are kept low. Perhaps, you are still not convinced. Maybe
you feel you are too old for fairs, or you just don’t like them. Well, that’s what my grandfather
thought, but he came to last year’s school fair and had this to say about it: “I had the best time of
my life!” While it’s true you may be able to think of a reason not to come, I’m also sure you can
think of several reasons why you must come. We look forward to seeing you at the school fair!

It is important to point out that many paragraphs are a combination of these four types.
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Writing of Single Paragraphs

Students are often asked in examinations to write short separate paragraphs, instead of essays, on
subjects of ordinary interest. Such single paragraphs are really miniature essays; but the same
principles as we have discussed in the previous section must be followed in their construction.
Each paragraph must have unity, treating of one definite subject, and must follow a logical order
of thought. In most cases, too, the rules about the topical sentences and the conclusion should be
borne in mind.
A few examples should make this clear. Suppose, for example, you are asked to write a
paragraph on “The Cat". It is obvious that you cannot treat this subject fully, as you might in a
long essay. And yet you must, according to the principle of unity, confine your paragraph to one
definite topic. You must, therefore, choose one thing to say about a cat, and stick to it
throughout. You might, for example, write of one characteristic of the cat, say, its love of
comfort and attachment to its home. In that case, you might write a paragraph something like
this: -
The Cat

There is some truth in the common saying that while dogs become attached to persons, cats are
generally attached to places. A dog will follow his master anywhere, but a cat keeps to the house
it is used to; and even when the house changes hand, the cat will remain there, so long as it is
kindly treated by the new owners. A cat does not seem to be capable of the personal devotion
often shown by a dog. It thinks most of its own comfort, and its love is only cupboard love.
Notice the construction of this paragraph. It begins with the topical sentence, which clearly states
the subject. The following sentence explains the statement by expanding it; and the last sentence,
by given a reason for the attachment of a cat to a particular house forms a fitting conclusion. The
paragraph is therefore a Unity, treating of one characteristic of cat character; and it follows an
orderly plan.
The paragraph on the cat is descriptive. Now take an example of narrative paragraph, in which
you are required to tell a story. Suppose the subject is to be a motor-car accident; you might treat
it in this way.
To sum up: In writing single paragraphs, the principles of Unity and Order must be kept in
mind, and also the rules of the topical and concluding sentences. The languages should be
simple, the style direct, and the sentences short; and, as a paragraph is limited, all diffuseness
must be avoided.

A Motor-Car Accident

It is the mad craze for speed that is responsible for many motor accidents. Only last year I
witnessed what might have been a fatal accident on the Kashmir Road. I was motoring down
from Sringer; and as I was nearing Kohala, I came upon the wreckage of two cars on the road.
The smash had been caused by a car coming down, which swept round a sharp corner at forty
miles an hour and crashed into a car coming up. Happily no one was killed; but several were
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badly injured, and the two cars were wrecked. To drive at such a speed down a twisting
mountain road is simply to court disaster.
In this paragraph, the topic sentence is again first; the narrative that follows is simply an
illustration of the statement in the topical sentence that many accidents are caused by a mad
craze for speed; and the concluding sentence sums the paragraph up by a restatement of the
topical sentence in other words.
The following is an example of a reflective paragraph; that is, one that expresses some reflection
or thought on an abstract subject: -

Mercy

To forgive an injury is often considered to be a sign of weakness; it is really a sign of strength. It

is easy to allow oneself to be carried away by resentment and hate into an act of vengeance; but
it takes a strong character to restrain those natural passions. The man who forgives an injury
proves himself to be the superior of the man who wronged him, and puts the wrongdoer to
shame. Forgiveness may even turn a foe into a friend. So, mercy is the noblest form of revenge.
The topical sentence of a paragraph is usually the first, or at latest the second; and this is the best
place for it. But for the sake of variety, it may be placed in a different position. In this paragraph,
it comes last – “So mercy is the noblest form of revenge". But the opening sentence is also a
good introduction to the subject, and is calculated to arouse interest by stating an apparent
paradox.

To sum up: In writing single paragraphs, the principles of Unity and Order must be kept in
mind, and also the rules of the topical and concluding sentences. The languages should be
simple, the style direct, and the sentences short; and, as a paragraph is limited, all diffuseness
must be avoided.