32 Questions
What typically happens when an idea flows from one paragraph into another?
The idea develops into a new paragraph
What is the main purpose of a concluding paragraph?
To summarize the argument
What is the primary role of an inductive paragraph?
To present proof or reasons that culminate in an assertion
What is the opposite of an inductive paragraph?
A deductive paragraph
What is the main function of a topic sentence?
To state the central idea of a paragraph
What are the other sentences in a paragraph besides the topic sentence?
Supporting sentences
What is an example of a paragraph development technique?
Comparison
Who identified eight methods of paragraph development?
Carbello
What is the main purpose of the principles of writing paragraphs highlighted in this chapter?
To assist in developing good essays
What is the topic of the paragraph about making pancakes?
Making pancakes
What is the purpose of professional training, according to the passage?
To provide skilled personnel
How many words/phrases are used for emphasis in the passage about professional training?
Twelve words/phrases
What is the benefit of professional training, according to the passage?
It assures a higher income
What is the consequence of not having sufficient professional training?
Our way of life will be endangered
What is the purpose of the tutor-marked assignment?
To test knowledge of transitional markers
What is the importance of professional training in an age of space flight, automation, and nuclear research?
It provides skilled personnel
What is the main concern of a paragraph writer?
To focus on one main idea or topic
What happens when a writer adds irrelevant material to a paragraph?
The paragraph loses unity
How can coherence be achieved in a paragraph?
By using transitional devices and arranging ideas in a clear logical order
What is the purpose of transitional words and phrases in a paragraph?
To achieve coherence
What makes a paragraph incomplete?
When it focuses on an idea that cannot be fully developed
Why is emphasis important in a paragraph?
To ensure the central idea is understood
How can the central idea of a paragraph be emphasised?
By repeating or summing it up in the conclusion
What is the main topic of this chapter?
The characteristics of a paragraph
What is a paragraph made up of?
A group of sentences dealing with a common idea
What is the purpose of an introductory paragraph?
To provide background information
What is the relationship between a topic sentence and supporting sentences?
The topic sentence is the main idea and the supporting sentences provide evidence
What is the purpose of transitional markers?
To achieve coherence
What are the five structures of paragraphs?
Introductory, body, concluding, inductive, and deductive
What is the main goal of paragraph development?
To achieve coherence and efficiency in discourse writing
What should the writer do to develop and organise ideas in paragraphs?
All of the above
What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph?
To summarize the main points
Study Notes
Introduction to Paragraph Development
- A paragraph is a section of a piece of writing that deals with a common idea or a single subject.
- A paragraph can be introductory, body, concluding, inductive, or deductive.
- The development of a paragraph depends on the writer's ability to present the relationship between the topic sentence and supporting sentences, organize ideas, and employ transitional markers.
The Structure and Purpose of Paragraphs
- Introductory paragraphs provide background information and outline the overall plan of the argument.
- Body paragraphs logically follow the introductory paragraph and each other, focusing on a single subject.
- Concluding paragraphs summarize the argument in the discourse.
- Inductive paragraphs start with proof or reasons and culminate in the author's assertion.
- Deductive paragraphs start with the author's assertion and provide supporting evidence.
Components of a Paragraph
- The first sentence of a paragraph starts on a new line and is typically the topic sentence.
- Supporting sentences expand on the topic sentence.
- Techniques for paragraph development include definition, explanation, exemplification, simplification, description, comparison, and clarification.
- Carbello (2014) identifies eight methods of paragraph development: facts and statistics, examples and illustration, process, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, classification and analysis, definition, and analogy.
Characteristics of a Paragraph
- Unity: A paragraph must focus on one main idea or topic.
- Coherence: Ideas in a paragraph must be arranged in a clear logical order, using transitional devices, repetition of key words, and pronouns.
- Completeness: A paragraph must show evidence of reasonable development of a central point.
- Emphasis: The central idea of a paragraph must be emphasized, using expressions like 'chiefly', 'of course', 'importantly', and 'mainly'.
Summary and Self-Assessment Questions
- This chapter covers structures of paragraphs, the relationship between topic and supporting sentences, development and organization of ideas, and the application of transitional markers.
- Self-assessment questions invite readers to identify techniques used in paragraph development, underline topic sentences, and compose a short essay demonstrating the use of transitional markers.
Learn about the structure and purpose of paragraphs, including types of paragraphs, topic sentences, and transitional markers. Understand how to develop effective paragraphs in writing.
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