English Composition: Paragraph Development

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Questions and Answers

What typically happens when an idea flows from one paragraph into another?

The same idea is reiterated

A new topic is introduced

The idea develops into a new paragraph (correct)

The idea is dropped

What is the main purpose of a concluding paragraph?

To provide supporting evidence

To end the discourse abruptly

To introduce a new idea

To summarize the argument (correct)

What is the primary role of an inductive paragraph?

To conclude the argument

To contradict the previous paragraph

To present proof or reasons that culminate in an assertion (correct)

To introduce a new topic

What is the opposite of an inductive paragraph?

A deductive paragraph Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a topic sentence?

To state the central idea of a paragraph Signup and view all the answers

What are the other sentences in a paragraph besides the topic sentence?

Supporting sentences Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a paragraph development technique?

Comparison Signup and view all the answers

Who identified eight methods of paragraph development?

Carbello Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the principles of writing paragraphs highlighted in this chapter?

To assist in developing good essays Signup and view all the answers

What is the topic of the paragraph about making pancakes?

Making pancakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of professional training, according to the passage?

To provide skilled personnel Signup and view all the answers

How many words/phrases are used for emphasis in the passage about professional training?

Twelve words/phrases Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of professional training, according to the passage?

It assures a higher income Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not having sufficient professional training?

Our way of life will be endangered Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the tutor-marked assignment?

To test knowledge of transitional markers Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of professional training in an age of space flight, automation, and nuclear research?

It provides skilled personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of a paragraph writer?

To focus on one main idea or topic Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a writer adds irrelevant material to a paragraph?

The paragraph loses unity Signup and view all the answers

How can coherence be achieved in a paragraph?

By using transitional devices and arranging ideas in a clear logical order Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of transitional words and phrases in a paragraph?

To achieve coherence Signup and view all the answers

What makes a paragraph incomplete?

When it focuses on an idea that cannot be fully developed Signup and view all the answers

Why is emphasis important in a paragraph?

To ensure the central idea is understood Signup and view all the answers

How can the central idea of a paragraph be emphasised?

By repeating or summing it up in the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of this chapter?

The characteristics of a paragraph Signup and view all the answers

What is a paragraph made up of?

A group of sentences dealing with a common idea Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an introductory paragraph?

To provide background information Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a topic sentence and supporting sentences?

The topic sentence is the main idea and the supporting sentences provide evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of transitional markers?

To achieve coherence Signup and view all the answers

What are the five structures of paragraphs?

Introductory, body, concluding, inductive, and deductive Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of paragraph development?

To achieve coherence and efficiency in discourse writing Signup and view all the answers

What should the writer do to develop and organise ideas in paragraphs?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph?

To summarize the main points Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

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.