10 Questions
What is a paragraph made up of?
A group of sentences
What do all sentences in a paragraph deal with?
Common ideas
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of paragraph?
Transitional
What is the relationship between topic sentences and supporting sentences?
Supporting sentences develop the idea in the topic sentence
What is one characteristic that paragraphs must exhibit for coherence?
Transitional markers
Which part of a paragraph often contains the conclusion?
Concluding paragraph
What typically follows an introductory paragraph in a discourse?
Body paragraph
How should body paragraphs be centered?
On a single subject
Which type of paragraph is referred to as 'conclusion-oriented'?
Inductive paragraph
What is the main purpose of a deductive paragraph?
To present the most important part of the reasoning
Study Notes
Components of a Paragraph
- A paragraph starts with a new line and has a central idea summed up in a topic sentence.
- The topic sentence is supported by other sentences that expand on the topic.
- The topic sentence can be the first sentence of the paragraph as an introduction.
- The topic sentence and supporting sentences develop into a paragraph through various techniques such as definition, explanation, exemplification, simplification, description, comparison, and clarification.
Paragraph Development Techniques
- There are various techniques to develop a paragraph, including:
- Facts and statistics
- Examples and illustration
- Process
- Comparison and contrast
- Cause and effect
- Classification and analysis
- Definition
- Analogy
Characteristics of a Paragraph
- Unity: A paragraph must have one main idea or topic, and everything in the paragraph must be related to the main topic.
- Coherence: A paragraph must be logically organized, with ideas arranged in a clear and logical order.
- Completeness: A paragraph must show evidence of a reasonable development of a central point.
- Emphasis: The central idea of a paragraph must be emphasized, with enough space devoted to discussing it.
Achieving Coherence
- Coherence can be achieved through:
- Linear structuring of time sequence or space order
- Contrast and comparison
- Transitional devices such as 'consequently', 'meanwhile', 'however', 'furthermore'
- Repeating key words
- Using pronouns as references
Emphasizing the Main Idea
- The central idea of a paragraph can be emphasized through:
- Repeating or summing it up in the conclusion
- Using expressions like 'chiefly', 'of course', 'importantly', 'mainly', 'indeed', 'especially'
- Devoting enough space to discussing it
Learn about the different components of a paragraph, including topic sentences and supporting sentences, and how they are developed through various techniques. Explore the basics of effective paragraph writing.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
