LESSON 4

COMPOSING AN EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH

I. What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences organized to discuss a topic. In fact, the main rule of
paragraph writing is to focus on one idea or topic. To be able to write an effective paragraph, one must
have the essential parts.

II. What are the Parts of a Paragraph?

There are three parts of a paragraph namely topic sentence, supporting sentences, and
concluding sentence. Each serves a different function in the paragraph.

1. Topic Sentence
A topic sentence presents the topic of the paragraph. It will serve as a guide for the writer to
keep his or her writing under control. This is why, a topic sentence is called the "controlling idea" of a
paragraph.

Below is an example of a topic sentence.

There are three reasons why I prefer walking to other physical activities.

The sentence above shows that the topic is about walking. It will guide the writer to focus only on
the reasons why he or she prefers walking to other physical activities.

2. Supporting Sentences
The Supporting sentences serve as the body of your paragraph. This is where you elaborate your
topic by including specific details or evidences. All of the sentences in the body must relate to the topic
sentence. These sentences should be organized accordingly through the use of transitional devices.

Below is an example of supporting sentences.

One reason is that walking can be done easily. I can do it anywhere at any time with no need for
any equipment. Also, I prefer walking because it is good for the heart. I don’t have to do much effort while
walking. Lastly, I prefer this physical activity because it is safe. It is not as risky as other physical
activities like swimming, racing or biking.

The sentences above are supporting sentences elaborating the topic sentence which is about the
reasons why the writer prefers walking to the other physical activities. The sentences are connected by
using the transitional devices of addition such as: one, also, and lastly.

3. Concluding Sentence
A concluding sentence restates what the topic of the paragraph is all about. It comes after all
the details have been included in the body of the paragraph. The box below contains the list of
transitional devices used in concluding sentences.

Conclusion: thus, hence, indeed, finally, therefore, consequently, in conclusion, to conclude, as a result, in
the end, and for all these reasons

Summary: so, accordingly, briefly, in brief, in sum, summing up, in summary, to sum up, as can be seen,
given this point, and to summarize

Below is an example of a concluding sentence.

For all these reasons, I consider walking the best physical activity of all.

The sentence above is the concluding sentence showing the conclusion how the speaker feels
about walking. It uses the transitional device for all these reasons.
Below is an example of a complete paragraph with its essential parts.
III. What are the Principles in Writing a Paragraph?
For a paragraph to be effective, the following principles must be observed.

1. Unity
Unity means that all sentences in the paragraph talk about one central idea. This means that
the writer will deal only with one topic. It is important because it guides the writer with his or her
idea.

Example:
Apples make us healthy. They are rich in fiber that reduces the risk of cardiovascular
diseases. They also have vitamin C that boosts the immune system and helps defend the body from
infections and diseases. Lactobacilli, a type of probiotic that is good for digestion, is another
component present in apples. In addition, apples have potassium that reduces the risk of high
blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Indeed, apples are nutritious and good for our
health.

The paragraph above has unity. It only tackles one topic which is ‘Apples make us healthy.’
With this, the supporting sentences talk about the healthy components of apples. Then, the concluding
sentence emphasizes the main idea of the topic sentence by restating that apples are nutritious and
good for our health.

2. Coherence
Coherence refers to the connection of ideas in the paragraph in general. The idea in the topic
sentence, as well as in the supporting sentences and concluding sentence, is connected to each
other through the use of transitional devices.
Example

Apples make us healthy. They are rich in fiber that reduces the risk of cardiovascular
diseases. They also have vitamin C that boosts the immune system and helps defend the body from
infections and diseases. Lactobacilli, a type of probiotic that is good for digestion, is another
component present in apples. In addition, apples have potassium that reduces the risk of high
blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Indeed, apples are nutritious and good for our
health.

The paragraph above has coherence. The sentences are connected to each other through the
use of the underlined transitional devices.

3. Development
Development refers to the principle when a paragraph describes, elaborates, explains, and
supports its topic sentence. A paragraph is considered adequately developed if after reading it, the
reader is left with no questions.

Example
Apples make us healthy. They are rich in fiber that reduces the risk of cardiovascular
diseases. They also have vitamin C that boosts the immune system and helps defend the body from
infections and diseases. Lactobacilli, a type of probiotic that is good for digestion, is another
component present in apples. In addition, apples have potassium that reduces the risk of high
blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Indeed, apples are nutritious and good for our
health.

The paragraph above applies the principle of development. The topic sentence which is ‘Apples
make us healthy’ is elaborated with facts. These facts are presented in the supporting sentences.
Also, the concluding sentence supports the topic sentence by restating that apples are nutritious and
good for our health.

IV. What are the Different Patterns of Paragraph Development?

There are many ways to develop a paragraph. The following are the common patterns of
paragraph development.

1. Narration
In the narration pattern, the paragraph tells a story or recounts a series of events. It
arranges the events or ideas in a chronological order which means the events are organized from
beginning to end. Narrative paragraph can be based on personal experience or on knowledge gained
from reading or observation.
Example:
My most memorable trip is my last vacation. For me, it is a very special moment because my
family was finally complete after ten years. The plan was to go in a white island where the sea was
as clear as crystals. It is one of the booming tourist destinations in our country. When we reached the
place, we were all fascinated with the beauty of nature. Since it was a rare occasion that we were all
complete, we immediately took the chance to have our first family photo. This makes my last vacation
to be the most memorable get away.

2. Description
In a description pattern, the paragraph is characterized by using more adjectives or vivid
sensory description. It creates a mental picture of the idea or the topic by describing how it sounds,
smells, tastes, feels, and/or looks. It is often recommended to use transitional words and phrases
that indicate location.

Example:
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Caraga is the Enchanted River of Hinatuan,
Surigao del Sur. It is a deep cold spring river with bright blue color that sparkles when the sun hits
the clear water. The blue river is surrounded by trees and jungle vines of scenic green. Beneath the
water lies a cave system that consists of tunnels leading to an unmapped territory making it
mysterious. But, what is more mysterious is how the river got its name “Enchanted”. Locals believe
that fairies have added mesmerizing colors of sapphire and jade to the water that resulted to its
captivating beauty. Another enchanting event happens every 12 noon. The caretaker rings a bell that
signals everyone to leave the water. When everyone is out, the “Hymn of Hinatuan” is played. Then, a
large variety of fishes gathered for the feeding which is done by the staff members. The fishes are fed
with rice, minced meat, shrimp, octopus, and other scraps of food. Once the feeding is done, these
fishes simply disappear returning the water back to its calm state. These are the reasons why
Hinatuan’s Enchanted River is an amazing tourist attraction that people must visit.

3. Process
This pattern of development is usually used to explain a process on how to do something. It
uses transitional devices of enumeration (e.g., first, second, third) and time (e.g., then, next, finally).
It is the right pattern of development when your purpose is to help our readers understand the
steps in a process or procedure, or to give instructions.

Example:
Cooking spaghetti is very simple. First, cook pasta according to the instructions on the
packaging. When pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Second, sauté garlic and onion in butter.
Third, add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes. Next, add hotdog and cook for 2 minutes. After that,
add tomato sauce, banana ketchup, and a small amount of water to make a spaghetti sauce. Simmer
for 20 minutes until cooked. Then, pour spaghetti sauce over pasta. Finally, top with grated cheese
and serve. These are the easy steps to cook spaghetti.

4. Exemplification
This pattern of paragraph development uses series of examples to support the topic sentence.
This means that to further explain the topic, the use of specific examples must be provided.

Example:
Potential energy refers to an energy that is at rest or without motion. For example, you are
sitting on a chair. The stored energy while on a sitting position is referred to as potential energy.
Similarly, a boy who is sleeping on a bed is another example of potential energy. Therefore, potential
energy is the stored energy possessed by an object at rest.

5. Comparison/Contrast
This pattern of paragraph development is used when a paragraph demonstrates comparison
and/or contrast or examines how given subjects are either similar or different. Comparison
examines how the subjects are the same while contrast examines how the subjects are different. In
writing this paragraph pattern it is highly recommended to use transitional words and phrases that
indicate comparison and contrast.

Example:
Crocodiles and alligators are different species. They don’t belong to the same biological family.
Crocodiles came from the family of Crocodilia while alligators came from the family of Alligatoridae. In
terms of their habitat, crocodiles prefer to live in saltwater while alligators live in freshwater like
rivers and lakes. The main reason for this geographical separation is that Crocodiles have well-
developed salt glands on their tongue that expel large amounts of salt, enabling them to live in more
salty waters. However, alligators' salt glands don't function well, leading them to stick to freshwater
habitats. Another way to differentiate the two is by looking at the shape of their snouts. Crocodiles
have long pointed V-shaped snouts while alligators have rounded U-shaped snouts. These features
make crocodiles and alligators distinct from each other.

6. Definition
This pattern of paragraph development aims to give a complete working definition of a term,
concept, or idea. One of the main features of this pattern is that it tells both what the term is and
what it is not. In other words, it defines the boundaries of a term, so the readers can better
understand it.

Example.
E-mail is not something you can hold in your hand and send in the mail. Simply, it is a mail put
into digital form and sent to its recipient through the Internet. Also, you don’t need a stamp to send it.
E-mail has been turned into something electronically made that can be sent in anyplace, anytime, as
long as the recipient has an internet connection. For example, a person does not need to go to the post
office just to send an important letter or message. All he or she has to do is simply open his or her E-
mail account, type a message and send it to the recipient’s E-mail address. In other words, E-mail is
an electronic mail.

7. Classification
This pattern of paragraph development presents a topic and classifies it into component
parts, types, kinds or categories. It distinguishes its parts by presenting the characteristics of each.
This pattern uses transitional phrases like can be divided, is a kind/type/part of, can be classified,
falls under, can be categorized, is related to, and associated with.

Example:
Some of us think that verbs are only those action words. But actually, verbs have different
classifications. They can be actions, linking, and auxiliary verbs. On one hand, action verbs are those
words that show actions like jump, write, and talk. On the other hand, linking verbs such as is, are,
was, were, and am, are words that connect the subject of a sentence to its predicate. Meanwhile,
auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are those verbs used to help a main verb. For example,
in this sentence "I do love English", do is an auxiliary verb since it is used to help the main verb love.
In conclusion, verbs have many forms and functions.

8. Cause and Effect

This pattern of paragraph development explains the reasons why something happened or
explains the effects of something. When an author gives reasons, he or she is explaining the causes.
When a writer explains the results, he or she is explaining the effects. To explain the causes, the
following signal words may be used: since, due to, because, consequently, and for this reason. To
explain the effects, the following signal words may be used: so, thus, hence, therefore, and as a
result.
Example:
There are many reasons why students are not allowed to chew gum in the class. First, some
irresponsible students do not properly dispose their gum after chewing. They may stick it on the
bottoms of desks, drop it on the floor, or put it on their classmate’s property. This may result to
arguments among classmates. Another reason is it is a distraction. When students are allowed to
chew gum, their attention is more focused on chewing, popping, or snapping it. Because of this, they
may no longer listen, read, and learn properly. These are the reasons why students are not allowed
to chew gum in the class.

What I Have Learned

Let us check how far you have learned from this lesson by filling in the boxes below.

Today I have learned that paragraph is

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The essential parts of a paragraph discussed in this module are
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The pattern of paragraph development that I like the most is the pattern of
_________________________________. I like it because ________________________________________
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 I have realized that writing effective paragraphs is important
because_____________________________________________________________________________________
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