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Muhammad Masood Babar

Technical Writing & Presentation Skills

Chapter No. 05: Paragraph Writing

What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a series of sentences about one main thought, idea or point. The paragraph is
like a sentence in the sense that it must concern itself with one thought. While some ideas can
be adequately treated in a single sentence, others require the fuller treatment which is afforded
by a series of sentences (i.e. the paragraph) or a group of paragraphs, chapters, section(s) or even
a book.

Paragraph definition: A paragraph is a unit of writing in a larger body of work. A

paragraph expresses a particular topic or theme.

The purpose of a paragraph is to express a speaker’s thoughts on a particular point in a clear

way that is unique and specific to that paragraph. In other words, paragraphs shouldn’t be
mixing thoughts or ideas. When a new idea is introduced, generally, a writer will introduce a
new paragraph. A paragraph is a component of non-fiction writings for instance essays, research
papers, books, etc.

A paragraph typically starts with a point and the rest of the paragraph provides details to
support and develop that point.

Writing a Good Paragraph:

A good paragraph will have the following:

1. Topic Sentence.
2. Supporting Sentences.
3. Concluding Sentence.

1. Topic Sentence:
A topic sentence is the first sentence of the body paragraph. A topic sentence is an introductory
line that addresses what the main idea or thesis of the paragraph is going to be. It should
contain the most important and relevant point you wish to make regarding your topic, thus
summarizing the paragraph as a whole.

Every other sentence you write should support the topic sentence and provide further detail and
discussion of the issues or ideas it raises. If any sentence you write cannot be directly related to
the topic sentence, it should not be included in the paragraph.
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2. Supporting Sentences: (supporting details)

Once you have written and are happy with your topic sentence, you can start to fill in the rest of
your paragraph. This is where the detailed, well-structured notes you wrote earlier will come in
handy. Make sure that your paragraph is coherent, which means that it is easy to read and
understand, that each sentence connects with the next and that everything flows nicely as a
whole. To achieve this, try to write clear, simple sentences that express exactly what you want
to say.

▪ Link each sentence with transition words which form a bridge between one sentence and the
next. Transition words can help you compare and contrast, show sequence, show cause and
effect, highlight important ideas, and progress smoothly from one idea to the next. Such
transition words include "furthermore", "in fact" and "in addition to". You can also use
chronological transitions, such as "firstly", "secondly" and "thirdly".

▪ The supporting sentences are the meat of your paragraph, so you should fill them with as
much evidence to support your topic sentence as possible. Depending on the topic, you can
use facts, figures, statistics and examples or you can use stories, anecdotes and quotes.
Anything goes, as long as it is relevant.

▪ In terms of length, three to five sentences will usually be enough to cover your main points
and adequately support your topic sentence, but this will vary greatly depending on the topic
and the length of the paper you are writing. There is no set length for a paragraph. It should
be as long as it needs to be to adequately cover the main idea.

3. Concluding Sentence:

The concluding sentence of your paragraph should tie everything together. A good concluding
sentence will reinforce the idea outlined in your topic sentence, but now it has all the weight of
the evidence or arguments contained in your supporting sentences behind it. After reading the
concluding sentence, the reader should have no doubt as to the accuracy or relevance of the
paragraph as a whole.

▪ Don’t just reword the topic sentence. Your concluding sentence should acknowledge the
discussion that has come before it and remind your reader of the relevance of this
discussion.

▪ For example, in a paragraph dealing with the topic "Why is Canada a great place to live?"
The concluding sentence might look something like "From all the evidence provided above,
such as Canada's fantastic health care provisions, its top-notch education system and its
clean, safe cities, we can conclude that Canada is indeed a great place to live."
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Element of a Good Paragraph:

A basic paragraph structure usually consists of three kinds of sentences: the topic sentence,
supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. But the secrets to paragraph writing lay in
four essential elements, which when used correctly, can make a okay paragraph into
a great paragraph.

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. 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. Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable.

Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other and work togethe r 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, in fact).

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.
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Summary:
Make sure your paragraph has 3 distinct parts.

1. Topic sentence:

▪ 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.

2. Supporting sentences:

▪ The second sentence identifies the first major supporting detail.

▪ The third sentence brings up a second supporting detail.
▪ Similarly, the fourth sentence mentions a third supporting detail.
▪ Additional sentences can be added here for additional supporting details or to divide one
lengthy supporting detail into separate, easier-to-read sentences.

3. Conclusion:

▪ 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.

Paragraph Samples:
Sample No. 1:

Susan Sanders did not like the rain. Whenever it rained, dark clouds would cover the sky and
block out the sun, making the entire day seem dreary and gray. If it rained on a chilly day, then
the day seemed even colder and more miserable than before. Moreover, regardless of the
temperature, rain meant that Susan’s hair would get frizzy and messed up no matter how much
time she spent on it. Even a few raindrops were enough to undo an entire morning’s worth of
styling. As far as Susan was concerned, rain was certainly not her friend.

Sample No. 2:
The benefits of social networking websites have the potential to outweigh the dangers of such
websites. While social networking does curb real life interaction with one's peers, it also
provides shy, introverted, or socially awkward youth with a new avenue of communication that
often makes it easier to connect and form relationships. A sharp increase in cyber-bullying is an
unfortunate result of social networking, but sites like Facebook also give people the opportunity
to build a larger network of support. Additionally, while unmonitored teens and young adults
may post photographs and information that could damage their futures and make them less
desirable to potential employers, responsible and well-guided youth have the chance to build
working relationships and create a stronger presence in the working world. Even though there
are a large number of risks and downfalls associated with social networking, when the tool is
used correctly and the youth are instructed on correct usage, it offers considerable positives.
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Types of Paragraphs:

There are four types of paragraphs that you need to know about: descriptive, narrative, expository,
and persuasive.

1). Descriptive: These paragraphs have four main aims. First of all, they naturally describe
something or somebody that is conveying the information. Secondly, such paragraphs create
powerful images in the reader's mind. Thirdly, they appeal to the primary senses of vision,
hearing, touch, taste, and smell. And finally, they increase the dynamics of the text. Some
grammar rules may be skipped in descriptive paragraphs, but only for the sake of imagery.

Example:

Caroline’s dress was a shimmering display of an endless array of colors. With each step she took
a flash of a new color was broadly displayed only to quickly disappear with her very next
graceful step. At that point, yet another vibrant, intoxicating and even more powerful color was
displayed. It seemed as if the dress had a mind of its own because I never did see the same color
appear twice. Everyone was so captivated by the dress that no one noticed the satisfaction
Caroline’s facial features openly broadcasted. In fact, not only was her dress a work of utter
perfection but so was her oval face, creamy complexion, emerald green eyes and plump, smiling
red lips.

2). Narrative: This type of paragraph tells a story. There's a sequence of action or there's a
clear beginning, middle, and end to the paragraph.

Example:

I remember when I first arrived in the United States. Even before the plane landed, the little
windows in the airplane revealed snow and ice-covered houses and buildings. As I walked off
the plane, cold air crept though the corrugated ramp that led to the airport terminal. Some
people inside the airport were wearing big coats and hats, which I had seen on television, but
never up close. I felt a little dizzy and needed to sit down, and then my cell phone rang. It was
my Aunt Sophia. She was waiting for me outside in the passenger pick-up area, so I walked
quickly to the exit, forgetting all about my luggage. When the sliding glass door opened to the
outside, there was my aunt--a woman I hadn't seen in over ten years--wearing a parka and
waving her arms frantically in my direction.

3). Expository: This type of paragraph explains how something works or what the reader is to
do to make it work. Expository paragraphs are found in the books that you read for school or
the instructions that you read when trying to repair something on your house. Writing such
paragraphs demand certain knowledge in the subject.

This type of paragraph is usually written from a third-person point of view. However, you can
use a first-person perspective. The use of the first-person might reveal a bias.
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The three main types of expository paragraphs are.

▪ Informative.
▪ Cause and Effect.
▪ Comparison / Contrast.

Example: (Informative).

English is the language spoken throughout most of Canada, but in Quebec, the most populated
province, and in areas near Quebec, French is the first language. Because of this, Canadians
recognize French and English as official languages that are used in business and government.
Many people are bilingual and easily go from French to English and vice versa when speaking
with tourists. The farther west you go, the more English you'll hear, but it is common to meet
people throughout the country who are familiar with both languages.

Example: (Cause and Effect). A cause and effect paragraph explains why the action of one
thing (the cause) produces a result (the effect). In this example, the first-person perspective is
used. The example below is by a student:

If I had listened to my teachers who encouraged me stay in college, I would be in a much better
financial position today. Instead, when I was nineteen, I dropped out of college and drifted from
one job to another. At first, it felt good to have money while friends of mine who remained in
college were always broke, but soon I realized my mistake. Friends of mine who graduated with
degrees in business and science were suddenly making three or four times what I was making as
a manager of a shoe store. In addition, I began to feel as though my education was incomplete.
Something was missing from my life. Gradually, the consequences of my short-term thinking
became evident; therefore, At the age of twenty-five, I returned to college to pursue a degree in
business administration.

Example: (Comparison and Contrast).

There are many advantages to purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables as an alternative to popular
processed food items at your local grocer store. While potato chips and donuts are tasty and
frozen food is convenient, a habit of eating food prepared in a factory leads to overall poor
nutrition and can cause bad health. These ill effects result in increased visits to the dentist or the
family physician. A bag of apples might cost more than a bag of Cheetos, but savings in health
costs far outweigh the immediate savings at the cash register. Besides, pound for pound, fresh
food often turns out to be cheaper than packaged food. Many people forget that when they buy
something that is packaged or frozen, they are also buying the packaging which lures shoppers
into buying the product. Commercials on television successfully convince consumers that the
decision to buy packaged food is logical, but facts about nutrition and value prove otherwise.
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4).Persuasive: This type of paragraph tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of
view or understand the writer's position. The writer is to persuade the readers to follow his or
her ideas.

Example:

Immigration contributes to the overall health of the American economy. Despite recent
concerns related to the costs created by illegal and some legal immigration to the United States,
this country has largely benefited from the skills, talents, and ambition that immigrants bring
with them. American businesses gain from a good source of affordable labor, while town and
cities are revitalized by immigrant families who strengthen communities through civic
participation the generation of new economic activity. The United States must continue to
welcome new arrivals and help those who already here; otherwise, the country will lose the
advantages it has over other industrialized countries who compete against us in the global
marketplace and seek to recruit from a vast pool of unskilled and skilled global workers.

EXERCISES:

(1). I normally don’t speak about politics but when I do, I do so for a good reason. Mr. Jones is
clearly not the best candidate to hold the office of School Superintendent. He has no
professional background to support such a position. In fact, he dropped out of school in the
tenth grade. In addition, Mr. Jones served a 30 day sentence in the county jail in Vicksburg back
in 1983 for drunk driving. Is he really the man you want to be supervising your children? I don’t
think so. Vote for Ms. Carlson. She’s been a teacher at Grandview Elementary for the past 27
years. She has also served as Chairperson on the School Committee for the past 4 years. She’s
been happily married for nearly 30 years and has an impeccable, law abiding record. Ms.
Carlson is the person you want as the School Superintendent!

➢ Which Type of Paragraph is this? _________________________.

(2). Holding his breath, he could hear his heart wildly pounding in his ears. In fact, he could
hear his blood rushing through his highways of bluish-purplish veins as clearly as he could hear
the water flowing from the bathroom faucet. The pounding and the rushing flow of blood was
so loud to him that he was certain that the burglars in the opposite room would be able to hear
him and locate his hiding place between the twin mattresses on his bed.

➢ Which Type of Paragraph is this? _________________________.

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(3). I must say that I wasn’t very impressed with the art exhibit held at the town square. First
off, all I could think about was who chose the pieces to be displayed? Clearly that person, or
persons, had no idea at all what constitutes real art. Most of what I saw would have been
discarded into the trash had I been the person making the decisions.

➢ Which Type of Paragraph is this? _________________________.

(4). Sewing a button hole on a piece of garment tends to bring a wave of fear to many but it
shouldn’t. If you have the correct tools, such as a proper button hole foot pedal for your sewing
machine, this process will be easy. Look in your case of sewing foot pedals and locate the pedal
that looks like that displayed in figure 2 on this page. Once you locate the proper foot pedal, you
will remove the current pedal and secure the new foot pedal in place.

➢ Which Type of Paragraph is this? _________________________.

(5). It was my first time on an airplane! I was so excited and sick to my stomach at the same
time. I also felt rather dumb because I didn’t know how or where to look in order to find my
seat. A little boy standing in front of me pointed up to the ceiling above some seats and said,
“Mommy, that’s where our seats are.” I followed his finger to see where he had pointed to and
noticed a number and a letter. It said 12ABC. My ticket said 16D. Where was “D”? I thought.
Turning I looked at the same spot to my left and low and behold, it read, 12DEF. I now knew I
would be sitting on that side of the plane. Working hard to hide my fear and show only my
“experience,” I made my way to my seat and acted as though this was a normal routine for me.

➢ Which Type of Paragraph is this? _________________________.