Paragraph Structure and Development

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic. 

The Basic Rule: Keep one idea to one paragraph

The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. A new idea belongs in a new paragraph. 

Elements of a paragraph

To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: 

• Unity,
• Coherence,
• A Topic Sentence, 
• and Adequate Development. 

As you will see, all of these traits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct effective paragraphs.

Unity

The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

Coherence

Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.

Logical bridges

• The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence
• Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel form

Verbal bridges

• Key words can be repeated in several sentences
• Synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences
• Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences
• Transition words can be used to link ideas from different sentences

A topic sentence

A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea the paragraph is going to deal with. Topic sentences can occur anywhere in the paragraph as the first sentence, the last sentence, or somewhere in the middle. Topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraph is a good general rule for less experienced writers able to easily summarize what the paragraph is about.

Adequate development

The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully and adequately. Again, this varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's purpose, but writers should be wary of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.

Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:

• Use examples and illustrations
• Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
• Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
• Use an anecdote or story
• Define terms in the paragraph
• Compare and contrast
• Evaluate causes and reasons
• Examine effects and consequences
• Analyze the topic
• Describe the topic
• Offer a chronology of an event (time segments)

How do I know when to start a new paragraph?

You should start a new paragraph when:

• When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
• To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference.
• When your readers need a pause. Breaks between paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex.
• When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introductory and concluding material should always be in a new paragraph. Many introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.

Transitions and signposts

Two very important elements of paragraphing are signposts and transitions. Signposts are internal aids to assist readers; they usually consist of several sentences or a paragraph outlining what the article has covered and where the article will be going.

Transitions are usually one or several sentences that "transition" from one idea to the next. Transitions can be used at the end of most paragraphs to help the paragraphs flow one into the next.

Sample:

Step 1: TITLE

Step 2: Introduction / Topic Sentence: Write a sentence that states the main idea or topic of a paragraph. 

Step 3: Supporting sentences: Write facts or descriptions that relate to the topic. 

a) Beginning

aa) Add details

b) Middle

bb) Add details

c) End

cc) Add details

Step 4. Conclusion: Re-word the introduction to sum up the ideas in the paragraph to bring it to a close.

                                   !!! Дану табличку перепишіть до зошита з письма. 

Exercise 1. First Day at University: Fill in the gaps with transition words. 

Exercise 2. Write a paragraph about your first day at NaUKMA.

You can publish your own paragraph here below for evaluation by your peer-group. Help your friends with evaluation of their paragraphs too. Provide them with your advice and/or ideas for better writing.

Take into account:

1) Str - structure (topic sentence, supporting ideas, conclusion; cohearance ( transition words)

2)  Voc - vocabulary: a number of words relevant to this very topic

3) Sp - spelling

4) Gr - grammar

5) Style - unity/coherence