The Paragraph

The sentence is the unit of writing, but the paragraph may be termed the
basic unit of thought. The very heart of learning to write effectively lies in
paragraph development.
Paragraph Development

A paragraph is a group of statements, of sentences, developing an idea

or a topic. The idea may be independent or it may be one part of a
larger topic.
A good paragraph has a definite point to make and should include
nothing that does not contribute to that point. In other words, it
should have unity.

Topic Sentence

The sentence that tells the reader clearly what point will be made in
the paragraph.

Use the topic sentence as a guide for the paragraph.

If the topic sentence will set the tone for the paragraph, be sure that
each sentence is related to the central thought.
The topic sentence also establishes the expectation that the writer will
go on to provide examples and explanations.

Point/Proof

Good paragraph development, or the development of an idea or

argument, requires proof.
Support or material to assist in the argument and development of the
idea can come in many forms quotations, examples, factual material.
Proof or support for the argument can also be provided in a variety of
forms.

Methods of Development

No one way of development is necessarily better than the other all

has one purpose in common: to make the reader see exactly and fully
the point specifically made in the topic sentence.

Often times, the development of a paragraph is done using a variety of

methods.
Particulars and details: expansion of the basic idea with separate
items arranged in some logical order

Instances or examples: a series of sentences that provide instances

or examples of the more general statement or topic sentence

Compare and contrast: a topic can be made clear by means of
comparison or contrast comparison shows the likeness between the
topic and something familiar to the reader; contrast reveals the
difference

Definition: proof or development can be made in a paragraph by

answering the question, What do you mean by this?

Unity

Regardless of the method or combination of methods in a paragraph,

every sentence should contribute to the central thought
A paragraph should have unity, or oneness, a singleness of focus
The key to paragraph unity is the topic sentence
Never include information in your paragraph that is unrelated to the
main thought of the paragraph. Therefore, always omit all material
that is not an essential, logical part and include all material that is an
essential, logical part

Order

In an effective paragraph, sentences should be correctly and logically

arranged
The sentences should show clear progress or readily understandable
forward movement
Ideas can be arranged chronologically (progress through time), by
physical point of view (progress through space), by logical reasoning
(mental progress)

Transition

A well-written paragraph depends not only on a writers control of

what is said but also on the ease and smoothness with which thought
moves from sentence to sentence.

Movement between sentences is aided by a skilful use of transitional

devices the lack of these devices often accounts for awkwardness in
writing
Transition shows evidence of the link between sentences and
paragraphs thus, the link back to the topic sentence
Commonly used transitional expressions to be used within the
sentence, between sentences, and between paragraphs

Too add an idea: besides, also, moreover, in addition, furthermore,

similarly
To contrast ideas: but, yet, nevertheless, still, however, in contrast,
on the contrary, instead, otherwise, whereas, unlike
To compare ideas: like, similarly, equally
To show result: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence
To show time: then, afterward, later, meanwhile, now, earlier,
immediately, henceforth, before
Develop one of the following topic sentences into a substantial paragraph based
wholly on your own experience. Supply specific details and use techniques as just
discussed.
1. Once I scored a minor triumph.
2. Punishment is often deserved (or unjust).
3. A little sister (or brother) can be a nuisance.
4. Not only cats can be too curious.
5. Some people say that I am accident-prone.
6. My room is my castle.
7. Anyone can learn how to dance.
8. Even two can sometimes be a crowd.
9. Some people think they are always right.
10. One cannot always trust a friend.
11. Music is the most effective method of creative expression.
Sample paragraph: Once I scored a minor triumph.
I scored a minor triumph on the day that my Junior Girls Volleyball Team won
ROPSSAA Gold. I had coached the team for 2 years and this was our first Gold medal,
won after an undefeated season. It was a triumph for not only me, but also for the girls on
the team who worked so hard the whole season. The Championship game was against

another undefeated team and we were the underdogs. But the girls proved the critics
wrong and dominated the match to the last points. As the girls were given their Gold
medals, I was busting with pride. I will never forget the game or the triumph we all
achieved that day.