Paragraph

DEFINITION OF PARAGRAPH

A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic.

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

 

•         Introduction: the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph that give background information or provide a transition.

•         Body: follows the introduction; discusses the controlling idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other information.

•         Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the paragraph’s controlling idea.

A TOPIC SENTENCE

A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. 

THE FUNCTIONS OF TOPIC SENTENCE

1.it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement.

2.it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences.

3.it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it.

4.In some cases, however, it’s more effective to place another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information.

5.Readers generally look to the first few sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph.

6.Although most paragraphs should have a topic sentence, there are a few situations when a paragraph might not need a topic sentence. For example, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a paragraph that narrates a series of events, if a paragraph continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a topic sentence) in the previous paragraph, or if all the sentences and details in a paragraph clearly refer—perhaps indirectly—to a main point, or in paragraphs of fiction texts.

COHERENCE

The characteristics of a coherent paragraph:

1.each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling idea.

2.each sentence flows smoothly into the next without obvious shifts or jumps.

3.each sentence highlights the ties between old information and new information to make the structure of ideas or arguments clear to the reader.

4.Along with the smooth flow of sentences, a paragraph’s coherence may also be related to its length.

Some Techniques to Establish a Coherence Paragraph

1.Repeat key words or phrases. 

2.Create parallel structures. 

3.Be consistent in point of view, verb tense, and number.

4.Use transition words or phrases between sentences and between paragraphs.