How to Write a Paragraph
In English, when we talk about a paragraph, we are talking about a group of sentences that are related to each other and that develop a single idea, or topic.
Structure of a Paragraph
Paragraphs usually follow a basic structure:
topic sentence – expresses the main idea; usually – but not always – the first sentence
body – three or more sentences that develop the topic sentence
concluding sentence – refers back to the main idea/topic sentence
topic sentence – expresses the main idea; usually – but not always – the first sentence
body – three or more sentences that develop the topic sentence
concluding sentence – refers back to the main idea/topic sentence
Types of Paragraph
We write for different reasons:
These different functions influence the type of text we write. In longer texts, we may need a combination of these functions, but in shorter texts, like paragraphs, we concentrate on one function. Each function has its own type of paragraph.
- to explain or give information about a subject (expository);
- to describe something or someone (descriptive);
- to tell a story (narrative);
- to express and opinion or persuade others of our views (persuasive).
These different functions influence the type of text we write. In longer texts, we may need a combination of these functions, but in shorter texts, like paragraphs, we concentrate on one function. Each function has its own type of paragraph.
Organisation and Development of a Paragraph
Some of the most common ways to organise a paragraph:
- statement and supporting details – the main idea is stated and the rest of the paragraph explains or proves it;
- compare and contrast – shows how two things are alike or different;
language that signals comparison: like, just like, just as, alike, likewise, equally, also, both, similar, similarly, similarities, same, resemble;
language that signals differences: however, instead, in contrast, on the other hand, unlike, different, differently, differ from
- description – little action; key language often concentrates on the senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell; adjectives are important
- cause and effect – something (a cause) produces a result (effect);
language that signals cause and effect: because, since, so, therefore, thus, consequently, result, reason
- sequencing, or chronological order – arranges a text according to procedure or chronological order (usually first to last, but last to first is also possible);
language signalling procedure: first, firstly, second, secondly, third, thirdly, next, then, after, afterwards, later, finally, lastly
language signalling chronology: first, next, then, since, after, afterwards, before, beforehand, as, until, while, during, when, subsequently, in the end, eventually, finally
- statement and supporting details – the main idea is stated and the rest of the paragraph explains or proves it;
- compare and contrast – shows how two things are alike or different;
language that signals comparison: like, just like, just as, alike, likewise, equally, also, both, similar, similarly, similarities, same, resemble;
language that signals differences: however, instead, in contrast, on the other hand, unlike, different, differently, differ from
- description – little action; key language often concentrates on the senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell; adjectives are important
- cause and effect – something (a cause) produces a result (effect);
language that signals cause and effect: because, since, so, therefore, thus, consequently, result, reason
- sequencing, or chronological order – arranges a text according to procedure or chronological order (usually first to last, but last to first is also possible);
language signalling procedure: first, firstly, second, secondly, third, thirdly, next, then, after, afterwards, later, finally, lastly
language signalling chronology: first, next, then, since, after, afterwards, before, beforehand, as, until, while, during, when, subsequently, in the end, eventually, finally
Level of Formality
The level of formality that we use is, of course, not just a question for writing a paragraph. It is important for all speaking and writing. That said, the level of formality we need or want to use also plays an important role in how we write.
One of the most important elements that determines formality is the type of language we use.
Very informal – text messages, notes we make for ourselves, etc.
abbreviations: C U L8TR
contractions: I can't come now.
ellipsis (i.e., not writing out or saying the subject of the sentence) – Can't come now.
Moderately informal – emails, letters to friends, etc.
spoken forms and contractions: I've got some other stuff I've got to do right now.
Formal – exam questions, formal letters to people we do not know, CVs and job applications, etc.:
no contractions, no spoken forms: I am unable to come at the moment.
In general:
informal – shorter, common words, short sentences, avoid passive tenses; use of first and second person (I/we/you)
formal – preference for longer, Latin-based vocabulary and words that are specific to the subject we are talking about; avoid using first and second person (I/you/we); prefer impersonal structures; longer sentences with more complicated structures like relative clauses and passive verb tenses
One of the most important elements that determines formality is the type of language we use.
Very informal – text messages, notes we make for ourselves, etc.
abbreviations: C U L8TR
contractions: I can't come now.
ellipsis (i.e., not writing out or saying the subject of the sentence) – Can't come now.
Moderately informal – emails, letters to friends, etc.
spoken forms and contractions: I've got some other stuff I've got to do right now.
Formal – exam questions, formal letters to people we do not know, CVs and job applications, etc.:
no contractions, no spoken forms: I am unable to come at the moment.
In general:
informal – shorter, common words, short sentences, avoid passive tenses; use of first and second person (I/we/you)
formal – preference for longer, Latin-based vocabulary and words that are specific to the subject we are talking about; avoid using first and second person (I/you/we); prefer impersonal structures; longer sentences with more complicated structures like relative clauses and passive verb tenses
Writing a Paragraph
Decide what you want to say. To start with, just write down key words/ideas.
Reduce it to a single idea and write it down. This is the topic sentence, or at least the first version of the topic sentence.
Decide the type of paragraph that best suits your purpose.
Develop the idea in three or four sentences. Organise the key words/ideas that relate to your main sentence. Once they are in the right order, you can begin writing out sentences.
Write a concluding sentence. Sometimes this simply presents the idea of the topic sentence in other words. Sometimes it sums up the entire paragraph.
Take time to review what you have written. Check for spelling, using the right verb tenses, using linkers (first, moreover, additionally, etc.) to help your reader follow your thinking.
Reduce it to a single idea and write it down. This is the topic sentence, or at least the first version of the topic sentence.
Decide the type of paragraph that best suits your purpose.
Develop the idea in three or four sentences. Organise the key words/ideas that relate to your main sentence. Once they are in the right order, you can begin writing out sentences.
Write a concluding sentence. Sometimes this simply presents the idea of the topic sentence in other words. Sometimes it sums up the entire paragraph.
Take time to review what you have written. Check for spelling, using the right verb tenses, using linkers (first, moreover, additionally, etc.) to help your reader follow your thinking.