What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a series of sentences on a specific point or topic. A well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states the main idea: what the paragraph is about. While some say the topic sentence can be anywhere in the paragraph, it is best to put it as the first sentence in a paragraph. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support, elaborate, and/or further explain the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.
Paragraphs have varying length depending upon various factors. An average paragraph in an academic essay is about six to eight sentences.
Types of Paragraphs
There are various types of paragraphs such as summaries, abstracts, and answers to questions for a specific assignment. In addition, there are specialized types of paragraphs for various reports such as feasibility studies or performance reports.
The types of paragraphs covered in this lesson are general paragraphs as would be used in the body of a letter or an academic essay, including general research papers (research essays).
Parts of a Paragraph
Topic Sentence – purpose of a paragraph
Unless you are writing specialized report such as a scientific research paper or a feasibility study that may otherwise show the purpose of a paragraph such as a heading , a well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states what the paragraph is about.
Whether you are writing a paragraph for a specific assignment, an academic essay, a research paper, or a simple letter, each paragraph should include a topic sentence. The topic sentence should be the first sentence of the paragraph so that the reader knows what the paragraph is about. The topic sentence in a body paragraph of an essay must be in support for the thesis: a reason why the thesis is true or accurate.
The rest of the sentences in the paragraph of an essay support, elaborate, and/or further explain the topic sentence.
Here is an example of a paragraph:
The first sentence is the topic sentence. See how the rest of the sentences support, elaborate, and/or or further explain it.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
Everything in this paragraph is about how modern life has been improved through convenience provided by technology.
Unity and Coherence
A paragraph must have unity.
All of the sentences of a particular paragraph must focus on one point to achieve one goal: to support the topic sentence.
A paragraph must have coherence.
The sentences must flow smoothly and logically from one to the next as they support the topic sentence.
The last sentence of the paragraph should restate the topic sentence to help achieve unity and coherence.
Here is an example with information that does not support the topic sentence.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. People are more concerned about health issues and good air quality, so they have started walking or riding a bike to work even though they have the option of using a car or public transportation. There’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
See how just one non-supporting sentence takes away from the effectiveness of the paragraph in showing how modern conveniences make life better since the unity and coherence are affected. There is no longer unity among all the sentences. The thought pattern is disjointed and the paragraph loses its coherence.
Here’s another example of a paragraph
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point that technology has improved lives through efficiency.
Transitions – Words that Connect
Transitions are words, groups of words, or sentences that connect one sentence to another or one paragraph to another.
They promote a logical flow from one idea to the next.
While they are not needed in every sentence, they are missed when they are omitted since the flow of thoughts becomes disjointed or even confusing.
There are different types of transitions such as the following:
- Time – before, after, during, in the meantime, nowadays
- Space – over, around, under
- Examples – for instance, one example is
- Comparison – on the other hand, the opposing view
- Consequence – as a result, subsequently
These are just a few examples. The idea is to paint a clear, logical connection between sentences and between paragraphs.
Here’s how transitions help make a paragraph unified and coherent
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Each part of a paragraph must support the topic sentence. In addition, the sentences must flow logically from one to the other.
See how the following paragraph has ideas that don’t seem to belong
Growing flowers is fun. The sun rises in the morning and warms the soil. Flowers come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes, there is not enough rain. Flowers also bloom during different times of the year. Flowers need nutrients to grow strong and beautiful. There are some children who like to pick the flowers. There are different growing seasons in different parts of the country. Flowers that will grow high should be planted behind those that will not grow as high. Some people let their dog’s leash extend allowing the dog to go into the flower beds which is not very nice. Designing a flower bed has to consider the different times the flowers will bloom. A substitute for rainfall should be planned. It is fun to grow flowers.
Here is a revised version with unity and coherence. See how each sentence is clearly part of the whole which is to show how it is fun to grow flowers.
Growing flowers is fun. Planning the garden is the first step, and it is part of the fun. Flowers must be selected for their size, color, and time of bloom. Selections should be made so that there is at least one type of flower blooming throughout the season and that taller flowers are behind shorter ones. Meeting the challenges to assure growth such as with an irrigation system or hand watering and fertilizing when needed is also part of the fun. It’s wonderful to check the garden every day to see the little green sprouts starting to appear. It gives a great sense of accomplishment and joy to see the flowers in bloom. It is fun to grow flowers.
An example of a paragraph from a business letter which does have unity and coherence:
There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. We are a family owned and operated business and have been in business in this county for thirty-five years. In addition to thousands of satisfied customers, we have proudly sponsored many community events and organizations. All of our employees live in this county, and most have stayed with us for years. We have successfully kept our overhead low and pass those savings onto our customers. By far, we are the best company to complete this project.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point that we are the best company to hire.
Here’s a version of the paragraph which does not have unity and coherence:
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here! It’s been a cold winter. There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. By far, we are the best company to complete this project. I have a large family, and in addition to having Sunday dinners, we work together in the company, which has many satisfied customers. Some of my employees take the bus to work, so I am concerned about our public transportation system. We have proudly served our community and we use cost saving methods to keep prices low.
An example of a paragraph in an inter-office memo
Beginning January 1, we will have a revised policy concerning new customers. The updated intake form includes additional information, so please be sure to read through and complete each section. Pay particular addition to the additional questions at the bottom as they are now required by the insurance company. We would like to have e-mail addresses as well. You can assure customers that we will not be sending them solicitations nor giving the list to any other businesses. Be sure to fill in the information neatly and accurately. It is preferred that the information be entered directly into the computer although we realize there are times when that is not practical and a hard-copy form will have to be completed by hand. Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point shown in the topic sentence that modern technology has expanded accessibility.
Closing/Transitional Statements in Paragraphs
The last sentence of a paragraph should remind the reader of the point of the paragraph and transition into the next paragraph if there is one. See how the last sentence, for example, in the above paragraph reminds the reader of what the paragraph is about: Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Multi-Paragraph Documents
Most paragraphs we see are part of a multi-paragraph document: newspaper and magazine articles, books, business letters and inter-office memorandum, “how-to” documents, and other informational documents. Usually, there is an organization of the paragraphs in a specific way. The opening paragraph generally gives some idea of what the document is about. The middle paragraphs give more details about the specific point. The last paragraph ends the writing, generally by summing up and repeating the point.
There are some context-specific documents that have more clearly defined paragraphs which are something included as sections of the writing. For example, a feasibility report might have the following paragraphs: abstract and/or summary, introduction, discussion, conclusion and recommendations.
Paragraphs in Business Letters and Inter-Office Memorandum
Business letters and inter-office memorandums basically have the same organization of the content: an introduction paragraph, paragraphs that prove or further explain, and a concluding paragraph which sums up and repeats the point. A business letter, however, is generally written on company stationery and has the date and address block in the upper left, a Re: line, a salutation such as Dear Mr. Haller (although some are no longer using a formal salutation), and a complimentary closing such as Sincerely. An inter-office memorandum is generally written on plain paper, sometimes with the company logo as part of the template, lines with To:, From:, Date:, and Re: in the upper left, and no complimentary closing.
Paragraphs in Informational Documents and Academic Essays
Informational Documents
This refers to groups of writings that are designed to give information about a topic or position on a topic. While they all include a specific thesis (point), have an introduction and concluding paragraph, and have paragraphs that proof or explain the point, there can be wide variety on where the thesis is expressed and the ancillary information presented that is supplemental to the thesis. These are sometimes called essays. However, academic essays do have a very specific organizational pattern.
Academic Essays
The introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph of an essay are different from a general paragraph. An introduction contains general background information on a topic and leads into a thesis statement. The sentences with background information should be general and not contain proof of the thesis. The sentences should be relevant, however, and logically flow into the thesis. Background sentences include information about the topic and the controversy. Some instructors may prefer other types of content in the introduction in addition to the thesis. It is best to check with an instructor as to whether he or she has a preference for content. In any case, there must be unity and coherence in an introduction paragraph as well.
While the body paragraph of an academic is the same as a general paragraph in that they have a topic sentence and sentences that support it, the topic sentence must be a reason why the thesis of the essay is accurate. Body paragraphs should clearly support the thesis and not contain any extraneous information. However, one way of proving your thesis is right is by presenting the opposing view and then rebutting it, that is, showing how it is not valid.
Some instructors say that any opposing information should be in a separate rebuttal paragraph before the concluding paragraph. If not specifically indicated by your instructor, either putting opposing information into the paragraphs related to the specific information or having a separate rebuttal paragraph is appropriate, but not both in the same essay.
A concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication of the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of the thesis. In either case, while a concluding paragraph, as with the introduction paragraph, does not start with a topic sentence and has the rest of the sentences support the topic sentence, the concluding paragraph is similar in that the summary of the proof ties directly into the thesis or statement of general implication. A concluding paragraph does not have extraneous, off-topic sentences.
Rhetorical Modes as Types of Paragraphs
Narration
Narration is when an author writes as though he or she is telling a story. This mode is used more often in fiction, but it can be used in academic essay writing when the best way to help prove the thesis is by relating a sequence of events.
Description/Definition/Exemplification, and Classification
These closely related modes use specific information about certain aspects of a thing, event, or situation. The terms speak for themselves. Description uses details describing the thing, event, or situation. Definition defines it. Exemplification uses examples, and classification uses categories.
- The rose was red. (description)
- A rose is a flower with soft petals and a beautiful, brief bloom. (definition)
- Roses comes in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, and white. (example)
- Roses come in a variety of types including miniature, climbing, hybrid tea, and floribunda. (classification)
Compare/Contrast
Comparing and/or contrasting one thing, event, or situation is a helpful way to show what it is and isn't. If someone were arguing that a particular type of sneaker was the best, it would be useful to compare to others for support, durability, and price.
Cause and/or Effect
This mode is useful in arguing for or again an action. Showing the cause and/or effect of an action can be persuasive. For example, if someone were arguing for an increase in the speed limit, statistics showing an increase in fatalities where limits are higher would be a persuasive argument.
Persuasion/Argumentation
In a sense, the ultimate intent of all communication is persuasion. Argumentation is one way of talking about debate. We think of arguing as what we do among friends or family members — and it is — but there is a formal way to argue to prove our point. Actually, we can learn how to better have civil arguments, which will be constructive. In thinking about persuasion/argumentation as a rhetorical mode, it refers to a type of writing that is clearly arguing in support of a specific point.
To Review
- A paragraph is a series of sentences on a particular point.
- A paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that states that point.
- Sentences with supporting details, such as examples, should follow.
- A paragraph must have unity and coherence where the sentences smoothly and logically flow from one to the next and stay focused on supporting the topic sentence.
- Transition words and phrases should be used to connect sentences and paragraphs for unity and coherence.
- Paragraphs that are part of multi-paragraph documents serve specific functions.
- The special types of paragraphs in business letters and inter-office memorandums.
- The special types of paragraphs in informational documents and academic essays.
- The rhetorical modes that can be used as different types of paragraphs.
