Imagine reading a script that has no spaces between the words, nor spaces to section the entire script. 'Confusing right!’. Well, that’s how Ancient Greek and Latin writings were written back then. However, over time writing has been standardized with, set conventions, one of which is the use of paragraphs in the organization of ideas.
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences (in some cases, one sentence) that express one single idea. The order in which you present your paragraphs and the length depends on the type of paper you are writing on (McCombes, 2021). For instance, 150 to 200 words or 5 to 10 sentences are ideal for essays paragraphs. The other norms of a paragraph are that.
➣It should have a topic sentence. A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph and it has a controlling idea.
➣It should have supported ideas that offer or provide explanations, details, evidence and examples well-cited if not yours.
➣It may have a concluding sentence that will help transition to the next paragraph or offer a prediction, recommendation, or suggestion.
➣Most importantly, a paragraph should flow smoothly, logically and imply value to the main idea (Thesis Statement).
Example of a paragraph
Topic sentence
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Smoking (topic) presents many major health risks (controlling idea). It causes lung cancer, and it is responsible for over 9 out of 10 deaths of lung cancer worldwide (supporting evidence). Smokers are more likely to develop heart disease later in life. This has been demonstrated in recent court cases in the United States, where cigarette companies have been ordered to pay damages to smokers (supporting specific-example). All in all, smoking is a detrimental practice that should be avoided and banned.
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Concluding sentence
What else determines how the paragraphs are presented?
The way the topic sentence is presented will determine how the rest of the paragraph will flow.🠞 When the topic sentence is in the form of a definition, then the rest of the paragraph will explain the definition.
🠞 When the topic sentence is in the form of a question, then the rest of the paragraph will answer the question.
🠞 When the topic sentence is in the form of a point requiring comparison or contracts, then the rest of the paragraph will compare or contrast the point.
🠞 When the topic sentence is in the form of a cause, then the rest of the paragraph will relay the effects of this cause.
🠞 When the topic sentence is in the form of an opinion, then the rest of the paragraph will present the facts that support the opinion.
🠞 When the topic sentence is in the form of a general point, then the rest of the paragraph will either present specific examples or reasons that justify the general point.
Types of paragraphs
Narrative
It's a type of paragraph that narrates a story or series of events in order of how they occurred.Descriptive
It’s a type of paragraph where a writer offers a detailed descriptive account for a scene or an object.
Expository
It’s a type of paragraph that provides information, explanations or instructions logically.
Persuasive
It’s a type of paragraph where a writer tries to convince or influence others to accept their opinion.
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Adapted from:
Khushboo (no date) ‘Types of Paragraphs with Examples’, English Bix Available at: https://www.englishbix.com/types-of-paragraphs-with-examples/ (Accessed 27 Oct. 21).
Smart English. (2012) Paragraph structure. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLzKqujmdGk (Accessed 27 Oct. 21).
Study and learning Center RMIT University (no date) paragraphs. Available at: https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_WritingSkills/writing_tuts/paragraphs_LL/model.html (Accessed 27 Oct. 21).
Reference
McCombes (2021)’ How to write a paragraph’, Scribbr. Available at:
https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/paragraph-structure/. (Accessed 27 Oct. 21).
Kindly feel free to correct, contribute, or ask in the comment section.