Paragraph Development All-Star and leader who propelled the Cavaliers to the NBA playoffs

three years in a row and his 2008 Olympic teammates to a gold medal.
1. Through Illustration This professional perfects his agility, strength, and health routines,
 To illustrate means to a general statement by means of one even off-season. Another example is record-breaking swimmer Dara
or more specific examples. Torres. After winning nine medals at four Olympic Games and
becoming a mother at age 39, this racer continued to build power and
Example: speed with brutal daily workouts: 90 minutes each of hard swimming
TOPIC SENTENCE: Great athletes do not reach the top by and strength training, plus two hours of stretching. At 41, the oldest
talent alone but by pushing themselves to the limit and beyond. female swimmer ever to compete in the Olympics, Dara scored three
Example 1: Lebron James more silver medals. Few players in any sport, however, can match the
—worked hard after being drafted by Cavaliers work ethic of Lance Armstrong. In 1996, this bicycle racer was
—All-Star, brought Cavaliers to the NBA playoffs diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs.
three times, gold medal in 2008 Olympic Games After surgery and chemotherapy left him weak and exhausted,
—perfects agility, strength, and health routines,
Armstrong began a strict diet and training regimen, cycling up to six
even off-season
Example 2: Dara Torres hours a day. His commitment paid off when he won the Tour de
—won 9 medals at four Olympic Games France, cycling’s toughest race, seven years in a row. Armstrong
— brutal daily workouts: 90 minutes swimming, retired in 2005, but in 2008, at 37, he announced that Dara Torres had
90 minutes strength, 2 hours stretching inspired him to compete again. Like many top athletes, he turned his
—at age 41, won 3 more silver Olympic medals talent into greatness through sheer hard work.
Example 3: Lance Armstrong
—1996 cancer diagnosis Suggested Topic Sentences for Illustration Paragraphs
—after surgery and chemo, strict training (diet, 1. Even the busiest people can incorporate more exercise into their daily
cycling) routines.
—won Tour de France, 1999–2005 2. In my family, certain traditions (beliefs or activities) are very important.
—retired in 2005 but began training again in 4. In my chosen profession, I will have to write several kinds of different
2008, age 37 documents.
CONCLUSION: Like many top athletes, he turned talent into 5. Misfortunes can sometimes teach valuable lessons.
greatness through sheer hard work. 6. College students face a number of pressures.
7. A true friend is someone who sees and encourages the best in us.
8. A sense of humor can make difficult times easier to bear.

Great athletes do not reach the top by talent alone but by pushing
themselves to the limit and beyond. For instance, basketball sensation
Lebron James keeps striving to improve. Branded the next Michael
Jordan when he was in high school and drafted by the Cleveland
Cavaliers, James kept his cool and kept working hard. He emerged an
2. Through Process questions that he or she will probably ask. Employers want to know
about your experience, training, and special skills, like foreign
 The how-to paragraph gives the reader directions on how languages. Remember, every employer looks for a capable and
he or she can do something: how to install a software
enthusiastic team player who will help the firm succeed. Fourth,
program, how to get to the airport, or how to make tasty
barbecued ribs. rehearse your answers to the questions out loud. Practice with a friend
 The explanation paragraph tells the reader how a or a tape recorder until your responses sound well prepared and
particular event occurred or how something works. confident. Finally, select and prepare a professional-looking interview
outfit well in advance to avoid the last-minute panic of a torn hem or
Example: stained shirt. When a job candidate has made the effort to prepare, the
interviewer is much more likely to be impressed.”
TOPIC SENTENCE: Careful preparation before an interview
is the key to getting the job you want. -oOo-
Step 1: Learn about the employer
—read company brochures, papers, magazines Many experts believe that recovery from addiction, whether to alcohol
—reference librarian can help or other drugs, has four main stages. The first stage begins when the
—check company website user finally admits that he or she has a substance abuse problem and
Step 2: Think how your talents match company goals
wants to quit. At this point, most people seek help from groups like
Step 3: List interviewer questions
—think about experience, training, special skills Alcoholics Anonymous or treatment programs because few addicts can
—employers want capable team players “get clean” by themselves. The next stage is withdrawal, when the
Step 4: Rehearse your answers out loud addict stops using the substance. Withdrawal can be a painful physical
—practice with friend or tape recorder and emotional experience, but luckily, it does not last long. After
Step 5: Select your interview outfit withdrawal comes the most challenging stage—making positive
—avoid last-minute panic changes in one’s life. Recovering addicts have to learn new ways of
—avoid torn hem, stained shirt
spending their time, finding pleasure and relaxation, caring for their
CONCLUSION: Interviewer more likely to be impressed
bodies, and relating to spouses, lovers, family, and friends. The fourth
“Luck is preparation meeting opportunity,” it has been said, and this is and final stage is staying off drugs. This open-ended part of the
true for a job interview. Careful preparation before an interview is the process often calls for ongoing support or therapy. For people once
key to getting the job you want. The first step is to learn all you can defeated by addiction, the rewards of self-esteem and a new life are
about the employer. Read about the company in its brochures or in well worth the effort.
newspaper and magazine articles. A reference librarian can point you
Suggested Topics for Process Paragraphs
to the best sources of company information. You can also find
company websites and other useful material on the Internet. Second, as 1. How to prepare your favorite dish
2. How to relax or meditate
you read, think about the ways your talents match the company’s 3. How to be a true friend
goals. Third, put yourself in the interviewer’s place, and make a list of 4. How to break an unhealthy habit
5. How to motivate someone to __________________
3. Through Definition
4. Through Comparison and Contrast
5. Through Classification
6. Through Cause and Effect
7. Through Persuasion