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Types of Paragraphs 23

Types of paragraphs can be defined by their function. Introductory paragraphs contain definitions, while development paragraphs expand on ideas and concluding paragraphs wrap things up. Descriptive paragraphs provide details, process paragraphs explain steps, and opinion paragraphs share views. Comparison/contrast and problem/solution paragraphs analyze relationships between ideas.

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14 views

Types of Paragraphs 23

Types of paragraphs can be defined by their function. Introductory paragraphs contain definitions, while development paragraphs expand on ideas and concluding paragraphs wrap things up. Descriptive paragraphs provide details, process paragraphs explain steps, and opinion paragraphs share views. Comparison/contrast and problem/solution paragraphs analyze relationships between ideas.

Uploaded by

Fumba King
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of paragraphs

The nature of paragraphs 1/2

• Paragraphs may be named after their functions in different texts.


• e.g.:
• Introductory paragraphs often contain definitions,
 Development paragraphs
 Concluding paragraphs
 descriptive paragraphs include a lot of detail
 process paragraphs
 Opinion paragraphs
The nature of paragraphs 2/2 continued

• descriptive paragraphs include a lot of detail


• process paragraphs
• Opinion paragraphs
• Comparison/ Contrast paragraphs
• Problem/ Solution paragraphs

•
Quiz
• Question 1:
• Complete the following sentence to differentiate the important element in
paragraph writing

• A main idea is different from a controlling idea only because the latter is in
………. while the former is in …… / 4 marks

• Question 2:
• In paragraph writing three principles have to be observed and these are:
1…………., 2………….and 3…………/ 6 marks
Descriptive paragraph
• A descriptive paragraph explains how someone/ something looks or
feels.
• descriptive paragraphs rely on adjectives to illustrate physical features
that characterize people or places. You will need specific adjectives for
effective description of anything.
• descriptive paragraphs rely on prepositions to describe people or
things around.
• Descriptions typically include references to physical appearance,
sound, smell, and/or touch. These paragraphs are most common when
you need to describe some specific thing.
Narrative paragraphs
• In a Narrative Paragraph, you will share your story or what happened with
your reader.
• Again, to get your readers involved in your story in a better way, try using the
Journalists’ Questions: why, who, where, what, when, where. Try to write the
events in your story chronologically (in order of their occurrence).
• Most effective when used to tell a story in which the writer talks about their
feelings, thoughts, or actions.
• Using a chronological order (giving a time sequence with a beginning, middle,
and end) to describe an event or topic.
• Usually, these types of paragraphs are used to tell some kind of story, most
commonly from personal experience.
Process paragraph
• A process paragraph explains how something is done. In other words, it is a description
of events/ steps in activities.
• A Process Paragraph gives your reader a step by step of how to do things, for example,
cooking, building, or assembling something.
• process paragraphs rely on transition words to connect steps. You will need transition
words to show
• (1)Time order and (2) order of steps.
• The kinds of verbs you use in this paragraph, should be imperative.
• Imperative verbs are the base form of the verbs used to address the person in front of
you, such as ‘drink, wash, grate’, etc.
• Most effective when used to walk the reader through the steps and how to do something.
Opinion paragraph
• An opinion paragraph gives someone’s view on something..

• An opinion paragraph uses (1) supporting facts or (2) opinions to show


the foundation of the writer’s beliefs.
• Opinions are introduced by phrases like:
• I think……,
• I believe…..,
• I am convinced that ……,
• In my opinion, etc
Opinion paragraph continued…
• But some of the opinion phrases may weaken the writer’s word power
and this is why they may not be used directly to empower speeches.
• e.g.: I think this policy is not contributing to solve problems. (weak)
• This policy is not contributing in solving problems. (strong but
needs facts)
• To make an opinion more sounding, one can use a model verb.
Cause and effect paragraph
• Most effective when used to discuss why something transpired and the
results of an event, feeling, or action.
• Describing why something happened (cause) and the results because
of that something happening (effect). This can include multiple causes
all leading to one effect, one cause with multiple effects, or multiple
causes with multiple effects. ( Olms, Lemon& Webb , 7/18)
Cause and effect paragraph continued
• Cause and effect connectors in opinion paragraphs
• Here are connectors of cause and effect :
i. Because
ii. Since
iii. So
iv. therefore
Example of a cause and effect paragraph
• States a cause and its consequences (effects). Example:
• The lack of rain and snow has horrible effects on farmers (T.S.). With
no rain their land dries up, and it is very difficult to grow anything
(S.S.). When the crops fail, the farmers do not have any choice but to
get a second job in order to make the money they need (S.S.). Farming
is a full-time job and with a second job, farmers are overworked,
stressed and even depressed (S.S.). Many farmers end up selling their
land (S.S.). That is why when there is no rain, you notice that most of
the farmers are upset (C.S.). (Adapted from Gracias por utilizar los
servicios del, Universidad de Puerto Rico)
Quiz 1
• Read the paragraph below and then answer the question that follows it.
• "The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi shocked all Indians in every corner of
India. Gandhi was a small man, and he was a vegetarian. He lived a very
simple life. The minorities lost a man who always stood up for them; the poor
lost the only person who was working toward real equality. Even his enemies
felt a great loss in his death because he never hated anyone, big or small"
(adapted from Champa & Sasikumar, 2010, pp.2-3).

• Question: From this paragraph, which sentences do not form the essential part
of it or are irrelevant? Write them and then explain why you say they are
irrelevant. (10 mks)
Paragraph writing
Creating Your First Draft
The first draft of your paragraph should start with your topic sentence,
which states your opinion about the subject.
The body sentences should give your reasons along with details and
examples.
The closing sentence can restate your opinion.
Revise
• When you revise,
• check your paragraph for ideas,
• organization,
• voice,
• word choice, and sentence fluency.
Editing your work
• Edit your work. Ask yourself the following questions.
• Does each sentence end with punctuation?
• Have I checked my spelling?
• Have I used the right words (threw, through)?
Assignment 1
• Question:
• Is it necessary to plan a written assignment before you start writing?
Why?

• Write a paragraph to answer this question.


Persuasive paragraph
• Persuasive paragraphs are used to share an opinion about a particular
subject.
• Writers of persuasive paragraphs try to convince readers to agree
with the opinions in the paragraphs and sometimes, to take action.
Example of a persuasive paragraph 2/2
• Hunters, hikers, and park recreationalists should turn in poachers (T.S.).
Poachers are people who kill animals illegally by hunting without a proper
permit (S.S.). Not only is it cruel to leave an animal carcass, but it can also
spread disease among other animals (S.S.). That is why it is important we
turn poachers in (S.S.). The first thing that can be done is calling the
authorities (S.S.). When a call is placed, the operator will ask some
questions. So when you see this happening, write the information of the
person down (S.S.). The second thing a person can do is try to get on the
Internet (S.S.). There you can find out more information about what you
need to do (S.S.). If anyone sees one of these illegal acts being done, now
you know what to do to turn them in, and make Montana a better place for
everyone and everything (C.S.). –Justin Campos 2005
Expository paragraph
• It informs the reader about a subject of your choice.
• Example:
• On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft launched from the Kennedy Space
Center in Florida (T.S.). Its mission was to go to the moon (S.S.)! The crew
consisted of Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin (S.S.). The
spacecraft landed on the moon in the Sea of Tranquility, a basaltic flood plain,
on July 20, 1969 (S.S.). The moonwalk took place the following day. On July 21,
1969 at precisely 10:56 EDT, Commander Neil Armstrong emerged from the
Lunar Module and took his famous first step onto the moon’s surface (S.S.). He
declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!” (S.S.). It
was a monumental moment in human history (C.S.)! (adapted from

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