ACTIVITY 1

INITIAL RHYME GAME

You will be grouped into five
through the “Initial Rhyme Game”.
Each of you will be given a word
written on a piece of paper. Your task
is to group up with others who hold
words that initially rhyme with yours.

1
 ACADEMIC WRITING:
DISTINGUISHING
THE DIFFERENT TYPES
OF PARAGRAPHS
Adapted from: Leah Gustilo, Ph.D
Prepared by: LIZEL DIEZ OBENZA
 ACTIVITY 2
PARAGRAPH PUZZLE
You will be engaged in a
“Paragraph Puzzle” game. Each
group will be given two envelopes,
each containing strips of paper with
sentences in it. In 5 minutes, work
together to organize the sentences
and restore the original structure of
the two paragraphs.
3
 What are some of the
excellent qualities of each
of the paragraph that you
have just reconstructed?

4
 The 4F’s
of a Paragraph
F_____________
F_____________
F_____________
F_____________
-Keri Walk, www.brandeis.edu/writingprogram/writing-
intensive/.../files/KWParag- raphing.doc

5
 The 4F’s
of a Paragraph
FORM
FOCUS
FLOW
FUNCTION
-Keri Walk, www.brandeis.edu/writingprogram/writing-
intensive/.../files/KWParag- raphing.doc

6
 The 4F’s of a Paragraph
Form - how the paragraph is shaped
The paragraph form refers to its overall
structure, which is a group of sentences focusing on
a single topic.
There are three main parts of a paragraph:
Topic sentence - it has the main idea
Supporting sentence - details that relate to and
support the topic sentence
Concluding sentence - a brief reflection or
statement about the main idea

7
 INVERTED TRIANGLE TRIANGLE

HOURGLASS

DIAMOND RECTANGLE

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURES
09/01/2024
 The 4F’s of a Paragraph
Focus - how the paragraph revolves
around
a single main idea

A paragraph is one unit of thought. It must be

focused on a single main topic, and the topic
should be clearly conveyed to the reader.

In general, each paragraph should have one

main point to make, or should be focused on
the same general topic.
9
EXAMPLE OF A FOCUSED PARAGRAPH

10
 The 4F’s of a Paragraph

Flow - how each sentence follows the one

before it.
Sentences or phrases at the
beginning or end of
sentences/paragraphs act as
TRANSITIONS to connect one
sentence/paragraph to the next.

11
 Example of Smooth Paragraph Flow
In front of me on the table sat a beautiful pure
white bowl, simplistic in design, hiding a decadent
surprise inside. In the bowl was hidden something
that was not so pure, however, the irresistible
indulgence was worth every calorie that I knew it
contained.

As I looked inside I saw on the bottom of the bowl a

hot, tender brownie loaded with macadamia nuts. I
knew from past experience that the nuts had a creamy
and smooth texture, almost like white chocolate

On top of the brownie were two firmly packed scoops

of ice cream, laying side by side, each one a different
flavor. The scoop on the right was a rich vanilla,
flecked with dark specks of vanilla bean. 12
 The 4F’s of a Paragraph
Function - what role the paragraph
serves
In addition to containing clear, discreet
thoughts, a paragraph should serve a specific
purpose. As you read, ask yourself the
following questions: What is the writer trying
to say in this paragraph? How is it being said?
Is it expanding on a previous point? or
qualifying a statement? or restating
something? supporting it? concurring?
describing? comparing? contrasting?
13
 Different Functions

stating negating
narrating
restating expanding
evaluating
supporting analyzing
synthesizing
qualifying defining
summarizing http://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/parafunct.html

concurring describing 14
 HOW DO PATTERNS OF
PARAGRAPH
DEVELOPMENT HELP
YOU UNDERSTAND
THE READING TEXT

09/01/2024
 The 4F’s of a Paragraph
 Form - how the paragraph is shaped;
follows form
 Focus - how the paragraph revolves
around a single main idea
 Flow - how each sentence follows the
one before it
 Function - what role the paragraph
serves
-Keri Walk, www.brandeis.edu/writingprogram/writing-
intensive/.../files/KWParag- raphing.doc

16
 Types of Paragraph
Descriptive Narrative
Narrative Expository
Expository Descriptive
Persuasive Argumentativ
www.learningamericanenglishonline.com
e
Writer’s Digest University

17
 Expository Paragraphs

Cause and Effect

Classification
Comparison and contrast
Process
Definition
Intel® Education K-12 Resources |
www.intel.com/teachers

Exemplification
exposition.html
Problem-Solution http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-
 Expository Paragraph

Expository paragraph is a mode of

writing in which the purpose of the
author is to inform, explain, describe, or
define his or her subject to the reader.

19
 Types of Paragraphs

1. Narrative
2. Descriptive
3. Definition
4. Exemplification
5. Classification
6. Comparison and Contrast
7. Cause and Effect
8. Process Analysis
9. Problem-Solution
10. Persuasive

20
 Types of Paragraphs

 Narrative
- a story that is written to explain who, what,
where, when and why. Narration paragraphs are
usually written in chronological order.

Common Transitional Expressions: after, finally,

soon, as (soon as), later, then, before, meanwhile,
upon, during, next, when, first, now, and while.

21
 Types of Paragraphs
 Descriptive
- makes use of rich descriptive words
that
puts a picture of a person, place, or an
object in a reader’s mind.

Transitional Expressions: next to, near,

close, far, up, down, between, above, below,
left, right, center, toward, away

22
 Types of Paragraphs
 Definition
- a paragraph explaining a term or subject
- can be done in different ways: Synonym,
Class, Negation and
Example

Synonym is explaining the term by using the words that mean

the same thing. EXAMPLE: To procrastinate is to slack.
Class is when you put your topic in a larger category to explain
your term. EXAMPLE: A pineapple is a tropical fruit that has an
acidic and sweet taste.
Negation means that the writer first says something is not, and
then says what it is. EXAMPLE: A snowcone is not an ice
creamcone, but rather a shredded ice and syrup treat.
Example is defining by offering a representative, pattern or
model.
23
 Types of Paragraphs

 Exemplification
- typically explains, supports or develops a
central idea by offering specific examples
- examples of exemplification paragraph may
be data, stories, anecdotes or facts
- its purpose may be to explain persuade,
define, or illustrate a general idea

24
 Types of Paragraphs
 Classification
- clearly defines something and place it
in a group according to some basis or rule so
that it only fits in one group
Classify- to gather into types, kinds, or
categories according to a single basis of
division.
Transitional expressions: can be divided,
can be classified, can be categorized, the first
type, the second kind, the last category
25
 Comparison and Contrast
Types Paragraph
of Paragraphs
- compares two subjects and discusses how
they are
alike and/or different.
- two ways to write a paragraph, first, there is
the
point by point paragraph and there is the
blocked
paragraph.
Transitional expressions in comparison: in the
same way, and, also, in addition, as well as, both,
neither, each of, just as...so, similarly, like, too, the
same
Transitional expressions used in contrast:
although, whereas, but, however, conversely, on the
other hand, in contrast, while, yet, unlike 26
 Types of Paragraphs

 Cause and Effect Paragraph

- analyzes the reasons and results of a certain
situation

Transitional Expressions For Cause & Effect

To Show Causes: the first cause (second, third)the
first reason (second, third) yet another factor,
because, is caused by results from
To Show Effects: one important effect, another
result, a third outcome, as a result, consequently,
then, next, therefore, thus, so

27
 Types of Paragraphs

 Process Paragraph
- useful when writing on history, business, the
sciences, psychology, and many other areas

Two Types of Process Paragraph

How to: This gives the reader steps or directions on

how he or she can do something.

Explanation: This tells the reader how a particular

event occurred or how something works.

28
Transitional Expressions:
Beginning a Process (at)first, initially, begin
by
Continuing the Process second, third step,
until, after(ward), then, next later, before,
when, while, as soon as, as, upon, during,
meanwhile
Ending a Process finally, at last

29
 Types of Paragraphs
 Problem/Solution Paragraph
- presents a problem and describes two or more
possible solutions to that problem.

Steps to follow:

1. State and define the problem.

2. Suggest the possible solutions.
3. Evaluate the solutions.
4. Make a recommendation.

30
 Types of Paragraphs
 Persuasive
-to convince someone that your opinion on a
subject is the right one. It is important to consider the
audience as you write persuasively. Directing your
paragraph toward a particular audience can be
helpful.
Methods of Persuasion
Facts- A statement of what is.
Referring to authority- An expert who can be relied
on to give unbiased facts and information.
Examples- An example should clearly relate to the
argument and should be typical enough to support it.

31
IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF
PARAGRAPH

09/01/2024
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

In front of me on the table sat a beautiful pure

white bowl, simplistic in design, hiding a decadent
surprise inside. In the bowl was hidden something
that was not so pure, however, the irresistible
indulgence was worth every calorie that I knew it
contained.

As I looked inside I saw on the bottom of the bowl a

hot, tender brownie loaded with macadamia nuts. I
knew from past experience that the nuts had a creamy
and smooth texture, almost like white chocolate

On top of the brownie were two firmly packed scoops

of ice cream, laying side by side, each one a different
flavor. The scoop on the right was a rich vanilla,
flecked with dark specks of vanilla bean. 33
The scoop on the left was a dark, smooth, bittersweet
chocolate. The scoops were just starting to melt tiny rivers
of melted cream down the sides of the hot brownie, pooling
on the bottom of the pure white bowl.

These scoops of ice cream were draped with a

sumptuous, rich, hot fudge sauce. Topping the luscious
sauce was an ample dollop of whipped cream that was in
perfect contrast to the dense, almost too rich dessert below.

The whipped cream was topped with a shower of

chocolate sprinkles and finely chopped walnuts. What
finally completed this wonderful creation was a perfect
maraschino cherry, its red juice sending tiny streams down
the whole mountain of dessert delight.

The contrast of colors, textures and flavors in this dessert

appealed to every part of my senses. I could not wait to34eat
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

Sunset is the time of day when our sky

meets the outer space solar winds. There
are blue, pink, and purple swirls, spinning
and twisting, like clouds of balloons caught
in a blender. The sun moves slowly to hide
behind the line of horizon, while the moon
races to take its place in prominence atop
the night sky.
People slow to a crawl, entranced, fully
forgetting the deeds that still must be done.
There is a coolness, a calmness, when the
sun does set. 35
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft launched

from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its mission was
to go where no human being had gone before—the moon!
The crew consisted of Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and
Buzz Aldrin. The spacecraft landed on the moon in the Sea
of Tranquility, a basaltic flood plain, on July 20, 1969. 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. He
declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for
mankind.” It was a monumental moment in human history!

36
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

Here is the perfect system for cleaning

your room. First, move all of the items that do not
have a proper place to the center of the room. Get
rid of at least five things that you have not used
within the last year. Take out all of the trash, and
place all of the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. Now
find a location for each of the items you had placed
in the center of the room. For any remaining items,
see if you can squeeze them in under your bed or
stuff them into the back of your closet. See, that
was easy!

37
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

Oceans and lakes have much in common, but

they are also quite different. Both are bodies of
water, but oceans are very large bodies of salt
water, while lakes are much smaller bodies of fresh
water. Lakes are usually surrounded by land, while
oceans are what surround continents. Both have
plants and animals living in them. The ocean is
home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas
lakes support much smaller forms of life. When it is
time for a vacation, both will make a great place to
visit and enjoy.

38
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

The school fair is right around the corner, and tickets

have just gone on sale. We are selling a limited number of
tickets at a discount, so move fast and get yours while they
are still available. This is going to be an event you will not
want to miss! First off, the school fair is a great value when
compared with other forms of entertainment. Also, your ticket
purchase will help our school, and when you help the school,
it helps the entire community.
But that’s not all! Every ticket you purchase enters
you in a drawing to win fabulous prizes. And don’t forget, you
will have mountains of fun because there are acres and
acres of great rides, fun games, and entertaining attractions!
Spend time with your family and friends at our school fair.
Buy your tickets now!
39
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

The school fair is right around the corner, and tickets

have just gone on sale. Even though you may be busy, you
will still want to reserve just one day out of an entire year to
relax and have fun with us. Even if you don’t have much
money, you don’t have to worry. The school fair is a
community event, and therefore prices are kept low.
Perhaps, you are still not convinced.
Maybe you feel you are too old for fairs, or you just
don’t like them. Well, that’s what my grandfather thought, but
he came to last year’s school fair and had this to say about
it: “I had the best time of my life!” While it’s true you may be
able to think of a reason not to come, I’m also sure you can
think of several reasons why you must come. We look
forward to seeing you at the school fair!
40
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

People often install a kitty door, only to discover that

they have a problem. The problem is their cat will not use the
kitty door. There are several common reasons why cats
won’t use kitty doors. First, they may not understand how a
kitty door works. They may not understand that it is a little
doorway just for them. Second, many kitty doors are dark
and cats cannot see to the other side. As such, they can’t be
sure of what is on the other side of the door, so they won’t
take the risk. One last reason cats won’t use kitty doors is
because some cats don’t like the feeling of pushing through
and then having the door drag across their back. But don’t
worry—there are solutions to this problem.

41
 WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?
continuation

The first step in solving the problem is to prop the door

open with tape. This means your cat will now be able to
see through to the other side; your cat will likely begin
using the kitty door immediately. Once your cat has
gotten used to using the kitty door, remove the tape.
Sometimes cats will continue to use the kitty door without
any more prompting. If this does not happen, you will
want to use food to bribe your cat. When it’s feeding time,
sit on the opposite side of the door from your cat and
either click the top of the can or crinkle the cat food bag.
Open the door to show your cat that it is both you and the
food waiting on the other side of the door. Repeat this a
couple times, and then feed your cat. After a couple days
of this, your kitty door problem will be gone.
42
WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

43
WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

44
WHAT TYPE OF PARAGRAPH IS THIS?

45
 APPLICATION 1
Analyze and compare two
types of paragraphs by making
an assessment of the four F’s.
(See paragraphs in Appendix 2.)

Qualities
Persuasive Problem-Solution
of a Paragraph

Flow

Focus

Function

Form

46
 Persuasive Paragraph
In this age of technology all students in the Montana University System
should be required to learn Internet use, and there should be a course to teach it as
a core requirement. The first reason is going to school in the twenty-first century
almost all classes require some computer use. Every time you go to the library at
M.S.U.C.O.T, you need to know how to go online as there are very few books
anymore, and almost everything is on the Web. Following that when you go to find a
job, more and more companies are using computers. It's getting almost impossible
to find a job that doesn't require computer skills of some sort. One of the big things
is communications within the company. Most companies use electronic
communications of some sort, such as e-mail or memos on line. Even the jobs
people used to think of as unskilled labor such as a mechanic are using computers.
All cars built today have a computer built into them. The mechanic uses it to figure
out what's wrong with your car, then a lot of time they go online to find out the beat
way to fix it faster, saving time and money. Some people might say that the courses
that need to have computer skills have them built into them, but I say we should get
a jump on the future and have all students learn the internet. If people don't learn it,
they will fall behind in the job market and in life.
http://english120.pbworks.com/w/page/19007010/persuasion%20paragraph
47
 Problem-Solution Paragraph
On most part, energy is created by burning fossil fuels -- coal, natural gas and
oil. At the current rate of use of these finite resources, it is expected that the world
will run out of fossil fuels in thirty to forty years to come. When this happens, it will
no longer be possible to generate power to operate factories and vehicles or to light
and heat houses. This world-wide problem can be resolved through the
implementation of two possible solutions. The first solution is to improve
conservation efforts. In order to do this, governments can try to raise public
awareness, discourage over-consumption and encourage recycling. The second
and better solution, therefore, is to use alternative sources of energy to meet future
needs. The current leading alternatives to fossil fuels are solar energy and fusion,
which is the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei. Solar energy is directly
obtained from the sun so it is easily accessible and pollution-free. It can be used
both to heat water and buildings and to generate electricity but mostly in countries
that have ample sunlight. Fusion, on the other hand, will make it possible for
nuclear power plants to generate enormous amounts of energy in order to meet the
energy needs of the planet indefinitely. In conclusion, in order to have sufficient
energy for the next century, it will be necessary to develop and encourage the use
of alternative energy sources worldwide.
https://e-writing.wikispaces.com/Problem+and+Solution+Paragraph
48
 APPLICATION 2

Read each of the paragraphs

and identify its pattern of
development. (See paragraphs
in Appendix 3.)

49
 APPLICATION 3

Select a type of paragraph to

develop. Then exchange with a
partner to evaluate the use of
the 4F’s. See Appendix 5 for
rubric.

50
 CLOSURE

Write down 1 or 2 “AHA!”

(something you learned) and 1
or 2 “HUH?” (things you still
have questions about)
After 5 minutes, answers will
be read out in class.

51
 “Education would be much more
effective if its purpose was to ensure
that by the time they leave school
every boy and girl should know how
much they do not know, and be
imbued with a lifelong desire to know
it.”

- William Haley

52
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
References:
• https://e-writing.wikispaces.com/Problem+and+Solution+Paragraph
• http://english120.pbworks.com/w/page/19006850/definition%20paragraphs
• https://myreadwritebooster.wordpress.com/writing-3/2-paragraph-writing/9-
process-paragraph/
• https://professortashman.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/exemplification-
paragraph/
• https://www.livestrong.com/article/560767-behavior-management-for-
troubled-children/
• https://www.quora.com/What-is-an-example-of-an-exemplification-paragraph
• https://www.thoughtco.com/cause-and-effect-composition-1689834
• Keri Walk,
www.brandeis.edu/writingprogram/writing-intensive/.../files/KWParagraphing.d
oc

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Thank you!

54
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT