READING AND WRITING SKILLS MODULE 4.
EMPHATIC ORDER/SPATIAL/CHRONOLOGICAL- emphatic order is when
LESSON 3: PARAGRAPH
PARAGRAPH is a group of sentences that deals with one particular idea. Paragraphs
are defined by the point that they support, the controlling idea, and not just by how
long they are. The fundamental rule in writing paragraphs is that only one idea should
be discussed per paragraph.
USE OF SIGNAL DEVICES
Identifying the Parts of a Paragraph
TOPIC SENTENCE- tells the reader the main idea of your paragraph. It reveals what
you generally plan to propose, argue or explain. When it is a part of a longer essay,
the topic sentence contains a main point that supports the thesis statement. Think of
the topic sentence as mini thesis statement for the paragraph.
A topic sentence can be explicit, or clearly states the ideas that will be elaborated on
in the paragraph. However, a topic sentence can also be implied. A topic sentence is
implied if there is clear controlling idea of what the paragraph is about. The reader will
be able to determine the focus of the paragraph because all of the details, as seen,
above are like linked by an organizing theme.
SUPPORTING DETAIL- it elaborates on the topic sentence. These may range from
facts, examples, or instances. Good supporting details expound on the main idea and
acts as adequate support; they are specific and stem from the general idea
established by the topic sentence. How much detail you should include in a
paragraph depends on your purpose and topic sentence.
MAKING YOU PARAGRAPHS EFFECTIVE
1. UNITY- simply means that all of the sentences in the paragraph are related
to the topic sentence. It is the first characteristics of an effective paragraph
2. ADEQUATE DEVELOPMENT- second characteristic. The topic sentence
should be elaborated on using concrete evidence, different examples,
relevant facts, and specific details.
3. COHERENCE- this means that the sentences are arranged in a logical
manner, making them easily understood by the reader. Coherence is
achieved when ideas flow smoothly within and between paragraphs.
information found in a paragraph is arranged to emphasize certain points
depending on the writer’s purpose. When a paragraph’s arrangement is
chronological order, the details are arranged in the order in which they
happened. Meanwhile, spatial arrangement is when the sentences of a
paragraph are arranged according to geographical location, such as left to
right, up to down.
1. Transitions- these are word and phrases that connect one idea to
another
a. Time (first, immediately, afterward, before, at the same time,
after, earlier, simultaneously, finally, next, later, in the
meantime, eventually, then, meanwhile, now, subsequently)
b. Sequence (moreover, furthermore, next, also, finally, last,
another, first, second, besides, additionally)
c. Space- (above, next to, below, behind, beside)
d. Illustrations- (for instance, specifically, for example, namely, in
this case, to illustrate)
e. Comparison- (similarly, also, in the same way, still, likewise, in
comparison, too)
f. Contrast- (but, despite, however, even though, yet, on the
other hand, although, on the contrary, otherwise, conversely)
g. Cause and Effect- (because, as a result, consequently, then,
so, since)
h. Conclusion- (thus, therefore, in conclusion, in short)
2. Repetitions- repetitions of main ideas keep continuity and highlight
important ideas
3. Synonyms- these are words similar in meaning to important words or
phrases that prevent tedious repetitions.
4. Pronouns- words that connect readers to the original word that the
pronouns replace
5. Parallelism- using of similar sentence structure.
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Module 1 | Reading and Writing Skills 1
 Dharsinero S. Sabandal, LPT
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Module 1 | Reading and Writing Skills 2