Paragraph Writing.

Outline
1.Definition of Paragraph

2.Parts of Paragraph

3.Kinds of Paragraph

4.Characteristics of Paragraph

5.Importance of paragraph

6. How to write a Paragraph

7.Example of Paragraph

8. Exercises for students

1. Definition of Paragraph. A paragraph is usually a group of sentences about a single topic or

idea. However, a paragraph of single sentence is also possible. All sentences in the paragraph are about
the single topic which is called " The topic sentence ". Paragraph begins with a new line, marked by
indentation (a blank space left between a margin and beginning of a line).

2..Parts of Paragraph. There are three parts of paragraph:

i.Topic sentence

ii.Supporting sentence

iii.Closing or Concluding sentence

i. Topic sentence. It is about the main idea of a paragraph . It is usually the first sentence in a paragraph,
however, it can also come in the middle or end in a paragraph. It is good to keep the topic sentence in
the beginning. It marks the introduction of the paragraph.

ii. Supporting sentence. Supporting sentence can be one, two , three or many,depending on the length
of paragraph,but must be related and relevant to the topic sentence. The supporting sentences provide
detail or explain the topic sentence.It marks the body of a paragraph.

iii. Closing or Concluding sentence. Closing sentences refer back to the topic sentence and sums up the
main idea of a paragraph. It marks the end of a paragraph.

3.Kinds of Paragraph. There are many types of paragraph such as :

i.Narrative Paragraph. It tells a story or events.

ii.Persuasive Paragraph . It persuades or convinces someone.

iii.Expository Paragraph. It explains something.

iv.Descriptive Paragraph. It describes something or someone using words which make pictures in the
mind of the readers or listeners.

v.Chronological Paragraph. It is a paragraph which tells or describes something in term of time order.

vi.Definition Paragraph. It is a paragraph which defines something.

vii.Classification Paragraph. It is a paragraph which classifies something.

4. Characteristics of Paragraph. There are few characteristics of paragraph :

i.Unity. Cohesive devices such as and,but, so, therefore, until, unless, though, however, similarly, on the
other hand, moreover ect bring unity in paragraph by linking words,sentences, ideas and paragraphs.

ii.One Topic . A good paragraph is the one which has one topic sentence.

iii.Correctness. A good paragraph is correct in term of grammar, spellings and punctuations.

5. Importance of Paragraph. Paragraph writing is very important for students because it is the
first step in every piece of academic writing such as essay, story, application, letter and research
thesis.It is ,therefore, necessary for students to master how to write a paragraph .

6. How to Write a Paragraph.

i.Start on a new line

ii.Indent the First Line

iii.Begin with the Topic Sentence that Tells the Main Idea

iv.Write Supporting Sentences Detailing or Explaining the Main Idea

v.Write the Closing Sentence.

7. Example of Paragraph. For example we write essay on the topic " Computer" so we will
subdivide or break it into subtopics. For instance,

i. Definition of computer in one paragraph

ii. Parts of computer in second paragraph

iii. Output devices in third paragraph

iv. Input devices in fourth paragraph

v. Uses of computer in fifth paragraph and so on.

Example of paragraph
(Indented area )Computer has many parts. They are CPU, monitor , mouse, keyboard , speakers. They
are interdependent and work together. ( paragraph on parts of computer ).

(Indented area)Computer has a lot of uses. It is very useful and is used almost everywhere. It is used in
school, college and university. It is also used in businesses. Moreover, communication is impossible
without the use of computer. (Paragraph on uses of computer )

In the above two examples each paragraph has its own topic sentence and supporting sentences, also
note indentation.

8.Exercise for Students.

Exercise 1.

Write a Paragraph on the " Importance of Education "

Exercise 2.

Write a paragraph on the " Advantages of Mobile "

The End