Introduction

What is a paragraph?
Paragraphs are comprised of sentences, but not random sentences. A paragraph is a group of
sentences organized around a central topic. In fact, the cardinal rule of paragraph writing is to
focus on one idea. A solidly written paragraph takes its readers on a clear path, without detours.

A basic paragraph structure usually consists of five sentences: the topic sentence, three
supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. But the secrets to paragraph writing lay in four
essential elements, which when used correctly, can make an okay paragraph into
a great paragraph. Each element contributes to the whole. The four elements essential to good
paragraph writing are: unity, order, coherence, and completeness.

• Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence. Every paragraph has one single,
controlling idea that is expressed in its topic sentence, which is typically the first sentence
of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea, with the supporting
sentences providing detail and discussion. In order to write a good topic sentence, think
about your theme and all the points you want to make. Decide which point drives the rest,
and then write it as your topic sentence.
• Order. Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences. Whether you
choose chronological order, order of importance, or another logical presentation of detail, a
solid paragraph always has a definite organization. In a well-ordered paragraph, the reader
follows along easily, aided by the pattern you’ve established. Order helps the reader grasp
your meaning and avoid confusion.
• Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable. Sentences
within a paragraph need to connect to each other and work together as a whole. One of the
best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition words. These words create bridges from
one sentence to the next. You can use transition words that show order (first, second, third);
spatial relationships (above, below) or logic (furthermore, in addition, in fact). Also, in
writing a paragraph, using a consistent verb tense and point of view are important
ingredients for coherency.
• Completeness. Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed. If all sentences clearly
and sufficiently support the main idea, then your paragraph is complete. If there are not
 enough sentences or enough information to prove your thesis, then the paragraph is
incomplete. Usually three supporting sentences, in addition to a topic sentence and
concluding sentence, are needed for a paragraph to be complete. The concluding sentence
or last sentence of the paragraph should summarize your main idea by reinforcing your
topic sentence.

The Sentence and Its Functions

The Sentence

From the time you entered school; you probably have been speaking and writing in sentences.
In the English language, the sentence is the basic unit of meaning.
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. Every sentence has two basic
parts: a subject and a predicate. The subject tells whom or what the sentence is about. The
predicate tells information about the subject—what the subject is, what the subject does, or what
happens to the subject.

example
sentence Two large birds | circled the lake.
(subject) (predicate)

A group of words that does not have both a subject and a predicate is called a sentence
fragment. A sentence fragment does not express a complete thought.

Examples

Sentence fragment Four new students. (The fragment does not have a predicate. The group of
words does not answer the question What did four new students do?)

sentence fragment Arrived early. (The fragment does not have a subject. The group of
words does not answer the question Who arrived early?)

sentence fragment At school. (The fragment does not have a subject or predicate. The
group of words does not tell what the sentence is about or what the subject does.)
complete sentence Four new students arrived early at school.
Functions of Sentences

There are four different kinds of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and
exclamatory. Each kind of sentence has a different purpose. You can vary the tone and mood of
your writing by using the four different sentence types. Read the example sentences aloud, and
notice how your voice changes to express each sentence’s different meaning.

• A declarative sentence makes a statement. It ends with a period.

Example: He injured his knee during the game.

• An interrogative sentence asks a question. It ends with a question mark.

Example: Did he injure his knee during the game?

• An imperative sentence gives an order or makes a request. It ends with a period or an

exclamation mark. An imperative sentence has an understood subject, you.
Example: (You) Get the nurse quickly!
(You) Help Ali off the field.

• An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feeling. It usually ends with an exclamation point.
Example: Ow, that really hurts!

TOPIC Sentence, Supporting Sentences, Concluding Sentences:

-1- The topic sentence is often (but not always), the first sentence in the paragraph. The topic
sentence tells the reader what the main idea of the paragraph is, i.e., the topic and focus of the
paragraph.
-2- The supporting sentences give examples, explanation, information and opinion to support
the main idea of the paragraph. Therefore, all supporting sentences should help the reader to
understand the topic and focus of the sentence.
All supporting sentences support the main idea of the paragraph.
-3- The concluding sentence is the last sentence in the paragraph. It is often similar to the topic
sentence and reminds the reader of the topic and focus of the paragraph, but it should use
different words, if possible.
Types of paragraphs:

1-Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is one that is describing a person, place, thing, animal, theme or idea to
the reader. Descriptive phrases make use of the five senses: how something feels, smells, sounds,
tastes or looks. The more descriptive that you can get, the better picture you’re providing your
reader. A good descriptive paragraph will make them feel like they were there experiencing
everything you’re talking about. Descriptive paragraphs are powerful tools for fiction writers, as
these paragraphs are responsible for setting the stage and telling the story.

2- Narrative Paragraph

A narrative paragraph helps tell the story and keeps the story moving. Narrative paragraphs will
include action, events and exciting descriptive words. These paragraphs help keep the reader
engaged in the story. Narrative paragraphs are similar to descriptive paragraphs (and a paragraph
may actually be both at once), but a narrative paragraph tends to offer the reader more
background information, such as past events that lead up to or cause events in the story. These
are also very important paragraphs for fiction writers, as they help the reader to see the whole
picture.

3-Persuasive Paragraphs

A persuasive paragraph is one in which the writer is actually giving his own opinion on a certain
subject or topic. Persuasive paragraphs will also include facts and information that help to back
up the writer’s opinion. These paragraphs often show up in speeches or editorial essays and other
forms of writing where the main goal is persuasion. In fiction, use these paragraphs to convince
the reader to feel a certain way toward a character, place or event, perhaps a different way than
they may have felt earlier in the story.

4-Explanatory Paragraph

An explanatory paragraph offers the reader information on a certain subject. These paragraphs
may contain directions or might describe a process in a logical, linear manner. Explanatory
paragraphs are also factual in nature and are not a common tool for fiction writers. A how-to
article is an example of a piece of writing that would use these paragraphs