Types of Paragraphs

1. Narrative

There are four main 2. Descriptive

types of paragraphs: 3. Expository

4. Persuasive

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 This type of paragraph
The describes one primary
topic and narrates or tells
Narrative its story. The topic usually

Paragraph involves one main event,

adventure, scene, or
happening.

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 Tips for writing a narrative
paragraph:
1. Start with a topic sentence that grabs the reader’s
attention.
2. Write events in the order in which they occurred.
3. Use plenty of interesting details.
A narrative paragraph provides a lot of detail but still
stays on topic.

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 Start your narrative paragraph with a strong
topic sentence.

“This past weekend I had the time of my life. First, Friday night, I had my
best friend over and we made a delicious, mouth-watering pizza. After we ate,
we had a friendly video game competition.”

If the first sentence (topic sentence) is strong

enough, the reader look forward to finding out what
happens next.

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 Use transition words to move from event to
event.

“On Saturday, my dad took us out on the boat. The weather was
perfect, and the water was warm. It was a great day to go for a swim.
Later that night, we went to the movies. We saw an action-packed
thriller and ate a lot of popcorn.

Did you notice how the words (transition words) in

bold move the narrative naturally from one thing to
the next?

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 End your detailed description with a good
concluding sentence.

“Finally, on Sunday, we rode our bikes all over town. By the end of the
day, my legs were very tired. I only hope that next weekend will be as
fun as this one.”

This narrative paragraph keeps everything in order,

adds in a lot of detail, and ends on a strong note.

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 The When writing this type of
paragraph, you describe
Descriptive something with words that
allows your reader to
Paragraph almost “see” what you’re
describing.

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 Use strong verbs and colorful adjectives in a
descriptive paragraph.
Verb (action word) examples : Adjective (describes noun)
examples :

run smelly
leap radiant
shout gorgeous
fly gigantic

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 Here are some sample sentences with strong
verbs and colorful adjectives.
“The petite, young girl merrily “A strong, putrid odor flowed
skipped around the through the musty air outside
blossoming, fragrant bushes.” the garbage dumpster.”

The descriptive words in each sentence help the

reader see (and smell!) what is being described.

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 The When writing this type of
paragraph, you provide
Expository information. You write it in
a logical sequence so your
Paragraph reader can follow the
ideas.

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 Three parts of an expository
paragraph:
1. topic sentence

2. supporting sentences in a logical

sequence

3. concluding sentence

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 The topic sentence in an expository paragraph
states the main idea, or what you’ll write about.

Example: “Going to college can be expensive.”

When your reader reads this sentence, he or she will

know your paragraph is going to cover the costs of
attending college.

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 Each supporting sentence may be followed by
one or two sentences that add details or give
more explanation.

Example: “First, college tuition and room and board

can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than
$10,000 per semester. Other expenses can add up,
as well. For example, books typically cost between
$300 and $500 each term.”

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 The next supporting sentence and detail
sentences follow in a logical sequence.

Example: “Second, materials are also very expensive.

Paper, notebooks, writing utensils, and other required
supplies often cost more at the college bookstore than
at a discount store. For instance, a package of
notepaper costing $2 at a discount store might cost $5
at the college bookstore.”

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 You may have other supporting sentences and
detail sentences, still in logical sequence.

Example: “Finally, there are all kinds of special fees

added onto the bill at registration time. A college
student might have to pay a $50 insurance fee, a $20
activity fee, a $15 fee to the student government
association and anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for
parking. There is another fee if a student decides to
add or drop a course after registration ends.”

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 Your paragraph should end with an
appropriate concluding sentence.

Example: “The costs required to attend college never

seem to end.”

This sentence ties back to the topic sentence, often

by rephrasing it. It shows you where the sequence of
information finally leads you.

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 This type of paragraph
The tries to change the
reader's mind about
Persuasive something or to persuade

Paragraph the reader to agree with

the writer's point of view.

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 Things to know about persuasive
paragraphs:
1. the first sentence should lay out the writer’s
point of view on the topic at hand

2. supporting sentences should back up the

opinion with logic

3. all claims should be able to be supported with

evidence

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 A sample persuasive paragraph:

Spring is the best season. First, spring is colorful. Flowers of all kinds
begin to bloom, and even some trees have colorful buds. Next, with
spring comes warmer weather. While some days are still chilly, the wind
has lost its winter bite, allowing people to get outside more often.
Finally, spring has pleasant noises of all kinds. In some places, one can
hear the peeping of frogs and the song of the whippoorwill at night. To
one’s eyes, skin, and ears, the best season of the year is spring!

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 The End
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PARAGRAPH WRITING courses:

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●
resources:
● Middle School Paragraph Writing •Topic Sentence
● High School Paragraph Writing •Supporting Details
•Concluding Sentence
•Transitional Words

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