What is paragraph?
What is paragraph?
A paragraph is a collection of related
sentences dealing with a single topic.(Dana Lynn Driscoll)
Paragraph is a group of sentences that
develop a single point, idea or topic.(Adrian Chapman)
Opinion: based on the explanation
above, I agree with Dana and Andrian because a paragraph is not only collection of related sentences dealing
with a single topic, but also is a group of sentences that develop a
single point, idea or topic. We try to combine those two explation and make it in one
explanation.
How is a paragraph developed?
1. The topic sentence should identify a
general statement about the subject.
2. The writer should choose details
that make specific points about the general statement.
3. The writer should make sure the
reader can understand and relate to the specific examples.
(Roberta L. Sejnost and Sharon Thiese,
Reading and Writing Across Content Areas, 2nd ed. Corwin Press, 2007)
The explanation above is too general,
we can make it more specific. Based on our understanding, paragraph is
developed by some sentences which coherence and unite each other and has main
ide/topic sentence, supporting sentence and concluding sentence.
The Parts of a paragraph
Based on Introduction to Academic English, a paragraph has three parts: a topic
sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentence.
Topic sentences tells what topic the
paragraph is going to discuss
Supporting sentences give details about
the topic
Concluding sentence summarizes the main
points or restates the topic sentence in different words
Seven Types of
Paragraphs
Narration
Paragraph
A
narration paragraph tells a story of one specific event. The primary focus of
the topic sentence is to identify the event or thought, including your stance
on it.
Definition
Paragraph
A
definition paragraph explains how something functions or what its purpose is.
Compare and
Contrast
A
comparison and contrast paragraph compares two events, people or situations.
Explain why the two terms are relevant and use specific examples to portray the
similarities and differences.
Classification
Paragraph
A
classification paragraph divides items into various groups or categories. The
paragraph needs to explain each item and identify how it fits into the
classification.
Explanation
Paragraph
An
explanation paragraph clarifies a topic and uses relevant information to
support your explanation. The topic sentence should give an idea and identify
your view of the topic.
Description
Paragraph
A
description paragraph focuses on actions and uses verbs, as opposed to
adjectives or adverbs
Exposition
An
exposition paragraph is similar to an explanatory paragraph. In an exposition
paragraph, your primary focus is to be credible
Comparison
and Contrast
Comparison and contrast is a technique
that we use every day. For example, we compare and contrast courses and
teachers when we decide which classes to take. When we compare two or more
things, we tell what is similar about them. When we contrast things, we tell
what is different about them.(Introduction to
Academic English, Third Edition. 2007)
Right
Brain/Left Brain
The left and the right sides of your brain process
information in different ways. The left side is logical, rational,
linear, and verbal. The right side, on the other hand, processes information
intuitively, emotionally, creatively, and visually. Left brains think in words,
whereas right brains think in pictures. People who depend more on the left side
of their brain are list makers and analysts. They are detailed, careful, and
organized. In contrast, right-brained people are visual, intuitive, and
sensual. When a left-brained person has to make an important decision, he or she makes a mental
list of all the factors involved and arrives at a decision only after careful
analysis. When a right-brained person has to make the same decision, on the
other hand, he or she is more likely to base it on intuition and feelings. For
the example, a left- brained person automobile shopper will consider a car’s
cost, fuel efficiency, and resale value, whereas a right-brained shopper bases
a decision on how shiny the chrome is, how soft the seats are, and how smoothly
the car drives. Of course, no one is 100 percent left-brained or 100 percent
right-brained. Although one side
may be stronger, both sides normally work together.
From example above we can identify:
Topic
Sentence : The left and the right sides of your
brain process information in different ways.
Supporting
Sentences : from line 2 - 11.
Concluding Sentence :
Although
one side, may be stronger, both sides normally work togheter.
References:
Oshima, Alice and Houge, Ann.(2007).Introduction to Academic English, Third
Edition.Pearson Longman. 10 Bank Street, White Plains, NY.
Richard
Nordquist . (2013). Five-Paragraph Essay. Available at : http://grammar.about.com/od/fh/g/Five-Paragraph-Essay.htm/
(accesed
: September, 25th, 2013 ).
Zeliha Gulcat.(2004). Paragraph
Development. Available at : file:///J:/New%20Folder/Paragraph%20Development.htm/ (accesed :
September, 25th, 2013 ).
The Body. (2013). Structuring Your
Personal Statement of Body Paragraphs. Available
at : file:///J:/New%20Folder/The%20Body.htm/ (accesed :
September, 25th, 2013 ).
English Practice. (2013). Types of Paragraphs. Available at : http://www.englishpractice.com/writing/types-paragraphs/(accesed :
September, 25th, 2013 ) .
F. Scott Walters . (2000). Comparison
and Contrast. Available
at : file:///J:/New%20Folder/Comparison%20&%20Contrast%20Paragraphs.htm/ (accesed : September, 25th, 2013 ).
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