The separation of work into paragraphs result in clear, expressive communication. A paragraph consists of a number of sentences that deal with one idea or theme.
It is made up of a topic sentence and support detail.
- The topic sentence is often the first sentence. It may summarise the paragraph or contain its main focus or idea.
- The rest of the paragraph expands on the main idea and this is known as supporting detail.
- The last sentence of the paragraph may conclude or summarise the idea or theme.
The following rules are general guidelines
1. The Introduction/Orientation
The first paragraph is the introduction/orientation, which introduces the topic and sets the scene.
- It should be short, gripping and inviting.
- The introduction 'tunes' you into the mood or tone of what is to follow.
Given the title, 'I remember how angry I was', the introduction could be:
'The inferno within me began to blaze!' - Do not use: "This Essay is about" or "I'm going to write about..."
The introduction should have two focal points: introduce the topic of your writing and allure your reader to finish your story. The theme is usually explained in a sentence or two known as a dissertation declaration. It is important to put this in the introduction because it explains your objective and/or position to the reader.
The importance of the inclusion of an attention getter at the beginning cannot be stressed enough. This item must 'hook' the reader's interest and will create curiosity, empathy or entertain the reader, causing them to continue reading the piece. To achieve this is, to begin with, a shocking statement, an emotive story, or humour. The reader might lose interest and stop reading before they even have begun reading the story.
2. The Body/Development
The introduction is followed by several paragraphs, which form the body or development of the text and explore the topic.
- Each paragraph usually deals with a different aspect of the topic.
- Linking words such as similarly, besides, however, and also make the meaning clear and ensure the flow of the paragraph.
The middle of the paragraph contains the body and incorporate vital information and details. There are several ways to organize middle or body paragraphs.
You could begin with the most important piece of information and organize your paragraphs down to the least important. This pattern is called the inverted pyramid. Journalist and persuasive writers make use of this form of writing.
3. The Conclusion/Resolution
The last paragraph is the conclusion which ties up the loose ends.
- It usually expresses your feelings about the topic.
- The reader should sense finality.
- Words such as in conclusion, it is therefore evident, thus and consequently will help the text run more smoothly.
- If possible, the **last sentence should be strong and should linger in the mind of the reader:
'By the end of the afternoon, the embers had died down and I had learnt a bitter lesson.'
You might begin with your most important piece of information and organize your paragraphs down to the least important. This pattern is sometimes called the inverted pyramid and is employed by journalists and persuasive writers. If the most important piece of information is organized first, the chances are better to get the information across to the reader.
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We may compare each paragraph to a course on a restaurant menu.
- We cannot put the hors-d'oeuvres, the main course and the dessert on one plate.
- Each course (paragraph) has its own purpose, its own identity, and its own taste.
- Each has to be savoured separately in order to have the desired overall effect.
Source:
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/globalpad/openhouse/academicenglishskills/writing/paragraphing/
https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/paragraphs-and-topic-sentences.html
https://classroom.synonym.com/importance-correct-paragraph-sequence-essay-3727.html
English Grammar: In Writing: EBH Joubert
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