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Paragraphs help guide readers through longer pieces of writing. Some break lengthy discussions of one idea into segments of different emphasis, thus providing rest stops for readers.

4.1 Characteristics of Effective Paragraphs

4.1.1 Unity

A paragraph with unity develops one, and only one, key controlling idea, to ensure unity, edit out any stray ideas that don’t belong and fight the urge to take interesting but irrelevant side trips; they only create confusion about your destination.

4.1.2 The Topic Sentence

The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. Think of the topic sentence as a rallying point, with all supporting sentences developing the idea it expresses. A good topic sentence helps you gauge what information belongs in a paragraph, thus ensuring unity. At the same time, it informs your reader about the point you’re making.

4.1.3 Adequate Development

Instead of targeting a particular length, ask yourself what the reader needs to know. Then supply enough information to make your point clearly. The details you supply can include facts, figures, thoughts, observations, steps, lists, examples, and personal experiences. Individually, these bits if information may mean little but together they clearly illustrate your point. Keep in mind, however, that development isn’t an end in itself but instead advances the purpose of the entire essay.

Readability also helps set paragraph length. Too little paragraphing overwhelms the reader with long block of material. Too much creates a choppy effect that may seem simplistic, even irritating.

4.1.4 Organization

An effective paragraph unfolds in a clear pattern of organization so that the reader can easily follow the flow of ideas. Usually when you write our first draft, your attempt to organize your thoughts will also organize your paragraphs.

Marco Ponce Version 1 Year ‘06-‘07

Types of paragraph organization:

            􀂃 Time sequence

            􀂃 Space sequence

            􀂃 Process of development

            􀂃 Development by comparison

Order of Climax

Climatic order creates a crescendo pattern, starting with the least emphatic detail and progressing to the most empathic, the topic sentence can begin or end the paragraph, or it can remain implied, this pattern holds the reader’s interest by building suspense.

4.1.5 Coherence

Coherent writing flows smoothly and easily from one sentence and paragraph to another, clarifying the relationships among ideas and thus allowing the reader to grasp connections. Because incoherent writing fails to do this, it confuses, and sometimes even irritates, the reader. As you write signal connections to the reader by using transitions—devices that link sentences to one another.

4.2 Paragraphs with Special Functions

Special function paragraphs include introductions, transitional paragraphs, and conclusions.

4.2.1 Introductions

A good introduction acquaints and coaxes. It announces the essay’s topic and may directly state the thesis. Ti sets the tone of what will follow. With essays first impressions are important. if our opening rouses interest, it will draw the reader into the essay and pave the way for your ideas.

You can start with:

            􀂃 A directly stated thesis

            􀂃 A definition

            􀂃 A quotation

            􀂃 An anecdote or personal experience

            􀂃 And arresting statement

            􀂃 Interesting details

            􀂃 A question

Marco Ponce Version 1 Year ‘06-‘07

4.2.2 Transitional Paragraphs

You may need a short paragraph that announces a shift from one group of ideas to another. Transitional paragraphs summarize previously explained ideas, repeat the thesis, or point to ideas that follow. In short, transitional paragraphs look back as well as ahead.

4.2.3 Conclusions

A conclusion rounds out a paper and signals that the discussion has been completed. But many essays benefit from a conclusion that drives the point home a final time. To be effective, a conclusion must mesh logically and stylistically with what comes earlier.

You can end with:

            􀂃 A restatement of the thesis

            􀂃 A summary

            􀂃 A question

            􀂃 A quotation

            􀂃 An ironic twist or surprising observation

            􀂃 Clever or lighthearted ending

            􀂃 Personal challenge

            􀂃 Hope or recommendation

* CH 15 in the book

Now You Can Buy the Book

If you enjoy learning the essentials of writing, you should get the book: Strategies for Successful Writing: A Rhetoric, Research Guide, Reader, and Handbook, Seventh Edition, by Reinking & von der Osten. This book takes you far beyond the material here, with full discussions of how to fully understand and master a wide range of rhetorical devices, and how to use them effectively in modern writing. The book includes many annotated essay samples, as well as practice exercises, review questions, sample applications, and more material that guides you step by step on the proper use of the written medium. You can be proud of not only owning a college-level book but, also, perfectly knowing how to use the written language.

For more information and several ways to order, visit the Companion Website for the book.