1. Basic Paragraph Structure
In many languages, the fundamental unit of
•
composition is the paragraph.
•A paragraph consists of several sentences that
are grouped together.
This group of sentences together
•
discuss one main subject.

2. Paragraphs have three principal
parts
These three parts are :
* the topic sentence
* body sentences/ supporting sentences
* the concluding sentence

3. The Topic Sentence
A topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of a
paragraph; that is, it is usually the first sentence in a
formal academic paragraph.
Not only is a topic sentence the first sentence of a
paragraph, but, more importantly, it is the most
general sentence in a paragraph. What does "most
general" mean? It means that there are not many
details in the sentence, but that the sentence introduces
an overall idea that you want to discuss later in the
paragraph.

4. Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one
of the best countries in the world. First, Canada
has an excellent health care system. All Canadians
have access to medical services at a reasonable
price. Second, Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained
teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at
university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and
efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many
parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result,
Canada is a desirable place to live.

5. Supporting Sentences
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one
of the best countries in the world. First, Canada
has an excellent health care system. All
Canadians have access to medical services at
a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high
standard of education. Students are taught by
well-trained teachers and are encouraged to
continue studying at university. Finally,
Canada's cities are clean and efficiently
managed. Canadian cities have many parks
and lots of space for people to live. As a result,
Canada is a desirable place to live.

6. The Concluding Sentence
In formal paragraphs you will sometimes see a sentence at the end
of the paragraph which summarizes the information that has been
presented. This is the concluding sentence. You can think of a
concluding sentence as a sort of topic sentence in reverse.
Let's see how a concluding sentence (in boldfont) might look in our
sample paragraph about Wheaton:
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the
best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent
health care system. All Canadians have access to medical
services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high
standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained
teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at
university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently
managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of
space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a
desirable place to live.

7. For Example :
My hometown is famous because it is
located by Wheaton River, which is very wide,
and because it is built near an unusually steep
hill called Wheaton Hill.
( The problem with this sentence is that it contains too many
details. Topic sentences are general, and details should
appear later in the paragraph. A better topic sentence
would be like the mentioned above, My hometown is
famous for several amazing geographical features).

8. There are two reasons why some people like to
buy cars with automatic transmission and two
reasons why others like cars with manual
transmission.
(Sentence #2 is not appropriate as a topic sentence
because it mentions two topics, not just one.
Paragraphs are usually about one main thing and
so their topic sentences should also be about only
one main thing).

9. Clouds are white.
(The problem with this sentence is that it is too
general. It is also very boring! Would you like to
read a paragraph with this topic sentence? Most
people would not).

10. We can rewrite sentences #2 and #3 in the
following ways to make it better:
* There are two reasons why some people like
to buy cars with automatic transmission.
OR (in a different paragraph):
* There are two reasons why some people like
cars with manual transmission.
* The shapes of clouds are determined by
various factors.

11. Details in Paragraphs
For example, we could add a sentence or two about Wheaton river
concerning HOW wide it is or WHY it is beautiful. Consider this
revision (and note the additional details in bold):
My hometown is famous for several amazing natural
features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide
and beautiful. On either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide,
are many willow trees which have long branches that can move
gracefully in the wind. In autumn the leaves of these trees fall
and cover the riverbanks like golden snow. Also, on the other
side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very
steep. Even though it is steep, climbing this hill is not
dangerous, because there are some firm rocks along the sides
that can be used as stairs. There are no trees around this hill,
so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from many
miles away. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree
stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years
old. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my
hometown a famous place.

12. A Note on Formality. In addition to having a particular kind of
structure, academic paragraphs (and multi-paragraph essays,
which will be topic of another lesson) are different from
"ordinary writing" (such as letter writing) in that certain kinds
of expressions are not allowed. For example, in formal essays,
you should not use contractions such
as don't oraren't. Instead, you should write out the words in
full, for example, do not and are not.
TOO INFORMAL ACCEPTABLE
(Do not use)
don't do not
doesn't does not
aren't are not
weren't were not
can't cannot
couldn't could not
won't will not

13. Kinds of Paragraphs:
Definition Paragraph
When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and
explain what it is.
Example:
Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:
1. "is defined as"
Example:
A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or
property.
2. "is a kind of"
Example:
A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or
property.

14. Example of a Definition Paragraph
The IAU has so far recognized five dwarf planets differentiated from planets by
a parameter of “planetary discriminant” which allows estimating the capacity to
dominate orbits. According to NationMasterEncyclopaedia dwarf planets follow
orbits which are not free from other minor celestial bodies. Simultaneously, they
always circulate the Sun and not other celestial objects (they are not satellites).
Several dwarf planets have already been scrutinized effectively. Their physical
properties have been calculated through routine Earth-based observations as
well as advanced image-searching software. Since current data may not be
entirely accurate, further examinations are undertaken by astronomers and
physicists world-wide.
Elements of Definition Paragraph
 Definition paragraphs contain the following elements:
 Explanation of meaning – the fragment above explains why certain celestial objects are
called “dwarf planets”;
 Account of the origin of things – the fragment briefly recounts the history of
astronomical scrutiny relating to dwarf planets;
 Method – the fragment explains how astronomical observations influenced contemporary
knowledge of the solar system, and denotes specifically what tools were used in the
process;
 Examples and comparisons – in the fragment cited above, the idea of dwarf planets is
explained through comparisons with regular planets, as well as other celestial objects.
Definition paragraph should, generally, provide information on how not to confuse
different ideas;
 Citing verifiable sources – the fragment contain references to encyclopedia; there
could be quotations from dictionaries, and other authoritative sources.

15. Classification Paragraph
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas
into specific categories.
Example: Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy
resources.
The following words can help you to write a good
classification paragraph:
Helper Words:
 is a kind of
 can be divided into
 is a type of
 falls under
 belongs to
 is a part of
 fits into
 is grouped with
 is related to
 is associated with

16. Example of a Classification Paragraph
Paraphrasing is used for different purposes. Some
paraphrases will be designated to support already existing evidence.
Others will reinforce argumentation against evidence. Still others will
help to develop existing arguments and provide back-up for any
conclusion drawn in the course of writing. Depending on the function,
paraphrases will be introduced in accordance with their unique
context. Quotations require yet another approach. They are not self-
expressive because every quotation can signify a number of different
things in various contexts. It is both the introduction and the
commentary that follows it which decides about its context and the
ultimate meaning of a given citation in an essay. Paraphrasing
quotations - changing the original words or sense is not allowed.

17. Elements of a Classification Paragraph
Classification paragraphs contain the following elements:
Definition – term, idea, or an object presented in a classification
paragraph is briefly defined by its own terms – that includes defining
its origin, meaning, and function;
Comparison – classification paragraphs will, usually, define things by
comparingand contrasting them, showing crucial functions and
diverse use or meaning in analogical contexts;
Multiple contextualizations – classification paragraphs will compare
ideas in diverse contexts, so as to estimate specifically the potential of
each of the described thingsin different situations;
Descriptive vocabulary – adverbs and adjectives should point to the
contrast between two or more things (black vs. white, boring vs.
interesting, etc.).

18. Description Paragraph
In a description paragraph, you are writing about
what a person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes,
you may describe where a place is located.
Examples:
Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear
looks like.
Describe where Canada's industry is located.

19. Example of a Description Paragraph
Writers commit plagiarism every time they reword
sources without crediting original authors or fail to
reference their sources appropriately. Plagiarism
through paraphrasing can happen in two cases. First,
writer may choose to substitute some words from the
original with different vocabulary, rearrange words, or
rearrange the whole paragraph. In this way, he or she
presents stolen information expressing it with his or her
own words. And second, writer may try to use exactly
the same vocabulary and stylistic constructions and use
them with respect to another context. Plagiarism occurs
in both cases.

20. Elements of a Description Paragraph
Descriptive paragraphs contain the following
elements:
Information – descriptive paragraphs describe ideas
and things, as well as inform about their functions;
Context – in descriptive paragraphs, information is
always contextualized. Moreover, the context in
which given piece of information is presented is
also subject to description and evaluation;
Descriptive language – descriptive paragraphs use
considerable amounts of vocabulary that describes
action (verbs), as well as vocabulary denoting
value and attributes of thins (nouns, adverbs, and
adjectives).

21. Helper Words:
Properties Measurement Analogy Location
size Length is like In
Colour
Width Resembles Above
Shape mass/weight Below
Purpose speed Beside
Near
north/east/south/we
st

22. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write
about the similarities and differences between
two or more people, places, things, or ideas.
Example: Write a paragraph comparing the
weather in Vancouver and Halifax.

23. Contrast and Comparison paragraph
The Comparison paragraph compares two
subjects and discusses how they are alike and lists a
few examples. In the contrast paragraph, two subjects
are discussed as how they are different, again, listing a
few examples. There are two ways to write a
paragraph, first, there is the point by point paragraph
and there is the blocked paragraph. In the point by
point, writing back and forth between the two subjects.
First, talking about topic A. then talk about topic B.,
then right back to topic A. and so on. Finally, the block
paragraph only discusses one topic and then finishes
the paragraph with the other subject that is to be
compared or contrasted with the first. Then the
conclusion puts what your compairing or contrasting
together.

24. Transitional expressions used in Transitional expressions used in
comparison: contrast:
in the same way although
and, also, in addition whereas
as well as but
both, neither however
each of conversely
just as...so on the other hand
similarly in contrast
like while
too yet
the same unlike

25. Helper words:
Similarities Differences
is similar to the other hand
both however
also but
too in contrast
as well differs from
while
unlike

26. My Hogs
Although I raised Marcee and Obbie from puppies,
they have completely diverse personalities. Obbie is a six
year old, male, toy Pomeranian whereas Marcee is a one
year old, female, Boston terrier. Obbie is small and soft,
unlike Marcee who has bristly hair and is much bigger.
Marcee insists on sleeping on the bed, under the covers
every night. On the other hand, Obbie will only sleep on
the floor, under the bed. Obbie is tremendously loyal and
uptight; however, Marcee is hyper and friendly to anyone
she meets or sees. Around other dogs, Marcee cowers to
the larger dog, yet Obbie will always stand his ground,
never giving up until he is scolded. Given that they were
both treated the same way all their life, it is hard to
believe that they are so different in everything they do.

27. Sequence Paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to
describe a series of events or a process in
some sort of order. Usually, this order is based
on time.
Example: Write a paragraph outlining how a
person becomes the prime minister

28. Helper Words:
Order Time
first, second, third, etc. recently
in the beginning previously
before afterwards
then when
after after
finally
at last
subsequently

29. Choice Paragraph
In a paragraph where you have to make a
choice, you need to choose which object, idea,
or action that you prefer. Often, you will need to
give your opinion on a choice of actions or
events.
Example: Write a paragraph stating whether you
would prefer to play hockey or lacrosse.

30. Helper Words:
Point of View Personal Opinion
in my opinion like/dislike
belief hope
idea feel
understanding
I think that
I consider
I believe
it seems to me
I prefer

31. Explanation Paragraph
In an explanation paragraph, you need to
explain how or why something happens. Very
often in social studies class, you will be asked
to explore causes and effects of certain
events.
Example: Write a paragraph explaining why
so many Europeans moved to Canada during
the nineteenth century.

32. Helper Words:
Cause Effect
because therefore
since thus
as a result of consequently
is due to hence
it follows that
if . . . then

33. Evaluation Paragraph
In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments
about people, ideas, and possible actions. You
need to make your evaluation based on certain
criteria that you develop. In the paragraph, you
will state your evaluation or recommendation
and then support it by referring to your criteria.
Example: Write a paragraph evaluating whether
pesticides should be used on farms.

34. Helper Words:
Criteria for Evaluation Recommendation
good / bad suggest
correct / incorrect recommend
moral / immoral advise
right / wrong argue
important / trivial

35. How to write a paragraph:
Prewriting Paragraphs
What is the prewriting stage?
The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize
your ideas for your paragraph before you begin writing.
Six Prewriting Steps:
1. Think carefully about what you are going to write.
2. Open your notebook.
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic.
4. Write down your own ideas.
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay.
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops
your main idea.

36. Writing Paragraphs
What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas
into sentences.
Five Writing Steps:
1.Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting
sentences, and closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express
your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional
words to express your ideas.

37. Editing Paragraphs
What is the editing stage?
The editing stage is when you check your
paragraph for mistakes and correct them.
Grammar and Spelling
1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Read your essay again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with
each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.