THE WRITING OF SINGLE PARAGRAPHS So far we've been treating of paragraphs which are sections of a more or less lengthy composition, like an essay or the chapter of a book. But students are often asked in examinations to Write short separate paragraphs, rather than essays, on subjects of ordinary interest. Such single paragraphs are really miniature essays; but an equivalent principle as we've discussed above (except the principle of variety), must be followed in their construction. Each paragraph must be a unity, treating of 1 definite subject, and must follow a logical order of thought. In most cases, too, the principles about the topical sentences, and therefore, the conclusion should be borne in mind. A couple of examples should make this clear. Suppose, for instance, you're asked to Write a paragraph on “The Cat.” it's obvious that you simply cannot treat this subject fully, as you would possibly during a long essay. And yet, you want to, consistent with the princ...
EXAMPLES Now allow us to examine a couple of paragraphs by standard authors, in illustration of those principles of paragraph construction. 1. “Hence it's that it's almost a definition of a gentleman to mention he's one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and as far because it goes, accurate. He's mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of these about him; and he concurs with their movements instead of takes the initiative himself. His benefits could also be considered as a parallel to what is called comforts or conveniences in arrangements of private nature, like a simple chair or good fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them.” — J.E. Newman. This is a paragraph from Cardinal Newman's famous description of a “Gentleman” in his the thought of a University, Notice that the paragraph is confined to at l...
Types of paragraphs There are four sorts of paragraphs that you simply got to know about: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. A fast search round the internet will yield other types, but to stay this easy, it is a good idea to think about just these four. Descriptive paragraph: This type of paragraph describes something and shows the reader what a thing or an individual is like. The words chosen within the description often appeal to the five senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Descriptive paragraphs are often artistic and should deviate from grammatical norms. Narrative paragraph: This type of paragraph describes a story. There's a sequence of action or there's a clear beginning, in middle, and end to the paragraph. Expository paragraph: ...