Introduction to Paragraph Writing
What is a Paragraph Writing?
A paragraph or Paragraph Writing is a short collection of well-organised sentences which revolve around a single theme and is coherent.
Parts of a Paragraph:
Characteristics of a Well-written Paragraph:
Strike when the Iron is Hot The proverb is a reference to how the blacksmith heats the iron to make it malleable. Once it is cooled, the blacksmith loses the opportunity to mould it into the desired shape. Our lives are like iron; when opportunity presents itself, we should be ready to use it in order to change our lives. Once the time has passed, there is no point in sulking about lost opportunities. Wise men stay alert and recognise opportunities when they present themselves. The foolish ones on the other hand stand by and watch as opportunities pass by. Our reluctance to take risks can often leave us empty handed. Therefore, it is essential that we make the best use of our abilities and opportunities to progress in life. |
Hence, we can say that the above paragraph is well-written.
Types of Paragraphs Writing:
1. Descriptive Paragraph Writing: As the name suggests, through the Descriptive Paragraph, the writer describes something to the reader. It may be based on what the writer has seen, heard or felt. The writer uses rich descriptions that appeals to the reader‟s senses. This helps the reader place himself in a world that the writer creates.
Example of Descriptive Paragraph Writing
Out of the gravel there are peonies growing. They come up through the loose grey pebbles, their buds testing the air like snails' eyes, then swelling and opening, huge dark-red flowers all shining and glossy like satin. Then they burst and fall to the ground. In the one instant before they come apart, they are like the peonies in the front garden at Mr. Kinnear's, that first day, only those were white. Nancy was cutting them. She wore a pale dress with pink rosebuds and a triple-flounced skirt, and a straw bonnet that hid her face. She carried a flat basket, to put the flowers in; she bent from the hips like a lady, holding her waist straight. When she heard us and turned to look, she put her hand up to her throat as if startled. - From Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood |
2. Narrative Paragraph Writing: This type of paragraph tells a story or an incident to the reader. In other words, it simply narrates a tale that is meaningful. Such paragraphs often follow a linear or a chronological order of narration.
Example of Narrative Paragraph Writing
Mr Bucket was the only person in the family with a job. He worked in a toothpaste tory, where he sat all day long at a bench and screwed the little caps onto the tops of the tubes of toothpaste after the tubes had been filled. But a toothpaste cap-screwer is never paid very much ney, and poor Mr Bucket, however hard he worked, and however fast he screwed on the caps, s never able to make enough to buy one-half of the things that so large a family needed. There isn't even enough money to buy proper food for them all. The only meals they could afford were ad and margarine for breakfast, boiled potatoes and cabbage for lunch, and cabbage soup for supper. Sundays were better. They all looked forward to Sundays because then, although they had exactly the same, everyone was allowed a second helping From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl |
3. Expository Paragraph Writing: This type of paragraph explains an instruction, a method or a process. The purpose of such a paragraph is to simply explain something to the reader. Often, the writer of such paragraphs does a lot of research on the topics he or she wishes to explain. The writer uses expository paragraphs to share the knowledge that he or she already has with the readers.
Example of Expository Paragraph Writing
Why do Atoms Explode when they are Split? Atoms of radioactive elements can be spilt. According to Albert Einstein, mass and energy are interchangeable under certain conditions. When the atom splits, the process is called nuclear fission. In this case, a tiny amount of mass is converted into energy. The energy thus released cannot do much damage. However, a number of subatomic particles called neutrons are also released during this process. Each neutron will hit a radioactive element releasing more neutrons in the process. This results in a chain reaction and a tremendous amount of energy is created. This energy is converted into heat which expands uncontrollably causing an explosion. Hence, atoms do not explode in the literal sense. They create energy which can cause explosions. |
4. Persuasive Paragraph Writing: This type of paragraph is used to capture the reader‟s interest or to make them understand and accept the writer‟s point of view. Persuasive paragraphs are useful for building arguments. Such passages are rhetorical in nature and may use facts and details to make the argument stronger and more believable. The writer has to be confident of his or her opinion to sound credible to readers. The aim of the writer is to influence the beliefs of readers.
Persuasive Paragraph Writing Example:
Power of Positive Thinking Positive thinking is an attitude or a mindset characterised by optimism and happiness. A positive person hopes for the best and anticipates success in his life. Although many may scoff at the idea of always being positive, it has a plethora of benefits not only for the mind but also for the body. Positivity imparts happiness to the soul and makes one lighter. This causes us to exude good will and joy. People are drawn towards such individuals. Being negative in one‟s words and actions causes the exact opposite reaction. It is a known fact that people try to avoid people who relay negativity. They do not want to be around someone who brings down the energy of the room. Positive feedback to yourself can improve your health and increase your chances of success in life. It is advisable that one refrains from using harsh words in their thoughts or words. Be kind and gentle towards yourself, be encouraging and be comforting. Only then can one achieve everything they want in life. |
Steps to Write a Paragraph Effectively:
Step 1: Think about the idea given in the title or the prompt.
India: The World‟s Biggest Democracy‟
a) Why India is the biggest democracy?
b) What are the hallmarks of Indian democracy?
c) India‟s diversity
d) Instances when democracy in India played a definite role
Step 2: Structure your paragraph.
Step 3: Use a consistent tense form while writing the paragraph.
Step 4: Keep in mind the „Characteristics of a Well-written Paragraph‟ that we discussed at the beginning of the lesson.
Step 5: Recheck for any grammatical errors after writing a paragraph
A Checklist:
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