What Is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a
distinct section of writing covering one topic. The "perfect paragraph"
will start with a topic sentence. It will have detail sentences in the
middle, and end with a concluding sentence. It will only cover one topic
from start to finish. The length of a paragraph is supposed to be
determined by the topic.
Types of Paragraphs:
There are four types of paragraphs that you need to know about: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive.
The descriptive paragraph: This type of paragraph describes
something and shows the reader what a thing or a person is like. The
words chosen in the description often appeal to the five senses of
touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Descriptive paragraphs can be
artistic and may deviate from grammatical norms.
The narrative paragraph: This type of paragraph tells a story.
There's a sequence of action or there's a clear beginning, middle, and
end to the paragraph.
The expository paragraph: This type of paragraph explains something
or provides instruction. It could also describe a process and move the
reader step by step through a method. This type of paragraph often
requires research, but it's possible that the writer is able to rely on
his or her own knowledge and expertise.
The persuasive paragraph: This type of paragraph tries to get the
reader to accept a particular point of view or understand the writer's
position. This is the type of paragraph that many teachers focus on
because it's useful when building an argument. It often requires the
collection of facts and research.
The Hamburger Technique of Paragraph Writing:
The
"paragraph hamburger" is a writing organizer that visually outlines the
key components of a paragraph. Topic sentence, detail sentences, and a
closing sentence are the main elements of a good paragraph, and each one
forms a different "piece" of the hamburger.
Why use a paragraph hamburger organizer?
➤ It helps students organize their ideas into a cohesive paragraph.
➤ It helps show the organization or structure of concepts/idea.
➤ It demonstrates in a concrete way how information is related.