Name: ______________________ Class:__________
WRITING PRATICE:
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WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
Below are some definitions and explanations from the internet: You can find many
more if you search for it.
First comes a dictionary definition and some synonyms:
ˈparəɡrɑːf/
noun
1.
a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and
indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering.
"the concluding paragraph"
synonyms section, subdivision, part, subsection, division, portion, segment, bit,passage, clause
:
More
2. Paragraphs - The Writing Center
writingcenter.unc.edu › Handouts
Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in
terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is
half a page long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among
sentences is what constitutes a paragraph.
How would you translate this into a language so that you understand what a
paragraph is? Write this explanation (in English or Norwegian) “in your own words”
in this textbox :
Paragraph Template (=Mal)
Similar to a full story a paragraph should have three parts:
Make sure your paragraph has 3 distinct parts.
Name: ______________________ Class:__________
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A paragraph – like a complete story – usually consists of three parts:
1. Topic sentence: (Temasetning)
 This sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph and summarizes the main idea of
the paragraph.
 All of the following sentences will add information that expands upon or supports the
idea stated here.
2. Supporting sentences: (Støttende setninger)
 The second sentence identifies the first major supporting detail.
 The third sentence brings up a second supporting detail.
 Similarly, the fourth sentence mentions a third supporting detail.
 Additional sentences can be added here for additional supporting details or to divide
one lengthy supporting detail into separate, easier-to-read sentences.
3. Conclusion: (Konklusjon/ oppsummering)
 The last sentence of your paragraph is your concluding sentence, which quickly ties
your supporting thoughts together.
 It also might restate your first topic sentence using different words.
EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH ON LITERARY TEXT
Susan Sanders did not like the rain. Whenever it rained, dark clouds would cover the sky and
block out the sun, making the entire day seem dreary and gray. If it rained on a chilly day,
then the day seemed even colder and more miserable than before. Moreover, regardless of
the temperature, rain meant that Susan’s hair would get frizzy and messed up no matter how
much time she spent on it. Even a few raindrops were enough to undo an entire morning’s
worth of styling. As far as Susan was concerned, rain was certainly not her friend.
As you see in the paragraph above, it offers an introduction sentence to the theme of
the paragraph and a conclusive sentence, where the first is restated in a different way.
In between are the reasons why rain doesn’t agree with Susan.
 In the textbox below write a paragraph of six or more sentences where you
write a similar paragraph about a person that does not like sunny days:
(Use the back of this page if there is not enough room in the textbox)
Name: ______________________ Class:__________
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EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH ON FACTUAL TEXT
Here is an example of a good paragraph where a persuasive argument* about social
media is presented. Read it, translate and decide if you agree or not. (*A persuasive
argument is where the writer argues both for and against a case)
The benefits of social networking websites have the potential to outweigh the dangers of
such websites. While social networking can hinder real life interaction with one's peers, it can
also help shy, introverted, or socially awkward teenagers to communication in a way that
often makes it easier to connect and form relationships. However, a sharp increase in
cyberbullying is an unfortunate result of social networking, but sites like Facebook also give
people the opportunity to build a larger network of support. Additionally, responsible and wellguided youth have the chance to build working relationships and create a stronger presence
in the working world. On the other hand, .some teens and young adults who are left to
themselves unguarded may post photographs and information that could damage their
futures and make them less desirable to potential employers. As we have seen here, there
are always two sides to an argument. Even though there are a large number of risks and
downfalls associated with social networking, when it is used correctly and the teenager is
instructed on correct usage, it offers considerable positive experiences for many people.
As we have seen in the paragraph above, it offers arguments both for and against a
case. Some arguments may be devoted to only be against or only for a special case. It
can also include personal opinions. In the textbox below write a paragraph of six
sentences where you argue for or against social media such as Facebook or similar.
(Use the back of this page if there is not enough room in the textbox)
In the next page is writing tips that you can use every time you are going to write
assignments for school or other things. You can also bring this with you on writing
days at school . (ta med på tentamen/ skrivedager)
Name: ______________________ Class:__________
WRITING TIPS:
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(save this handout for future writing.)

A paragraph should consist of:
o
Topic sentence
o
Supportive sentence
o
Concluding sentence

When you are reading, notice how paragraphs are divided. If you learn what a
paragraph is by experience, you can divide writing into appropriate parts by feel.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for how long a paragraph should be. Instead, make
sure there are natural breaks. Each paragraph should contain one main idea and
whatever writing supports it.

Always indent (innrykk) before starting a paragraph. (Piltast t.v. på tastaturet).

Spelling and grammatical errors can detract (=trekke ned) from even the most wellplanned writing. Use a spell-checker or ask someone to read your work if you are
unsure about anything.

If you are writing a conversation, start a new paragraph each time somebody else
speaks.

The secret lies in:
o
Unity: Have a single idea and the topic needs to be expressed.
o
Order: The way you organize your sentences helps the reader to understand better.
o
Coherence (=sammenheng): Quality that makes your writing understandable.
Sentences need to be connected with each other.
o
Completeness: All sentences used in a paragraph should convey complete message.
(=Fullstendige setninger)

Adjust your writing to its purpose. Just as you wear different clothes for different
occasions and different climates, you should write in a style that suits your aim (=mål
med skrivingen/ målgruppe).

Format your paragraphs appropriately and consistently. (=Struktur på teksten) You
may indent the first line of each paragraph or leave a blank line between one
paragraph and the next. Whichever you choose, be consistent.
Name: ______________________ Class:__________
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