Types of Writing
1. The example paragraph is one of the most important types of writing for students to learn.
Frequent practice with providing examples, details, and support will help students in high
school, college, and beyond. They are often included in state assessments, which ask students
to support their ideas with details, explanations, and examples.
Topics for Example Paragraphs
Beginning
How We Help Our Family
Interesting Places to Visit
Favorite Movies
People Who Wear Uniforms
Intermediate
People I Admire
Things That Annoy Me
Ways of Earning Money
Things you Can Recycle
Advanced
Ways of Saving Money
Common Superstitions
Irrational Fears
World Religions
Transition (Signal) Words for Example Paragraphs
For example
First
Another example
Next
A final example
Finally
The last example
For instance
2. The process paragraph gives directions, tells how to do something, or explains a process. It
should be written in chronological order from the first to last steps. Let students brainstorm
their lists and then rearrange them or number the steps before beginning to write. It can also
be used to introduce point of view. For example, if the topic is:
a. How to Throw a Baby Shower, the student will write in the second person (using you)
b. Making My Favorite Recipe, the student will write in the first person (using I)
c. How Potato Chips Were Invented, the student will write in the third person (using he,
she, it, or they)
Topics for Process Paragraphs
Beginning
How to Care for a Pet
How I Get Ready for School
Intermediate
How to Set up a Campsite
How to Cure a Cold
How to Wash Dishes
How to Wrap a Gift
How to Change a Tire
How to Make a Good
Impression
Writing Skills
Advanced
How Volcanoes Erupt
How a Species Became
Endangered
How to Quit Smoking
How Laws are Made
Page 1
Transition (Signal) Words for Process Paragraphs
first, second, third
after
at last
in the end
before
to begin with
the next step
once
next
at this point
the next event
finally
when
afterwards
3. Reason paragraphs are the most powerful to use if a student wants to make someone believe
something or do something. Why a person thinks, believes, or does something in a certain
manner frequently requires an explanation for someone else. Reason paragraphs are difficult
for some students because they do not understand the difference between a reason and a detail
or an example. When teaching reason writing, begin by having students write about things they
believe or feel strongly about as they will be able to generate more convincing reasons than
they would for more abstract and academic topics.
Each reason should be followed by supporting details and, perhaps, examples. Reasons are best
placed in order from least to most important. If the paragraph ends with the most important
reason, there may be no need for a concluding sentence.
Remember to integrate grammar and mechanics. Require students to avoid sentences starting
with because and the phrase the reason is because.
Topics for Reason Paragraphs
Beginning
Why I Believe in…
Reasons for Moving
Reasons for Homework
Reasons for Class Trips
Intermediate
Why I Avoid the Mall
Why I Watch TV
Reasons for Recycling
Reasons I Enjoy Parties
Advanced
Why Obama Won the Election
Why I Need a Car
Why People Should Travel
Reasons for Taxes
Transition (Signal) Words for Reason Paragraphs
One reason
Another reason
The last reason Therefore
Consequently Moreover
Another consideration
Writing Skills
The first/second/third reason The final reason
The most important reason
As a result
Furthermore
Also
Page 2
There are also Persuasion Paragraphs (know your audience!), Comparison/Contrast Paragraphs,
Description Paragraphs, and Narrative. Narrative includes the five Ws:
-
Who was involved?
What happened?
Where did it happen?
When did it happen?
Why was it important?
Writing Skills
Page 3