Paragraph Development and
Essay Writing
Notes
What is a good paragraph?
• A paragraph is a collection of related sentences
dealing with a single topic. Learning to write good
paragraphs will help you as a writer stay on track
during your drafting and revision stages.
• The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to
keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to
transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new
paragraph.
• To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should
contain each of the following: Unity, Coherence,
A Topic Sentence, and Adequate Development.
Paragraph Terminology
• Unity – concerned with a single focus -- begins with a one focus or
major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander
within different ideas
• Coherence -- makes the paragraph easily understandable to a
reader, meaning the same idea of a topic is carried over from
sentence to sentence and they are constructed in parallel form
– The use of some repetition is important for clarity; however, be careful
to not be redundant!
• Topic Sentence -- a sentence that indicates in a general way what
idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with; they can occur
anywhere in the paragraph
• Adequate Development -- The topic should be discussed fully and
adequately. A GOOD paragraph consists of 5-7 sentences. How do
you get this? Paragraph Development!
Paragraph Development
• Details – Use your senses to create specific images (descriptive)
• Facts or stats – information (with or without numbers)that has been or
can be proven (expository)
• Examples – using one or more specific cases that illustrates the topic
(expository and persuasive)
• Reasons – explain an idea or opinion by answering the question WHY?
(expository and persuasive)
• Testimony -- what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases
(expository and persuasive)
• Use an anecdote or story (narrative or descriptive)
• Compare or contrast – comparison shows how two or more things are
alike; contrast shows how two or more things are different (persuasive)
– Block method – explain all of point A and then all of point B in the same order
– Point-by-Point method --- move back and forth between the two items
Paragraph Order
• Chronological – order something happened
(first, second, next, last)
• Spatial – order that things appear in space;
signals a direction
• Order of importance – from least important to
the most important (first, most importantly
etc.) signals a degree of importance
• Logical – uses transitions so the order of the
writing is clear to the reader
What is an essay?
• An essay is original (says something), believable (has support), clear,
unified, organized and neat. For all intensive purposes, an essay can be
any length; however, we will be focusing on a 5-paragraph essay.
(meaning, this is the requirement in which we will be working under),
• Four modes of writing
– Narrative – tells a story (real or imaginative), needs to be developed with
details, tells a sequence of events, and is intended to entertain or inform
– Expository – defines ideas, describes reasons, explores problem and solutions,
or analyzes causes and effects. Your goal is to simply inform, teach, or “tell”
about a topic.
– Persuasive – writing used to convince, inspire, or persuade readers to think or
act like you do. Make a clear statement of a belief or opinion and support with
facts or reasons that are convincing to the reader.
– Descriptive – paints a picture with words; uses imagery to convey a message
to the reader
• Later, we will discuss how to respond to literature specifically
Narrative Writing
• Narrative Writing tells a story or part of a story
including an introduction, plot, characters,
setting, climax, and conclusion.
– Can also be a reflection / exploration of the
author’s values – still told as a story.
– Can be anecdotal, experiential, and personal—
allowing the author express himself/herself in a
creative and, quite often, moving way.
Narrative Structure
• Introduction -- Reveals what type of narrative
essay it is and should make or support some
point / purpose (the first or last sentence is a
good place to reveal the purpose)
• Body paragraphs -- Rising Action / Climax / Falling
Action -- This is where you develop your story,
and truly tell the events / experiences that make
up the prompt.
– Keep it focused and connected to the main point /
purpose that you set up in the intro.
– Use strong verbs and vivid language!
Expository Writing
• Use the five paragraph structure also
– 1st paragraph – introduction and thesis statement
– 2,3,4 paragraphs – body of the essay
– 5th paragraph – conclusion
• Additional Tips for Expository Writing
– Keep on topic! Do not stray away from point.
– Use strong vocabulary. Show off your knowledge.
– Organization is key! Back up and support each
statement you make.
– Use transitions.
• First, Second, Third, Next, Before, After, Finally…
Thesis Statement
It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her
through your work.
 It avoids vague language (like "it seems").
 It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my
opinion")
 The thesis statement is typically located at the
end of your opening paragraph. (The opening
paragraph serves to set the context for the
thesis.)
 Remember, your reader will be looking for your
thesis. Make it clear, strong, and easy to find.