Writing Paragraphs
Contents
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WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
WHY USE PARAGRAPHS?
HOW IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED?
HOW DO YOU WRITE A PARAGRAPH?
HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS FLOW?
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Writing a paragraph is not a natural skill, but learned skill.
Anyone can learn! Simply follow the structure below.
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 WHAT
IS A PARAGRAPH?
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A paragraph usually contains a general idea in one sentence,
and 4 - 5 supporting sentences which expand this idea by giving
explanation, details and/or examples to support the main idea.
Length can vary.
On the page, the paragraph is a solid block of writing (like
this!) To start a new paragraph, you should leave a whole
line and start at the beginning of the line after. You can
indent - if handwriting (start about 2 cm from the left),
but this is not necessary if you have left a line.
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WHY USE PARAGRAPHS?
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Paragraphs are used to separate main ideas. A new paragraph
signals to the reader that a new idea is about to be discussed.
The break between paragraphs gives the reader time to take
in each idea.
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HOW
IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED?
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There is no one correct structure. However, a useful structure
is:
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1. Topic Sentence
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This is the first sentence and it expresses
the main idea.
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2. Supporting Sentences
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details that expand your main idea.
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3. Concluding Sentence
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a rounding off, possibly by summarizing what has been
said or drawing a logical conclusion from it.
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(Note that in a piece of writing which is longer
than one paragraph you should leave your
conclusion to the very end!)
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Another way of explaining the 3 parts of a paragraph is to
describe these parts like this:
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1.
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Say what you are going to say.
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2.
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Say it.
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3.
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Say what you've said!
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HOW
DO YOU WRITE A PARAGRAPH?
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Planning is essential. Even in situations where time
is limited, you should plan by briefly noting your points.
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A plan can look like this:
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When you are planning, Jot down Just enough to remind
you of your points.
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Number your points so that when you write you know
what order you are going to write them in.
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WRITING...
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For an assessment task, you will probably need to
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Write one draft from your plan,
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then make corrections (edit your draft)
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then rewrite it.
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Even professional writers do this!
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Sample of the finished paragraph:
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There
are three levels of government in Australia. The
Commonwealth looks after areas of national importance
such as postal services, foreign affairs, and
collecting and distributing taxes. It also supervises
the armed forces. The State Governments' responsibilities
include hospitals, schools and the state police
forces. Local concerns, such as suburban streets
and garbage services, are looked after by Local
Government. So, in general, the responsibilities
of each level of government are appropriate to
the geographical area it serves.
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HOW
DO YOU MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS FLOW?
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Sometimes writing sounds jerky when read. You can make your
paragraph more flowing by:
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1.
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Using linking words and phrases such as: also,
as well as, firstly, next, then, finally, so thus, as
a result, because, therefore, for example, for instance,
in contrast, on the other hand.
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2.
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Using pronouns: Once mentioned, Jack Smith can
become he, Dr. Susan Brown can be she, and the community
can be called it, - as long as the meaning is clear.
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3.
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Starting sentences in different ways. For example:
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Draft
sentence:
"In
Australia, there are three levels of government"
Instead, you could write...
"Government
in Australia is on three different levels"
or...
"There
are three different levels of government in Australia."
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Warning! Of course, the focus of the sentence may
change if you start a different wall - be sure it is what
you want!
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FINALLY...
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The paragraph is basic to most writing styles. It is worth
spending some time getting it right.
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