Paragraphs: Definition & Rules

Introduction

It is often noticed that writing down one’s thoughts or specific ideas is not an easy task. This is because shaping one’s idea into a logical structure requires certain significant elements such as the notion of unification, the aspects of coherency. These elements support one in properly figure out how to convey one’s ideas or thought process in a welldeveloped and mannered way concerning a particular topic.

What is a Paragraph and its type?

A group of well-structured sentences that intends to convey a particular idea of thought can be defined as a paragraph. The paragraph needs to be effective in nature and for that; the paragraph requires sentences that are associated with the main or primary idea of the topic. The paragraph needs to initiate with a sentence that states information or idea related to the topic, thereby maintaining a consistent flow to the topic expressed.

Based on the nature of writing, there are various kinds of paragraphs express ideas or information about a particular topic.

Primarily, there are four types of paragraphs that include the followings −

Descriptive − In this type of paragraph, the group of sentences within it majorly supports the idea by providing a detailed description of the topic. However, this paragraph needs to appeal to all the senses of an individual.

Narrative − This kind of paragraph basically helps in narrating a story that also includes a situation or a sequence.

Expository − This kind of paragraph provides definitions that are associated with the topic. However, writing this kind of paragraph requires much research.

Persuasive − This kind of paragraph promotes the viewpoint of the author and admission of this viewpoint to its respective audiences.

What is considered as a well-written paragraph?

A well-written and well-constructed paragraph needs to have the following characteristics that are stated below.

• Needs to present a single idea

• Organised strategically thereby maintaining a flow

• Initiates with sentences that talk about the topic

• Groups of sentences conveying ideas majorly associated with a topic

• Provides information as well as entertains the readers.

Essential Elements in a Paragraph with Examples

In order to write an effective paragraph, there are certain significant elements present that are required to give the paragraph a logical flow as well as a structure. This consists of unity, coherence, adequate development and lastly, a topic sentence.

The notion of unity within a paragraph states to convey a particular idea by providing it with the major focus. This promotes one topic that needs to be conveyed throughout the entire paragraph. This is followed by coherence that helps readers to easily understand the topic. This element supports in creation of verbal as well as logical bridges with the groups of sentences that are used in the paragraph. This provides a paragraph with a wellconstructed idea that is conveyed with effective use of language concerning the topic.

This is followed by adequate development that states an effective introduction of the topic with a topic sentence. This notion changes from one paragraph to another based on the purpose of the authors. The last is a topic sentence, where, the sentence mentions what idea the topic is about to cater to.

Five Rules for Paragraph Writing

The five rules that are to be conducted while writing a paragraph cater to the followings −

• Selection of guiding idea thereby creating a topic sentence for the paragraph

• Explaining the guiding idea for the paragraph

• Providing examples

• Explanation of the examples

• Completion of the paragraph by a conclusion.

Methods for Developing a New Paragraph

The methods for developing a new idea consist of various ways that are stated below.

• Paragraphs are developed when one introduces a new idea

• To contrast ideas or information

• In order to provide a pause

• During the starting and ending of the ideas.

Transitions and Signposts

Both these Transitions and signposts are stated as crucial elements of a paragraph. The term signposts are aids that are present internally to assist readers. These are sentences within a paragraph that supports providing an outline of what the idea or topic is conveyed. On the other transitions are sentences that help in changing one idea to another concerning the topic. However, these are used at the end of the paragraphs to maintain the flow.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, an in-depth exploration has been conducted on determining the rules that are to be followed while writing a paragraph. More to this, it is noticed that paragraphs follow certain essential elements such as unity, coherence and many more to maintain a logical structure of the thoughts conveyed by the author concerning a particular topic. However, certain rules have also been followed that support a well-structured paragraph.

FAQs

Q1. What can be stated by paragraph writing?

Ans. Paragraph writing is said to be a process associated with writing and is written in such a way that it determines a unit that is self-contained. The paragraph depends on catering to a particular idea or topic. However, a paragraph is denoted as a group of meaningful sentences that concern a specific topic it is written for. The sentences should have supporting sentences together with concluding sentences.

Q2. What is the significance of paragraph writing?

Ans. A paragraph is significant in varied ways, as it provides a flow to the writing process of an individual and shapes languages beautifully, that individual wants to covey concerning a specific topic. This process allows an individual to go from one thought to another. As one starts a paragraph, the individual informs and provides information associated with the topic or the idea. It is quite essential for an individual as it is very difficult to write down amazing thoughts that sound logical.

Q3. What is a paragraph?

Ans. A paragraph is stated to be a series of sentences that are coherent in nature. However, all the sentences need to be associated with the topic that is conveyed.