Writing Paragraphs Types of Paragraphs

4 Types of Paragraphs Expository Descriptive Narrative Persuasive

Expository Paragraphs Present facts Give directions Define terms Example: textbooks

Descriptive Paragraphs Presents a single, clear picture of a person, a place, a thing or an idea. Includes sensory details (imagery) Example: Word Photos

Narrative Paragraphs Tell a story Answers the 5 W’s about the experience Who? What? When? Where? Why? Example: short stories

Persuasive Paragraphs Express an opinion and tries to convince the reader the opinion is valid Contains supporting points that help solidify argument Example: An essay/paragraph on why capital punishment should be abolished.

Understanding Details To enhance your paragraphs, there are many types of details you can include. Your reason for writing (purpose) determines which details are important to your work.

Types of Details Facts (details that can be proven; remain consistent) Statistics (significant numerical information about the topic) Examples (individual samples to illustrate the main point) Anecdotes (brief stories that help make your point) Quotations (words from another person that provide powerful supporting evidence) Definitions (provide meaning of unfamiliar terms; add clarity)

Types of Details cont. Reasons (justify ideas or actions, expand motives, answer the “why” question) Explanations (clarify; answer the “how” question) Summaries (give a shortened version of something said, written or done) Comparisons (show similarities/differences) Analyses (break down a complex whole into its major parts)

Arranging Your Details 7 main methods of organization Classification Order of location Chronological Illustration Climax Cause/effect Comparison

Classification Effective for explaining a complex term or concept To clarify, you break down a topic into categories and subcategories to help readers understand Example: the 3 kingdoms of Egypt

Order of Location Effective for organizing description Provides unity by arranging details in a logical way (left-right, right-left, top-bottom, etc.) Example: describing a statue in Westminster Abbey

Chronological Effective for sharing a story or explaining a process First, second, third, etc. Example: telling someone about your day

Illustration General to specific General topic (topic sentence) is stated and followed with specific details that clarify or support the idea. Example: Main point about whales and follow with an explanation about the current research on the subject

Climax Specific to general Specific details lead up to an important summary statement Topic sentence would be placed at the end Example: excitement building anticipating the start of a concert

Cause and Effect Shows the relationship between events and their results Can begin with either the cause or the effects

Comparison Shows similarities and differences between two subjects Example: comparing writing for the stage vs. screenwriting

Connecting Details Once you’ve arranged your details, you need to tie them together so they read smoothly. Use TRANSITIONS!!!!