THE MEANING, STRUCTURE, AND MODEL OF A PARAGRAPH

Definition   
- An explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc. a statement  that defines a word, phrase, etc.

- A statement that describes what something is.

Definition of Paragraph

- The definition paragraph is a definition sentence that is expanded into a paragraph.

- A paragraph that precisely explains what something is or how it looks or works, its purpose, etc.

- This type of paragraph answer the question, "What do you mean?"

The Meaning of Paragraph

          Paragraph are used in order to explain the meaning, origin, and function if things.  There are two ways of doing it. It can be defined conceptually or operationally. The conceptual definition is a formal definition that has three parts the term, the class, and its distuingishing features. The operational definition a word does not stritcly follow three parts. Oftentimes, verbs are written next to the term being defined.  A paragraph is usually around 250 words and consists of five or six sentences, although this can vary depending on the purpose of the paragraph, and the length of the piece you are writing.  Paragraphs play an important role in writing because they provide a framework for organising your ideas in a logical order. Using a clear structure for your paragraphs helps guide the reader through your written work.

The Structure of Paragraph

1. The Topic Sentence

           A topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of a paragraph; that is, it isusually the first sentence in a formal academic paragraph. (Sometimes this is nottrue, but as you practice writing with this online lesson site, please keep to thisrule unless you are instructed otherwise.) Not only is a topic sentence the firstsentence of a paragraph, but, more importantly, it is the most general sentence ina paragraph. What does "most general" mean? It means that there are not manydetails in the sentence, but that the sentence introduces an overall idea that youwant to discuss later in the paragraph. For example, suppose that you want to write a paragraph about the naturallandmarks of your hometown. 

2. Supporting Sentences

          The supporting evidence composes the body of the paragraph. This element should consist of detailed information that is directly relevant to and further develops the main point presented in the topic sentence. It is standard to have anywhere from two to five concise supporting sentences, which is generally sufficient to develop the main point and keep the paragraph focused.

          It is also important to keep in mind that a paragraph may come across as being disjointed (with no clear or logical progression of thought) when the conceptual connections within the paragraph are missing or poorly developed. This issue can be resolved by adding a sentence to lead into the following statement or by revising the existing sentences so that they lead from one into the next. The appropriate use of introductory word and phrases can also help to clarify conceptual connections within a paragraph. Readers appreciate when the authors make these conceptual connections clear rather than relying on the reader to make these connections on their own.

3. Concluding Sentences

          At the end of the paragraph is the concluding sentence (transition sentence), which sums up the argument of the paragraph, and may create a transition to the next paragraph. A transition provides the text with a smoother flow between paragraphs.

 The Model of Paragraph

There are many different types of paragraphs, depending on what you are writing:

1. Descriptive Paragraph: This paragraph describes something or someone. For example, you can write a descriptive paragraph describing your best friend, including what she likes and dislikes, where she lives, what she wants for her birthday, and her favorite food.

2. Expository Paragraph: This paragraph explains an idea; it is also called an information paragraph. For example, you can write as expository paragraph explaining how to make chocolate chip cookies.

3. Persuasive Paragraph: This paragraph tries to convince the reader of something. This type of paragraph may start with a phrase like: “I think that…” The support section may include sentences that start with, “One reason is…,” or “For example…” It may end with something like, “This is why I think that…” For example, you can write a persuasive paragraph telling why people should vote for you for class president.

4. Narrative Paragraph: This paragraph describes an event or tells a story, usually in chronological order. For example, you can write a narrative paragraph detailing what you did on your first day of school.