Paragraph Structure

Paragraph Structure

By: Michael Chopp  Definition: A distinct portion of written or printed matter dealing with a particular idea, usually beginning with an indentation on a new line. Types of Paragraphs·         Definition·         Classification·         Description·         Compare and Contrast·         Sequence·         Choice·         Explanation·         Evaluation Problems with Poor Paragraph Structure·         Jumpy·         Flow·         Organization·         Lack of clear introduction·         Lack of clear conclusion/transition Basic Paragraph Structure Plan:·         Topic Sentence “States Main Idea”o   Indentationo   Some sort of motivationo   State main idea (To the point, not vague or too wordy)·         Supporting Sentences “Explains Main Idea”o   One or two support details about main ideao   Sub details from support details (example or more information)o   Should be 5-7 support sentences as a minimum·         Conclusion “Restates Main Idea”o   Transition to another paragrapho   Summarize the paragraph (large paragraphs)o   Similar to topic sentence, but not the sameo   Use a “clincher” – to leave your reader with a good feeling, or leave your reader with something to think about    Works Citedhttp://www.english-zone.com/writing/para-strctr.htmlhttp://www2.actden.com/Writ_Den/tips/paragrap/index.htmhttp://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/para.html