Paragraph Anatomy & Types
What is a topic sentence?
This sentence usually appears at or near the beginning of a paragraph and introduces the central controlling idea.
What is paragraph unity?
This writing principle ensures that every single supporting sentence in a paragraph relates directly to the topic sentence without going off-topic.
What is plagiarism?
Using someone else's words, ideas, or work without giving proper credit or source citation is known as this academic offense.
What are supporting sentences?
These sentences follow the main idea and provide specific evidence, facts, examples, or explanations to back it up.
What is coherence?
This term describes how smoothly and logically ideas, sentences, and paragraphs connect with one another.
What is an in-text citation?
To avoid plagiarism while using an author's ideas, you must rewrite their thoughts in your own words while still providing this.
What is a descriptive paragraph?
This paragraph type uses sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to create a vivid visual image for the reader.
What is cause and effect?
Words or phrases like "consequently," "as a result," and "therefore" are used to signal this type of relationship between ideas.
What are quotation marks?
When copying an author's exact words directly into your paper, you must enclose the text within these punctuation marks.
What is a narrative paragraph?
A paragraph that tells a story or recounts a sequence of events in chronological order is classified as this type.
What is contrast (or concession)?
The transition word "however" is used to signal this type of relationship between two thoughts.
What is an outline?
Created during the pre-writing phase, this structured roadmap helps organize main ideas, sub-points, and evidence before drafting an essay.
What is a comparison-contrast paragraph?
This type of paragraph highlights similarities and differences between two or more subjects, often using words like "in contrast" or "similarly."
What is a problem-solution paragraph?
This paragraph structure begins by identifying a clear issue or obstacle and follows up with actionable ways to resolve it.
What is a thesis statement?
Typically placed at the end of the introductory paragraph, this single statement presents the core argument or central claim of the entire essay.