Paragraph Types
This type of paragraph tells a story or recounts a sequence of events.
What is a Narrative paragraph?
This sentence is the main idea of the paragraph and usually comes first.
What is the Topic Sentence?
Words like "however," "similarly," and "on the other hand" are used for this purpose
What is Comparing & Contrasting
Using a statistic from a reliable source is an example of using this to support your point.
What is a Fact?
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century had profound effects on society. Consequently, information could be spread more rapidly and accurately than ever before. This led to a surge in literacy rates and as a result, fostered the spread of new ideas, which was a key factor in the beginning of the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution."
What is a Cause and Effect paragraph?
A paragraph that aims to convince the reader to agree with a certain viewpoint uses this style.
What is a Persuasive paragraph?
These sentences develop, explain, and prove the main idea stated in the topic sentence.
What are Supporting Sentences?
If you want to show the reason something happened, you might use "because," "since," or "as a result," which show this.
What is Cause and Effect?
Describing the "sour taste of a lemon" or the "rough texture of sandpaper" uses this technique.
What are Sensory Details?
Our school should implement a later start time for students. Research consistently shows that adolescents have naturally delayed sleep cycles, meaning they fall asleep and wake up later. For example, a study from the National Sleep Foundation found that high schools with start times after 8:30 a.m. saw significant increases in attendance and test scores. Therefore, pushing our start time back by just one hour is a logical and necessary step for student success."
What is a Persuasive paragraph?
If a paragraph explains how one event leads to another, it is using this structure.
What is a Cause and Effect paragraph?
This is the final sentence of a paragraph, which summarizes the main point or provides a final though
What is the Clincher or Concluding Sentence?
Words like "furthermore," "in addition," and "for example" are used for this primary function.
What is Showing Support or adding information?
Telling a brief, specific story to illustrate your topic sentence is using this type of support.
What is an Example (or an Anecdote)?
My first day of kindergarten began with white-knuckled terror. I remember clinging to my mother's leg, the rough texture of her denim jeans against my cheek. The classroom was a cacophony of shrill, unfamiliar voices and the bitter smell of industrial cleaner. When she finally pried my fingers loose and walked away, the heavy, wooden door clicked shut, a sound that felt like the end of the world. I stood alone, hot tears tracing paths down my face."
What is a Narrative paragraph?
This type of paragraph focuses on providing facts, statistics, and explanations without personal opinion.
What is an Expository paragraph?
A good topic sentence should be both specific and able to be supported by these.
What are details or evidence?
The words "meanwhile," "subsequently," and "finally" help the reader understand this.
What is Time or sequence?
Appealing to sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste makes your writing more this.
What is descriptive, vivid, or immersive?
"The abandoned fairgrounds were a symphony of decay. Weeds, like gnarled green fingers, clawed their way through cracks in the asphalt. The once-vibrant Ferris wheel stood skeletal against the bruised purple sky, its gondolas swaying with a rusty, rhythmic groan. The air hung heavy with the sweet, sickly smell of rotting cotton candy and damp earth, a scent that clung to the back of the throat."
What is a Descriptive paragraph?
The primary goal of this paragraph type is to use vivid language to paint a picture in the reader's mind
What is a Descriptive paragraph?
The clincher sentence should never do this to the paragraph's main idea.
What is introduce a new idea?
Using a word like "adjacent to" or "in the foreground" helps to establish this in a description.
What is Place or location?
A supporting sentence that begins with "For instance..." is signaling that it will provide this.
What is an example?
"Photosynthesis is the process used by plants to convert sunlight into energy. Firstly, plants absorb light energy using a green pigment called chlorophyll. Next, this energy is used to convert water from the soil and carbon dioxide from the air into a sugar called glucose. Finally, the plant uses this glucose for growth and energy, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct. This process is essential for life on Earth."
What is an Expository paragraph?