Discuss the methods and technique of paragraph development.

 

THE PARAGRAPH
A paragraph is a group of closely related sentences that develops one idea. All writing of any
length is divided into paragraphs.
Note: The first line of a new paragraph is either indented, or indicated by double-spacing
between paragraphs.
STRUCTURE
Detailed development is just as important in a paragraph as in the whole composition.
• The Topic Sentence
The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about. The topic sentence is
usually—but not always—the first sentence of the paragraph.
• Unity
The golden rule of paragraphing is: one idea, one paragraph. Following paragraphs
should convey a different idea about the same subject.
• Coherence
A coherent paragraph has all the sentences so well arranged that not one could be
interchanged with another. All elements flow logically in a coherent paragraph.
• Emphasis
A paragraph should be sure to emphasize the main points intended by the author.

MODES AND METHODS OF DEVELOPING PARAGRAPHS
MODES FOR DEVELOPING PARAGRAPHS
1. Description: The descriptive mode takes the whole (relationship, place, process,
etc.), divides it into parts, and then treats each separately. The objective is to depict
people, places, and things with sense impressions (sight, sound, touch, smell, and
taste) that have been experienced or observed by the writer.
2. Narrative: Narrative writing is the recreation of a sequence of events. The elements
of a good narrative may include characters, a natural time sequence, plot, dialogue,
and/or a point worth considering.
3. Evaluation: The basis of an evaluative paragraph is to put a value on something
(literature, drama, objects, food, wine, movies, etc.) To begin an evaluation the writer
must first set the criteria on which the object is being judged.
4. Classification: The classification paragraph is usually expository and is a process of
grouping related terms or ideas that in some way.
METHODS FOR DEVELOPING PARAGRAPHS
There are seven main methods to develop paragraphs:
1. Cause and Effect
Usually an analysis or descriptive mode, this process breaks the topic into its parts to
establish a cause-and-effect relationship among the parts, and carefully scrutinizes
them. One thing follows another, so this method may be in chronological order mode.
2. Problem and Solution
In a problem-and-solution paragraph the writer begins by explaining the problem, and
then presents a solution or several solutions. If the writer is trying to convince the
reader of a best solution, the aim is persuasive.
3. Definition
Usually combined with other methods of development, definition answers the question
“What is it?” Usually expository or informational, the definition itself may consist of
one or more sentences. As it is intended to clarify meaning, it should identify the
essential qualities of the term and limit its meaning.

4. Analysis or Process Analysis
This method of paragraph development separates an object or concept into its parts,
and then explains how they are related to the whole. The process analysis is usually a
sequence of actions by which something is done or made. Generally, it is descriptive in
mode with a spatial order of development.
5. Example or Illustration
Examples and illustrations are used in almost all types of writing to help support points
that the writer is making. The example paragraph reaches a conclusion (the topic
sentence) by citing examples and then forms a generalization, i.e. a specific detail to
make an abstract idea concrete or a general idea specific.
The illustration paragraph is similar to the example paragraph. The main difference
is that the illustration paragraph is a story (true or untrue) that supports or develops
the main point (the topic sentence). When using an illustration to support a
conclusion, make sure that the illustration is concise and to the point, so that the
reader does not lose sight of the main idea of the paragraph.
6. Comparison or Contrast
Comparison shows similarities; contrast shows differences. This method is useful to
explain an unfamiliar object or idea by comparing or contrasting it to a familiar object
or idea. The writer may develop the paragraph by first discussing all of one subject
and then fully presenting the second subject, or the writer might discuss one like or
different trait with each subject and then move to other characteristics, discussing
both subjects together. A third method might be to present all of the ways that the
subjects are alike and then discuss all of the ways that the subjects are different.
7. Facts, Figures, Statistics, and Quotations
These forms of detail will help develop many topics, but only if they are properly used.
All facts, figures, statistics, and quotations must be accurate and properly cited

PATTERNS OF PARAGRAPH ORGANIZATION
There are five main patterns of paragraph organization:
1. Time or Chronological Order
Narrates events from introduction to conclusion. Time order is useful in many ways: to
sequence a chain of events, to show how a process works, to explain how to perform
a process, or to trace causes and effects to their ultimate end.
2. Space or Spatial Order
Places things or people in relation to each other. Spatial order is vital in describing a
scene, explaining the operation of a team or group who work together, or describing a
technical layout of any kind.

3. Breakdown Order
Analyzes a topic, breaking it down into its logical segments. This is the basis for
essays that analyze a body of data or classify a set of related items into categories.

4. Particular to General
A succession of particular statements to a conclusion to which the particulars lead.
This is common in expository paragraphs; a paragraph so organized will have the topic
sentence at or near the end.

5. Relationship Order
Shows how one thing is related to another. This underlies comparison and contrast,
analogies, and literary devices such as metaphor and simile