WRITING SKILL: PARAGRAPH

 

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic. Paragraph is a distinct section of a piece of writing, beginning on a new often indented line. A sentence holds a single thought in it, similarly, a paragraph has a main topic. All the sentences in a paragraph should be collected in such a way as they develop the main topic.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD PARAGRAPH

Like a good sentence, there should be following qualities in a good paragraph:-

i.     Unity

ii.    Order

iii. Variety

1. Unity :- A paragraph must not have more than one main topic. If it holds more main topics, it will be an absurd paragraph. The test of a good paragraph is that its theme may be presented in a sentence which is called topic-sentence. Therefore, a good paragraph is an essay in itself which can be given a title.

2. Order :- In a good paragraph, ideas should always be presented in a clear and logical order. The events should be given in the order of their occurrence. All ideas must be connected to the main thought and they should be in accordance of their importance or order.

3. Variety :- At last, a good paragraph should include both small and big sentences. It should contain sentences of different length and different make in it.

HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH  

The following points should be kept in mind for writing a good paragraph :-

1.  Think out the points upon which you wish to write :- For getting such points, make questions about the topic and think of their answers. Their answers will help you to develop the points

2. Having got the points, arrange them in proper order: - Important points should be discussed first, and secondary later on.

3. Do not deal with more than one main theme in your paragraph :- All the points must be connected to the main theme.

4. Make the first and last sentences of your paragraph most attractive: - The very first sentence should arise the interest of the reader, and the last one satisfies it. A smaller sentence, quite suitable, makes a good beginning.

5. Make your sentences short and varied in length :- Keep in mind that each sentence you write should be clear and complete.

6. Revise what you have written :-Remove all mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation etc. Make sure that your paragraph looks like a small essay to read.