PARAGRAPH
WRITING
LNG11ES/EF
Mr Vogt
PARAGRAPH WRITING
• The separation of work into paragraphs results in clear, expressive
communication. A paragraph consist of a number of sentences that deal with
one idea of theme.
• It is made up of a topic sentence and supporting detail.
• The topic sentence is often the first sentence. It may summarise the paragraph or
contain the main focus or idea.
• The rest of the paragraph expands on the main idea and this is known as
supporting detail.
• The last sentence of the paragraph may include or summarise the idea or theme.
THE INTRODUCTION / ORIENTATION
• The first paragraph is the introduction/orientation, which introduces the topic and
sets the scene.
• It should be short, gripping and inviting.
• The introduction ‘tunes’ you into the mood or tone of what is to follow.
• Given the title, I remember how angry I was, the introduction could be:
• ‘The inferno within me began to blaze!’
THE BODY / DEVELOPMENT
• The introduction is followed by several paragraphs, with form the body or
development of a text and explore the topic.
• Each paragraph usually deals with a different aspect of the topic.
• Linking words such as similarly, besides, however, and also make the meaning
clear and ensures the flow of the paragraph.
THE CONCLUSION / RESOLUTION
• The last paragraph is the conclusion which ties up the loose ends.
• It usually expresses your feelings about the topic.
• The reader should sense finality.
• Words such as in conclusion, it is therefore evident, thus and consequently will help the
text run more smoothly.
• If possible, the last sentence should be strong and should linger in the mind of the reader:
‘By the end of the afternoon, the embers had died down and I had learnt a bitter lesson.
HINTS TO ENHANCE YOUR WRITING:
1. Write what you know about.
Read through the topics carefully.
• Dismiss any topic you do not like, do not understand, or to which you cannot relate.
• Be careful that you do not write off the topic – you will be heavily penalized for this.
• Avoid the topic if you are unsure of the format e.g. dialogues, diary entries or reports.
• Choose a text type and topic that suits your personality and ability.
• Be original but avoid far-fetched, unrealistic situations.
WRITE IN FULL SENTENCES.
Every sentence should contain a subject and a finite verb.
A participle is not a verb and cannot stand on its own.
Walking across the road. X
The girl was walking across the road.
VARY PARAGRAPH AND SENTENCE LENGTHS.
Do not be afraid of short sentences.
• A subject and a verb can form a sentence. E.g she cried
VARY YOUR SENTENCE CONSTRUCTIONS.
• Try to use simple, complex and compound sentences. (see pg 6)
• At times begin with a subordinate clause or phrase, a participle or even an
infinitive.
ENSURE THAT THE CONCORD OF THE SENTENCE IS
CORRECT
• Everyone should do his best.
• The participants in the competition were confident of their performance.
DECIDE ON THE MOST SUITABLE TENSE
FOR YOUR TOPIC
• Make sure that you use the same tense throughout your piece of writing.
DIRECT SPEECH/DIALOGUE SHOULD BE USED WITH
DISCRIMINATION. See pg 38 – 39)
• Direct speech enhances your writing and allows the reader to relate to the
characters.
• It enables the reader to visualise the character and this lends reality and
credibility to the situation.
• Be careful of stilted use of dialogue as this negates the impact you wish to make.
• Avoid overusing “He said…” or She said…”
INCLUDE SENSORY DETAIL
• Try to bring to life what you see, hear, touch and smell.
• Begin by deciding which senses are relevant to your topic.
• If possible, add an aura of originality to your writing by using that magical sixth
sense of insight.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
1. THE REPETITION OF WORDS AT THE BEGINNING OF
SENTENCES
I went to town. I met my friends. I enjoyed shopping with them.
I went to town to meet my friends. Shopping together was fun.
2. A REPETITIVE SENTENCE STRUCTURE
Vary the length and construction of your sentences.
The family went on holiday. They toured Europe. They had a wonderful time. X
The family went on holiday. Touring Europe, they had a wonderful time.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
3. OVERUSE OF ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS
She was completely, utterly and totally overwhelmed by their generosity. X
She was totally overwhelmed by their generosity.
4. OVERUSE OF WORDS
Try to give alternatives for:
got, get, getting, a lot of, stuff, things, nice, good, bad, big. (see synonyms pg 49)
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
5. SLANG USAGE
Avoid slang unless you are using it in direct speech to make a point. (see pg 44)
The guys needed time to chill out after the exam.
6. CLICHES
Avoid overused words or expressions.
Her face was as red as a tomato.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
7. REDUNDANCY AND TAUTOLOGY
Avoid superfluous and unnecessary words or statements.
Give your personal opinion.
She was tired and exhausted after the event.
She said it over and over again, time after time.
8. VERBOSITY
Avoid the use of too many words, when the idea could be stated simply and clearly.
You need to apply yourself diligently and conscientiously to the studying of your
work for the forthcoming exams. X
You need to work diligently for these exams.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
9. UNNECESSARY ’BIG WORDS’
Avoid words that you do not understand as their use may lead to malapropisms.
(see pg 43)
Offenders will be persecuted. X prosecuted.
10. AMBIGUITY
John told James that his brother had arrived. (whose brother has arrived - Jame’s or
John’s?)
11. NUMERALS
Generally, numbers should be written in words unless you are writing the date, a
monetary amount or an instruction. e.g Proceed to gate 7. I have three dogs.
Thank you!!
