What Is Paragraph?

Sam An Teng

What is a paragraph?

Paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic or one main idea. In academic area, it is recommended to write between 6-12 sentences.

The elements of a paragraph

There are three elements in a paragraph: topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentence (see the sample below).

Topic sentence

A topic sentence tells the readers what the paragraph is about. It is usually, but not always, the first sentence of the paragraph.

Supporting sentences

Supporting sentences develop the topic sentence (or topic) by adding details, description, or explanation.

Concluding sentence

Concluding sentence marks the end of the paragraph. It is the last sentence which give a wrap-up message about the topic.

Sample:

(1) My hometown, Rattanakiri, is interesting for two reasons. (2) First, it is the natural resources. (3) It is rich in mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. (4) For examples, there is a beautiful lake called Yeak Loam which has clear sky blue water and is surrounded by forest. (5) There are waterfalls which are not far but easy to access from the town. (6) There are national park where tourists can experience forest and wildlife. (7) Second, it is people and culture. (8) The province is home of some ten ethnic groups. (9) Each group has unique language and culture. (10) Therefore, how people live together is something amazing to learn and understand. (11) In short, natural resources and its people and culture make it an attractive place.

Explanation:
Sentence 1 is a topic sentence.
Sentence 1-10 are supporting sentences.
Sentence 11 is a concluding sentence.

Writing tip: Topic sentence

A good topic sentence consists of one clear topic and one controlling idea.

• Topic -- it's what the paragraph is about.
• Controlling idea -- it's the limit of supporting ideas supposed to be written.

In brief, 

Topic sentence = topic + controlling idea

For examples, 

My hometown, Rattanakiri, is interesting for two reasons.

Explanation:

"My hometown" is the topic.

"interesting for two reasons" is the controlling idea.

Writing tip: Supporting sentences

Supporting sentences consists of major supporting sentences (supporting ideas) and a group of minor supporting sentences (details).

• supporting ideas -- they are the sub-topics.
• details -- they are facts, opinions, examples, etc.

In brief, 

Supporting sentence = supporting idea (one sentence) + details (one or few sentences)

For examples,
Sentence 2 and 7 above are supporting ideas. 
Sentence 3, 4, 5, and 6 are details of sentence 2 "First, it is the natural resources.".
Sentence 8, 9, and 10 are details of sentence 7 "Second, it is people and culture.".

Writing tip: Concluding sentence 

Concluding sentence does not tell something new about the topic; it is a

1. summary of what have been written,
2. restatement of topic sentence,
3. a suggestion about the topic, or
4. a prediction about the topic.

For examples, concluding sentence for the paragraph above might be written in four different ways; as,

1. In short, natural resources and its people and culture make it an attractive place. [It is a summary of what have been written.]
2. In brief, my hometown is a fascinating place. [It restates (rewrites) the topic sentence.]
3. To sum up, my hometown is a good place for you to visit. [It is a suggestion about the topic: My hometown.]
4. In conclusion, I believe other people will enjoy a unique experience while visiting there. [It is a prediction about the topic: My hometown.]

Wrap-up: Paragraph organization 

To make it simple, a paragraph shall be arranged in order as

      TOPIC

      topic sentence = topic + controlling idea

      Supporting sentence (a) = Supporting idea + details

      Supporting sentence (b) = Supporting idea + details

      Supporting sentence (c) = Supporting idea + details

      ................................. = ...................... + .......... 

      Concluding sentence = (way 1, 2, 3, or 4 mentioned above)
 

Types of paragraph

There are four main types of paragraph: descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository paragraph. 

Descriptive 
It is a paragraph that describes people, place, or things. 

Persuasive 
It is a paragraph that is aimed to persuade the readers about something (cause, effect, argument...).

Narrative
It is a paragraph that narrates a story or events.

Expository
It is a paragraph that explores about something (scientific experiment, analysis ...).