How to write perfect paragraphs.
Paragraphs consist of a group of single sentences united by a single topic or idea, that help keep writing organized. They help the writer organize their thoughts during the writing process and further help the reader follow the thread of those thoughts when reading them.
How paragraphs are used will depend, to some extent, on the genre of writing the students are engaged in, but any piece of writing longer than a few sentences will generally benefit from being organized into paragraphs.
Types of Paragraphs
Argument paragraph
An argument paragraph presents a point of view, and provides evidence to support the position taken by the writer. Evidence to support the position can include reasons, personal experience, statistics, confirmed facts and expert research.
Classification paragraph
In this type of paragraph, separate items are grouped together according to shared characteristics.
Compare or contrast paragraph
A compare and/or contrast paragraph is required if you are asked to examine similarities and/or differences. Compare focuses on similarities. Contrast focuses on differences.
Definition paragraph
The starting point for a definition paragraph is a simple definition in the first sentence (the topic sentence). Support sentences then give more information such as examples, description and explanation.
Description paragraph
A description paragraph is used to write about how something looks, sounds, tastes, smells or feels. It includes specific details of the most important features.
Explanation paragraph
An explanation paragraph is required if you are asked to describe how something works, or how something happens.
Illustration paragraph
In an illustration paragraph, specific examples are used to clarify and support a general statement.
SOURCE: University of Newcastle Library guide "Writing Paragraphs" https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/writing-paragraphs/types