LET'S LEARN PARAGRAPH IN WRITING

Paragraph structure

                A paragraph is a group of sentence and that the first sentence of this group is indented, that is, it begins a little bit more to the right of the margin than the rest of the sentences in this group. However, it is not enough to say that a paragraph is a group of sentences. Let’s see the following parts of a paragraph.

1.       Main Idea

All the sentences in a paragraph should be about one thing, namely the main idea of the paragraph. The main idea is usually contained in the topic sentence. The topic sentence can be at the beginning or at the end of a paragraph.

2.       Supporting Details

Supporting Details are any relevant pieces of information that give further information about the main idea.

3.       Concluding Sentence

To confirm the coherence between the main idea and supporting details, the concluding sentence normally restates it. Note: not all paragraphs have concluding sentences. Sometimes concluding sentence is omitted.

Example 1 :

                There are many things people can do at the beach. They can lie under the shade of the trees. They can also swim and surf. The more energetic people can join a game of beach volley ball. Children can build sand castles.

Topic                                     : beach

Topic sentence                 : there are many things people can do at the beach

Supporting details           :

o   Lie under the trees

o   Swim and surf

o   Join a game of beach volley ball

o   Build sand castle

Why I Like Yogya

                There are several reasons why I like Yogya. First, the people are very friendly. They always greet and smile at the comers. Second, if I am hungry I can just go to one of the food stalls along the side of the street. Besides the dish is quite delicious, the price is relatively cheap. Third, many people go to Yogya for recreation. There are many places of interest that I can visit in Yogya like Borobudur temple, Prambanan temple, Parang Tritis beach, etc. Many things about Yogya make me forget to go home when I stay there.

Topic                                     : Yogya

Topic sentence                 : There are several reasons why I like Yogya

Supporting details           :

o   The people are friendly

o   If I am hungry I can just go to one of the food stalls along the side of the street

o   The dish is quite delicious

o   The price is relatively cheap

o   There are many places of interest that I can visit in Yogya like Borobudur temple, Prambanan temple, Parang Tritis beach, etc.

Introduction to the Types of Paragraph

                Based on the content of the paragraph there are some types of paragraphs namely :

1.       Descriptive

2.       Narrative

3.       Persuasive

4.       Expository

5.       Argumentative

1.       Descriptive

                Through description, a writer helps the reader use the sense of feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting to experience what the writer experiences. Description helps the reader more clearly understand the people, places, and things about which the writer is writing. We can find in newspaper, magazine, books, and most others form of written communication.

A descriptive paragraph

o   Describes

o   Gives impressions, not definition

o   Shows the reader

o   Creates a sensory *image in the reader’s mind

Study the following descriptive paragraph

At the bus shelter

                It’s ten o’clock in the morning. An elderly man is sitting on the bench. He is reading a newspaper. Next to him is a younger woman; perhaps she is his daughter. She is just staring at nothing. Nearby, a young mother is trying to control her two small sons. The children are yelling and screaming for the candy.

Grammar focus:

The use of present continues tense

To talk about the progressive activities we use the present continues tense

S + BE + V-ing

2.       Narrative

Through narration, a writer tells a story. A story has characters, a setting, a time, a problem, and attempts at solving problems, and solution to the problem. Types of narration include short story, novels, and new stories, as well as a large part of our everyday social interchange in the form of letter and conversation.

Read and study the paragraph below.

Sarah Meirizka Herdiany Sechan has a lot of experiences. Born in 1974, Sarah spent her childhood in many cities around the world – including pensylvania, U.S.A, and London, U.K. Her family then settled in New York, where Sarah completed high school. After she finished high school, She worked as a radio announcer, a video jockey on MTV, and managing editor for Cosmo Girl.

Grammar focus :

The use of simple past

To talk about things, activities, or events in the past we use the simple past tense telling the activities, experiences, or events in the past.

S+ V2

3.       Argumentative

                Argumentative paragraph is used to persuade and to convince. It is closely related to exposition and is often found combined with it. Argumentation is used to make a case or to prove or disapprove of a statement or preposition.

Study the following argumentative paragraph :

Most people in big cities are not disciplined. There are many examples of this. First of all, many people don’t like to queue up because they always want to be the first in line. They want to do everything quickly so that they can do other things. Second, they are not disciplined when they drive. They are reckless and dangerous driver because they cut in front of other drivers and often ignore traffic signs. They do this so that they can get to their destination faster. Finally, people throw their garbage everywhere, which makes the city dirty and smelly. So, it is clear that people in big cities really lack discipline.

Topic sentence                 : most people in big cities are not disciplined

Supporting details           :

o   Don’t like to queue up because they always want to be the first in line

o   Reckless and dangerous driver. They cut in front of other drivers and often ignore traffic signs.

o   Throw their garbage everywhere, which makes the city dirty and smelly.

Concluding sentence      : people in big cities really lack of discipline.

4.       Persuasive

Persuasive paragraph is closely related to expository. The paragraph is purposed to persuade the readers buying the products or doing what the writer wants. It is usually used for advertisement.

Read and study the following paragraph.

HAVING PROBLEM WITH YOUR PRONOUNCIATION ?

NEED A LOT OF TIME TO LOOK UP THE MEANING OF THE WORDS ?

WE HAVE JUST WHAT YOU NEED

                For language students, an electronic dictionary is a really useful  gadget. It is advantageous in their study because it can perform many tasks. First, this device helps students find the meaning of the words. Second, this electronic dictionary also carries out other tasks, such as pronouncing words and giving synonyms. Some electronic dictionaries even feature other games. Another advantage of using electronic dictionary it its practically. It comes in handy. It can be carried around everywhere you go. It is not heavy. The design of the dictionary is stylish . the students may choose the design that they like. So, what are you waiting for ? Go for it.

Title                                       : Having problem with your pronounciation ?

                                                 Need a lot of time to look up the meaning of the words ?

                                                 We have just what you need    

Introduction                       : for language students, an electronic dictionary is a really useful gadget.

Topic sentence                 : it is advantageous in their study because it can perform many tasks.

Supporting details           :

o   This device helps students find the meaning of the words

o   This electronic dictionary also carries out other tasks, such as pronouncing words and giving synonyms.

o   Some electronic dictionaries even feature other games.

o   It comes in handy.

o   The design of the dictionary is stylish.

Concluding sentence      : So, what are you waiting for ? Go for it

How to write a persuasive paragraph

1.       Clearly state your opinion in a complete sentence.

2.       Adequately provide details (facts, examples, reasons, etc) to support your opinion.

3.       List down the details

4.       Arrange the details in a logical order

5.       Use transitional markers; first, second, third, besides that, finally, ...

Grammar focus :

The use of simple present tense to tell the condition or present situation (besides habitual action or routine).