Types of Paragraphs

1. Descriptive paragraph
Description is used to create impressions that are vivid, real and life like for the reader. The
writer appeals to the five senses by telling us how something looks, tests, smells, sounds, and
feels. These are five ways of describing a person, place, thing or ideas. You need to know that
effective descriptions operate by showing rather than by telling. To this end, it is particularly
important to learn to use words that refer to shapes, textures, colors, sounds, operations, scenes,
behaviors, technical intricacies etc. can be used to explain an object, event, person, process,
position, express and clarify thoughts and emotions, strengthen your conclusions of narrating and
other paragraphs. (It is very much concerned with sensory impressions (sight, sound, smell taste,
touch). We have also special sensory words which are very much concerned with description.
Some words refer to sensory experiences: to what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Because
these words call up sensory images, they are particularly effective in description).
In the following list, some words could fit into more than one sensory category.
Sense Sensory words
s
Touch Chill, clammy, cold, corrugated, grainy, gritty, harsh, jarring, knobby, moist, nubby,
numb, plushy, rough, satiny, slimy, slithering, smooth, sting, tingle, tickly, velvety.
Taste Bland, biting, bitter, nutty, peppery, salty, sour, spicy, sweet, tainted, vinegary, yeasty,
brackish, briny, metallic, minty
Smell Acrid, fetid, greasy, moldy, musky, musty, pungent, putrid, rancid, stinking, rank, reek,
rotten, stench, woodsy
sound Bellow, blare, buzz, chatter, chime, clang, clatter, clink, crackle, crash, creak, gurgle,
purr, rattle, rustle, screech, snap, splash, squeak, swish, tinkle, whine, whisper, hiss,
hum, murmur, pop.
Sight Blaze, bleary, bloody, burnished, chalky, dapple, ebony, flame, flash, flicker, florid,
foggy, gaudy, glare, glitter, glossy, glow, golden, grime, haze, inky, leaden, lurid,
muddy, roiled, sallow, shadow, smudged, spark, streak, tawny, turbid.

Describing People

In order to write an interesting description of somebody we must use suitable nouns and
adjectives. When we describe persons, we are concerned with their physical appearance and with

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their personality. Certain nouns and adjectives help us to describe the persons accurately. Here
are some examples:

A. Useful nouns to describing a person’s appearance

Appearance Nouns
Age Baby, toddler, youngster, youth, boy, girl, teenager, man, woman, lady,
young man, young woman, old man, elder.
Parts of the Face Forehead, eyes, eyebrows, nose, nostrils, ears, cheeks, mouth, lips, jaw,
chin
Parts of the Body Head neck, shoulder, arms, lands, legs feet
Hair Hairstyle, plaits, braids, beard, moustache
Clothes Cloth fabrics, shirt, tie, coat, jacket, trousers, jeans, socks, pullover,
sweater, suit, overcoat, raincoat, dress, blouse, skirt, shawl, scarf, shoes,
sandals, boots, hat, glasses, spectacles.
Jewelry Necklace, bracelet, ring, earrings, ankle

B. Useful adjectives for describing a person’s appearance

Appearanc Adjectives
e
Age Young, middle-aged, old, elderly, in his/her early thirties/mid-forties/ lase fifties
Face Long, round, oval, attractive, beautiful, un-shaven
Hair Long, medium-length, short, straight, curly, wavy, dark, black, blonder, gray, fair,
white, plaited, bald
Forehead High, low
Eyes Blue, brown, gray
Ears Big, small
Nose Long, pointed, turned up
Body build Tall, short, fat, plump, over-weight, thin, slim, slender, skinny, under-weight
Clothes Cotton, woolen, hand-woven, leather, traditional, western, colorful
General Handsome, good-looking, beautiful, lovely, pretty, attractive, well-dressed,
Appearance smartly-dressed, dressed.
Human Fair, dark, red, yellow

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color
Race Black, white, Arab, Mongoloid
a. Useful adjectives, for describing a person’s personality.

Happy, cheerful unhappy, sad, miserable approachable, strong, compassionate,

agreeable Friendly, pleasant, amusing unfriendly, unpleasant stubborn,
courageous, loving, fragile, caring, Kind unkind, cruel tough minded, ventures some, timid
Hard-working lazy smiling, delicate, trustingly, suspicious Reliable, trustworthy
unreliable daring, tender, gentle, calm Polite, well-mannered impolite, rude,
ill-mannered, affectionate, charming, regretful, practical
Honest, truth dishonest, crafty heavenly, gracious, outgoing, forthright
Unselfish, generous selfish, mean amorous, cheerful, submissive, shrewd
Clever, intelligent, wise stupid, silly, dull passionate, proud, dominant, self-assured
Quiet talkative aroused, hardy, robust, relaxed, tense
Shy confident determined, confident, cordial, brave
Modest, humble proud, boastful, arrogant frisky, moody, depressed, vigorous
Gloomy, cooperative, inspired, amiable, obliging, genial, potent, firm lively, dejected,
miserable, supportive-collegial, helpful, neighborly

Read these examples of descriptive paragraph and notice the descriptive words use.

Model paragraph1:

Brook Shield’s a tall girl, almost gangling (1.8 meters). She has a complexion like honey and
cream, green eyes skillfully made up the gaze at people bright and clear, the dark eye brows
accentuate her bones structure. Her physique is athletics; she is big breasted, plump and dressed
casually in slacks and suede shirt, without make up.

Model paragraph2:

I am forty years old, rather tall and I have blue eyes and short and short blue hair. I wear casual
clothes as I teach students in a relaxed atmosphere. I enjoy my job because I get to meet and help
so many different people from all over the world. During my spare time, I like playing tennis
which I play at least three times a week. I also love listening to classical music and I must admit

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that I spend a lot of many on buying new CDs! I live in a pretty seaside town on the Italian coast.
I enjoy eating great Italian food and laughing with the likable people who live here.

Descriptions of Places

As writer, you have to observe a scene around you with great care; and you have to present it
faithfully so readers know exactly what you see. Selecting some places filled with colors, noises
and people in the midst of actions, you will present a scene that is clear and vivid for any reader
to appreciate.

Model paragraph3:

My bedroom is very cosy. It is a small room with thick carpeting and light blue walls. Below the
north window is my double bed covered with an imitation of leopard skin bedspread. To the left
of the bed against the wall is a night stand with a reading lamp, an alarm clock, and a portable
radio. At the foot of the bed is a wooden stand holding my black-and-white TV. Behind the
wooden stand and in front of the closest are three comfortable armchairs. On the east and west
walls posters of famous historical and geographical sites are plastered. The holy cross bearing
the crucifixion of Christ is hung to the wall alongside the portrait of Virgin Mary embracing
infant Christ…

The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph:

Properties Measurements Analogy Location

Size, Color Height, Length is like In, above, below
Shape Width, Speed Resemble Besides, near, outside
Purpose Mass/weight North/east/south/west
Activity: write a paragraph describing a beautiful location you have been to at the same time,
entitled by “My Favorite Place”. (Don’t forget using descriptive words adjectives, which
create mood/feeling).
2. Narrative Paragraph
 Narration is the reporting of a series of happenings such as actions, incidents, or episodes
all leading to a conclusion.
 A narrative tells a story. Usually it begins by creating the setting (place and time of the
story). Then it tells what happens to a specific character.

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  A well- constructed narrative has three basic parts.
A. The initial situation (where a conflict or a contradiction between characters or a character
and a situation or a combination of all these is introduced).
B. The action taken to solve the conflict, and
C. The conclusion
Good narratives require:
a) Carefully considered beginning, middle and end
b) Carefully selected and arranged details
c) A dominant impression
d) Mainly a chronological sequence of arranging details leading to climax or result

Model paragraphs 1

It was getting dark by then, and there didn’t seem to be anything alive around at all, so he began
to shoot the gun just to get used to it. Pretty soon he could shoot it, and not get knocked down.
He kept shooting and walking, and finally it was dark and it seemed he was lost. He stumbled
over a hidden rock and fell and shoots the gun by accident and got a lot of dirt in his eyes. He got
up and almost cried, but he managed not to, and then he found a road, but he had no idea where it
went or which direction to take. He was scratched and sore all aver and not very happy and about
the way he’d shot the gun by accident. He was scared, too, and he said a player a minute and
meant every word of what he said. And he understood for the first in his life why people liked to
go to church.

Questions

1. What time of the story happened?

2. Where the story does takes place?
3. What was the character doing?
4. How the character felt?
5. How does the character in this paragraph console himself?

Model paragraphs 2(direct speech)

One day, a very drunk man got onto a bus and sat next to a very fat lady. She looked at him with
contempt and said, “You are very drunk. It is quite disgusting. What will your wife and children
think when you arrive home like that?” The man looked at her and replied, “And you madam are
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very ugly. What does your husband think of when he sees you like that?” Then, they both sat in
silence until the bus arrived at the man’s bus stop. He got up to leave and staggered down the
bus. “Thanks you are leaving” said the woman, “Just look at you. You can hardly walk.” “Hu!
Will be ever reaching home?” she asked the rest of the bus. As the man walked past the window,
he shouted back at her “well! In the morning I will be sober, but you will still be ugly.”

Model paragraphs 3(reported speech)

One day, while I was traveling by, I saw a very drunk man getting on to the bus and sitting next
to a very fat lady, she looked him with contempt and said that it was getting disgusting. She
asked him what his wife and his children would think when he arrived home like that. The man
looked at her and told her as she was ugly and asked her what her husband would think of when
he saw her like that. Then they both sat in silence until the bus arrived at the man’s bus stop.
When he got up to leave staggering down the bus she told him as he could hardly walk, and even
she asked the rest of the bus whether he would reach home. As the man walked past the window,
he said the woman as he would be sober in the morning and insulted her as she would still be
ugly.

Model paragraph 4

When I was little, my older sister was always trying to scare me. One night she hid near the
bottom of the staircase. As I walked by, she jumped out at me and let loose a loud, bloodcurdling
screen. Another time I asked her to tell me a bedtime story. Holding a small flashlight under her
chin, she turned the lights off, lowered her voice to a whisper, and opened her eyes wide. I was
terrified and she hadn’t even started the story! Her tales of ghosts and monsters kept me
shivering with fright long after she left the room. Now, I laugh whenever I recall how easily my
sister could scare me when I was young.
Exercise: based on the above model paragraphs, write an account of a memorable personal
experience. Use one of the topics below or topics of your own choice.

 a major decision you made

 a moment you know you were happy
 your best or worst date
 a time you took foolish risk

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  You can use the following proverbs to write a paragraph, through some experience you have
had, the truth of a popular belief.
 Hast makes waste
 A bird in the hand is worth than in the bush
 A promise is easier made than kept
4. Argumentative paragraph

When you debate, you use language to defend your position. You use argument to persuade
others about the importance or truth of what you say or believe. The person/people with whom
you are arguing will use counter arguments to oppose you. The aim is to find stronger arguments
than your opponent/s. Here are steps that you should follow when you write an argumentative
paragraph.

1.
State the opposing point of view

2. State your opponent’s justifications point of view

.
Criticize this opposing point of view
3.

Present your own point of view

4.
Support your point of view with reason
5.

Sample paragraph 1

Many people argue that teacher center method is better than student centered method. They say
that student centered method is time taking and doesn’t allow to cover the course syllabus in
time. But teacher centered method doesn’t permit students to be active participant in their lesson.
However, my own view is that student center method is better than teacher centered method.
Because, student center method help students to be active participant in their own lesson and in
their own learning.

Sample paragraph 2
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Some people argue that managers are born. They bring the rural and uneducated people as
example for their justification. They say that even though people in rural areas have never been
to school, they can manage and guide their community properly. But it is impossible to say rural
people manage and guide their community properly. Because we don’t observe rural leaders
bring social, individual, and economical changes upon their family let alone their community.
Moreover, we observe rural people complaining their leaders of being irresponsible, non-
transparent, corrupted, etc. However, I am in a position that managers are made than born.
Leading without knowledge may cause for some intended and/or unintended problems, and may
not bring growth upon the people who they manage. In addition, when we take the case of
developed and underdeveloped countries, countries in developed world have grown up in
different aspects like social, political, economic and cultural aspects; whereas, countries which
are in underdeveloped world are still back warded because of lack of skilled man power. From
the above argument we can infer that managers who are educated are more planed, trusted by the
people in doing in accountable and transparent way or in a more democratic way.

Activity1: what are the positions of the above arguers?

Activity 2: By supporting or against one of the following issues, write an argumentative

paragraph.
1. Parents should never hit their children.
2. Abortion should be legalized.
3. Women should never wear jeans and other clothes that expose their body.
4. Educating girls leads to a breakdown of traditions.
5. Girls have the same intelligence as the boys.
6. Condoms should be available at school.
7. Parents should choose marriage partners for their children.
8. Premarital sex should never be practiced.
4. Expository Paragraph
This is a paragraph type in which facts are presented, information are explained and concepts or
ideas are expressed in detail. As its name implies, expository paragraph exposes and explains
topics, ideas, thought or issues. It is the most frequently used type of written discourse. When
students answer essay questions, when they give written instructions, define terms, express the

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cause and effect of something, when explaining process; comparing and contrasting things, and
when classifying topics, they often use expository writing.

Since it is usually factual, expository paragraph is free from the emotion of the writer. Writers
usually employ the third person point of view in developing the paragraph.

Example

Behavioral scientists have found that a child’s emotional health is strongly affected by the
number of brothers and sisters he or she has. Emotional health means the ability of a person to
cope intellectually and emotionally with everyday stress. Several studies of elementary and high
school children have shown that youngsters in small family get along more happily with their
brothers and sisters, as well as their parents, than youngsters in a large family. They are less
liable to suffer emotional upsets and much less likely to end up in a mental hospital. A survey of
state hospitals in Maryland revealed that mental illness among children in two-parent families
increases with the number of children in the family.

The sample paragraph given above is about how the number of brothers and sisters a child has
affects his/her emotional health. It raises factual information suggested by expertise. You can
also notice that the writer defined the term emotional health. He/she also developed the
paragraph by comparing children in large family with those in small family.

Exercise

Now read the following paragraph and analyze its features based on the questions given
below it.

What children eat can affect their health. Children who do not eat enough foods containing
vitamin A can develop serious nutritional disorders. Of the effects caused by vitamin A
deficiency, those involving eye diseases are the most pronounced and widespread. Several
thousand children became blind each year because of this dietary deficiency, which is most
prevalent in poor, non-industrialized countries. Another result of vitamin A deficiency is skin
dryness.

1. What is the topic of the paragraph? _______________________________________

2. What is the sentence that contains the most important idea in the paragraph?
_________________________________________________________
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3. How is the paragraph developed?_________________________________________
Methods of Expository Paragraph Development
1. Definition
It is a paragraph that precisely explains what something is or how it looks or works its purpose,
etc. This type of paragraph answers the question, “What do you mean?” For example, what do
you mean by “Biblical authority”? It provides a single definition which is expanded into more
specific detail (discussing qualities).
Example 1:
Emblems are gestures or body motions that mean the same as words or phrases. Just as we learn
the meanings of words, we learn the meanings of emblems in our society. One common emblem
in many places is the thumb-up signal, which often expresses, which can mean “ I don’t know,”
or “ who cares” and nodding the head to communicate “yes” or “no.”
Example 2:

"Park" is difficult to define in Florida, because there are so many kinds of parks. Basically, a
park is a place to go for outdoor recreation-to swim, picnic, hike, camp, walk the dog, play
tennis, paddle your canoe, and, in some places take rides in miniature trains or swish down a
waterslide. Florida has a rich variety of parks, ranging from acres of RVs ringed around
recreation halls, to impenetrable mangrove wilderness. To make things more complicated, not all
of them are called "parks," and even the ones called "parks" come in several varieties.

What term is being defined? -----------------------------------------------

Which sentence gives the definition? -----------------------------------
Which sentences explains something about the term? ----------------

Activity: Develop a definition paragraph by defining the bicycle or any other object or idea that
you choose.
2. Exemplification /Explaining with Examples:
It is a technic of supporting or developing a topic or a point though specific cases or instances. It
is writing sentences in which the focus is to present experiences, cases, facts, etc. to make the
abstracts concrete, to make the illustrations vivid. The paragraph will then include at least three
examples that support your conclusion.

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Task 1: look at this text/paragraph whose main points is supported with examples and identify
the examples that are used in this paragraph.
Office politics is a destructive game played by several types of people. For instance, two
supervisors may get into a conflict over how to do a certain job. Instead of working in agreement
like adults, they carry on a power struggle that turns the poor employees under them into human
Ping-Pong balls being swatted between two angry players. Another common example of office
politics is the ambitious worker who takes credit for other people’s ideas. He or she will chat in a
“friendly” fashion with inexperienced employees, getting their idea about how to run the office
smoothly. Next thing you know Mr. or Ms. Ideas Stealers is having a close- door session with the
boss and getting promotion pointing for his or her “wonderful creativity.” Yet another illustration
of office politics is the spy. This employee acts very buddy-buddy with workers, often dropping
little comment about things he or she doesn’t like in the work place. The spy encourages people
to talk about their problems at work, how they don’t like their boss, the spy, and the working
conditions. Then the spy goes straight back and repeats all he or she heard too the boss, and the
employees get blamed for their “poor attitude.” A final example of office politics is people who
gossip. Too often, office politics can turn a perfectly fine work situation into a successful one.

Task2: in pair list down the most frequently used markers of exemplifications.
Task3: using one of the topics i.e. pollution, love, poverty, faithfulness, sex, - write a paragraph
of about 150 words (8-10 sentences). When you write, follow the steps:
a. State your topic sentence
b. Write two or three major supports
c. Think of examples to explain the major supports
d. Organize the text in a text form and write it out
e. Edit the text
N.B: your sentences must be free from common errors, should be coherent, and should
support the topic sentence (should have unity and continuity), should have good structure i.e.
opening, presentation, and closing.
3. Classification/Classifying Paragraphs
It allows different components of a topic to be explained. It is a way that divides items into
classes, groups, or categories. Topic sentence ought to identify the subject to be classified, and
give the number, name, and significance of the classifications. E.x

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.The radio show explains three types of political spaces: the conservative space, the liberal space,
and the moderate space. Conservative spaces tend to foster groups of people who want "things to
stay the same." They like what they are doing, how they are living, and want things to remain.
Liberal spaces tend to foster groups of people who want "things to change." They want things to
progress, to change, and to see movement. Finally, moderate spaces tend to foster groups of
people who want to see the best of conservative and liberal spaces. They seek conservation and
change when appropriate.
Language structure that is used in Classification writings
1.
There are types /categories/
two/three… kinds classes/
forms /ways/ of journalism These are: ------and----------
varieties

Types/ kinds/ classes/

two /three/ four etc. categories /forms/ are electronics
The ways/varieties of journalism and press
journalism.
3.
Classified/ divided
Journalism can be Grouped/ categorized into two: electronics and press.
4.
Types/ kinds/
Two/ three/ Classes/ forms/
Journalism four etc. Categories/ ways/ ,namely, electronic and
consists/contains/has varieties ;these press.
are,

Task: using one of the notes of the diagram below, write a classification paragraph.
Drinks animals

Alcoholic Non-alcoholic wild domestic

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 Cold hot harmful Non-harmful eatable Non-eatable

i. PROCESS (Step-by-Step) – it is writing about something which has serious of steps and
carried in a serious of orders.
Task: the following text explains the sequence or steps which must be carried out when you
intend to change a punctured tire. Can you identify each of the steps followed in the text?
Example: To properly change a tire, you must adhere to the following procedure: Remove the
jack and the wrench from the trunk. Next, remove the hub from the flat tire. Loosen the nuts on
the tire. Do not remove them. Then, slide the jack under the car. Make sure the jack is in a secure
position. Press the level on the jack to elevate the car to an adequate height. Remove the nuts,
and remove the tire. Place the new tire in its place. Place the nuts onto the bolts, and tighten the
bolts. Press and hold the level on the jack to return the vehicle to the ground. Finally, remove the
jack from underneath the car.
Main features of process or activities

For the writer to outline the steps clearly, the use of sequencing markers and passive/active voice
constructions are quite essential. Steps are mentioned in sequential manner.

Beginning steps Middle steps Last steps

First(ly) Secondly/thirdly/fourthly… Last (ly)
To begin with Next Finally
Initially Then eventually
Start with Subsequently

Exercise: A. write a paragraph how to make coffee/bread/ “enjera.”

B, >>>>>>>> “Doro Wot”

4. Explaining through Comparison and Contrast

1.1. COMPARISON (Similarities) - explores similarities between two topics/subjects.
Example: Bahir Dar and Hawassa have several things in common. First, Bahir Dar has a
population of only about 250,000 people. It is situated around Lake Tana. It is a home to Bahir
Dar University, which is famous for its educational, business, and engineering programs as well

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 as for its annual sport contents. Hawassa also consists of about 235,000 local residences. This
population swells to 246, 000 people when the college students are attending classes. It lies near
to Lake Hawassa. As for BahirDar, Hawassa possesses the beautiful campus of Debub
University, which is well known for its health and agricultural and engineering programs and
also for its yearly sport festival.
1.2. CONTRAST (Differences) -explores differences between two topics/subjects
Example:
The stories of Daedalus and Icarus and Pinocchio are very different. The story of Daedalus and
Icarus is a story from ancient Greece, while Pinocchio is a story from Tuscan folklore. The
stories have very different outcomes. Icarus dies as a result of not listening to his father. While in
the other story, Pinocchio does not die, but he encounters some perilous circumstances as a result
of not listening to his father.
1.3. Comparison and contrast- explore similarities and differences between two topics/subjects.
Apples and oranges are similar in some ways, and yet they are also different. They are both fruits
that grow on the trees. Apples, however, do well in colder climates. While oranges grow best,
where it is hot your round. The two fruits are both round and small, but their skins differ in thick-
skinned and orange in color, whereas, the thin-skinned apples can be red, green or yellow. You
can eat the skin of an apple; however, the skin of an orange inedible. The inside of both are juicy
and delicious to eat. Most importantly, apples and oranges are very nutritious foods that satisfy
you “sweet both.”
Q1, to what general category do both of these subjects belong?
Q2, how many of the key words used in writing comparison and contrast can you find in the
paragraph? List down them.
Patterns of Organization

There are two possible patterns by which you arrange the similarities and differences; these are
vertical and horizontal patterns. Below are texts about Abdul and Isaac in different patterns.
Read it and look their differences in pattern of organization.

Text 1: point to point: (The two major items being compared (Adul & Isac) are addressed in
their own section, within each point’s part of the paragraph).

Abdul was born in Assela. He was enrolled a school at the age of seven. He attended high school
in Addis Ababa. His ESLCE. Result was 4.00 which enabled him to study medicine. His friend

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Isaac; however, was born in Addis Ababa. Unlike Abdul he went to school at 5. Like Abdul he
attended high school in Addis Ababa. He didn’t score the same result as the Abdul did. He also
differs from Abdul in the field of the study he studied at university. He specialized in law.

Text 2: Whole to Whole: (the first item is discussed in its entirety before moving on to the other
item. The points are analyzed, one at a time, for the first time; then the other item’s points are
analyzed, one at a time.)

Abdul was born in Assela while Isaac was born in Addis Ababa. They also began school at
different ages. Abdul started at seven whereas Isaac went to school two years earlier. Both of
them attended high school in Addis Ababa. However they didn’t score the same result in
ESLCE. While Abdul scored 4.00 and got a chance of studying medicine, Isaac got 3.60 and
specialized in law.

Task: based on the given criteria, write a comparison and contrast paragraph about two of your
class/dormitory partners. Use one of the above patterns.
Bases of comparison similarities differences
Sex ---------------------------- -----------------------
Birth place ---------------------------- ----------------------
Upbringing ----------------------------- ------------------------
Education ----------------------------- --------------------------
Appearance ---------------------------- ----------------------------
Behavior ----------------------------- --------------------------
Interest --------------------------- ------------------------
Task: write comparison and contrast paragraph about life in county side and life in town.
Bases of comparison similarities differences
Scenery ------------------------- --------------------
Transportation --------------------------- ----------------------
Communication -------------------------- ---------------------
Education --------------------------- ----------------------
Markers of Comparison and Contrast
Comparison Contrast
Like as Although though
Too the same as However differ

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Similar similarly Unlike even though
In the same way Yet but
As well as Instead while
Have in common Whereas conversely
Both Contrary to in contrast
On the other hand
5. Cause and Effect Relationship -provides the reader with details about the cause and the
effect; you may choose to inverse the sections (put the effect first, then the cause).
Task: read the following paragraphs and take down markers of cause effect.
Cause – Effect Paragraph
Paragraph 1: Global warming is an important occurrence to consider in the coming years.
Global warming refers to the idea of increasing temperatures on the surface of the Earth. Global
warming is thought to be caused by the release and prevalence of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. The effect of these gases is cause a rise in the annual temperatures recorded by
scientists. These increases are causing substantial melting of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers,
reducing streams and the presence of fresh water on land, and may result in the extinction of
particular species on the planet.
Effect Paragraph
Paragraph 2: What children eat can affect their health. Children who do not eat enough food
containing vitamin A can develop serious nutritional disorders. Of the effects caused by vitamin
A deficiency, those involving eye diseases are the most pronounced and widespread. Several
thousand children become blinded each year because of this dietary deficiency, which is most
prevalent in poor, non-industrialized countries. Another result of vitamin A is skin dryness.
Effect Paragraph
Paragraph 3: The last night storm caused a great damage. The winds blew out to ninety four
miles an hour and it rained very hard. Eucalyptus trees by the river blew over blew over, and the
trees hit over, and the trees hit the power lines and blocked out the areas for five hours. Before
morning as the river overflowed its banks, homes were over flooded, roofs caved in, and
thousands of families, living nearby were forced to flee their homes with whatever belongings
they could gather. Downtown, the main street was flooded; the cars were left stranded in the
bumper-deep water, and even some automobiles floated over the streets.
Markers of cause Effect

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Because (of) as since due to + noun phrase
Due to (the fact that) so (that) owning to because of + noun phrase
As a result (of) therefore bring about
For this reason consequently lead to
On account of (this) emanate
 Some expressions, such as because (of), on account of, due to, as a result (of) can be used
both at the beginning and middle of the sentence.
Ex: Because of his frequent absence from class, Abdisa was forced to drop the course.
Abdisa was forced to drop the course because of his frequent absence from class.
 Other phrases, result in, lead to, brings about, causes cannot be used in the same way as
the above expression.
leads to
Hatred result in conflict.
brings about
causes
 As a result, consequently, because of this, are used as sentence beginners.
Ex: he is the most popular student. As a result/consequently/because of this, the entire
student community elected him as student representative in a senate.
Task: write a cause effect a paragraph having 8- 10 sentences in one of the following topics:
 Religious conflict in Ethiopia
 Low quality education
Cause Paragraph

Here is an example of a writing topic asking for causes of a particular phenomenon.

These days, the spread of deserts across the world is increasing in alarming rate. There are
many reasons for this occurrence. First, the clearing of vegetation cover to get new land for
farming resulted in rapid loss of forests. This depletion of forests degraded wild life and soil.
Second, the rapid growth of population made peoples to push cultivation into areas that were
entirely unsuitable for agriculture. These activities of man on highly sensitive and delicately
balanced ecosystem led to a progressive decline in the vegetation cover. Third, the pastoral
nomads are the other protagonists in the tragedy for the fact that far more animals are
building up than the system can maintain, i.e., the number of animals is increasing beyond the
potential of land. Finally, the progressive destruction of the third world’s stock of trees for the

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 existing demand for firewood and timber as building material is accelerating soil erosion and
reducing its capacity to feed and employ people. If forests continue to be depleted in such
ways, it is inevitable that the problem aggravates and our globe will be affected by
desertification much higher than the present.

The diagram, below, show the model cause paragraph is organized. In this diagram you should
see that the topic – desertification is expanding so large - is given in the opening sentence.
Notice, too, that the supporting sentences give the causes for why desertification is expanding.

Effect Causes
(topic sentence) (supporting sentences)
These days, the spread of deserts across the world There is clearing of vegetation cover to get
is increasing in alarming rate. new land for farming
[There are several reasons for this]
These days, the spread of deserts across the world The rapid growth of population made
is increasing in alarming rate. peoples to push cultivation into areas that
were entirely unsuitable for agriculture.
These days, the spread of deserts across the world The number of animals is increasing
is increasing in alarming rate. beyond the potential of land.
These days, the spread of deserts across the world There is destruction of trees for source of
is increasing in alarming rate. energy and constructions.

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