Paragraph Writing
1. What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of related sentences that develop a single main idea. It serves as a
building block of writing by organizing thoughts clearly and logically.
2. Components of a Paragraph
a. Topic Sentence
States the main idea of the paragraph.
Usually the first sentence.
Direct and specific.
Example:
“Reading improves both mental focus and vocabulary skills.”
b. Supporting Sentences
Explain or develop the idea in the topic sentence.
Provide reasons, facts, statistics, examples, or explanations.
Example:
“When you read regularly, your concentration improves over time.”
“Books also introduce new words, helping you to build your vocabulary.”
c. Supporting Details
More specific information or evidence that backs up supporting sentences.
Can include:
o Examples
o Facts
o Quotations
o Personal experiences
Example:
“A recent study showed that students who read 15 minutes daily scored higher on vocabulary
tests.”
d. Concluding Sentence
Summarizes the paragraph or restates the main idea in a new way.
Provides closure or transitions to the next idea.
Example:
“Therefore, regular reading is a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth.”
3. Transitional Devices (Linking Words)
These help maintain flow and coherence.
Function Examples
Addition also, furthermore, in addition
Contrast however, although, on the other hand
Cause/Effect because, therefore, as a result
Example for instance, for example
Time/Order then, next, finally, after that
Example in use:
“Books are a source of knowledge. For example, biographies teach us about great leaders.”
🧱 4. Types of Paragraphs (with Identification Guide)
Type Purpose Example & Clues
Narrative Tells a story Sequence of events, time order words
Descriptive Paints a picture Sensory details, spatial descriptions
Expository Explains or informs Facts, definitions, logical sequence
Persuasive Convince or argue a point Opinions, reasons, rhetorical questions
Comparative Compares/contrasts ideas Uses "similarly", "in contrast", etc.
+-------------------------------+
| Topic Sentence |
| (Main idea of the paragraph) |
+-------------------------------+
| Supporting Idea 1 |
| - Detail / Example |
+-------------------------------+
| Supporting Idea 2 |
| - Detail / Example |
+-------------------------------+
| Supporting Idea 3 (optional)|
| - Detail / Example |
+-------------------------------+
| Concluding Sentence |
| (Restates or wraps up idea) |
Practice Worksheet: Paragraph Writing
Task 1: Identify the Parts
Read the paragraph below and label: Topic Sentence (TS), Supporting Sentences (SS),
Concluding Sentence (CS)
Learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It allows people to
connect with others from different cultures. In addition, it can improve cognitive skills and
memory. For instance, bilingual individuals often perform better on problem-solving tasks.
Overall, knowing another language opens up many personal and professional opportunities.
Task 2: Complete the Paragraph
Fill in the missing parts.
Topic Sentence:
Traveling to new places teaches you more than any textbook.
Supporting Sentence 1:
Supporting Sentence 2:
Concluding Sentence:
Task 3: Write Your Own Paragraph
Choose one topic and write a full paragraph:
The importance of teamwork
My favorite memory
Why reading is essential
A place I want to visit
1. Narrative Paragraph
Tells a story or recounts an event.
Topic Sentence (TS):
It was the most unforgettable day of my childhood.
Supporting Sentences (SS):
That summer afternoon, I was playing hide and seek with my cousins at my grandmother’s house.
I chose the attic as my hiding place, a dark, dusty space filled with old trunks and forgotten books.
While waiting quietly, I found an old photo album full of family pictures from decades ago.
Looking through the pages, I saw faces I had only heard stories about and felt connected to my family's
past in a way I never had before.
Concluding Sentence (CS):
That simple game of hide and seek turned into a treasured discovery I will always remember.
Transitional Devices Used: That summer afternoon, While, Looking through the pages
2. Descriptive Paragraph
Describes a person, place, thing, or experience using sensory details.
Topic Sentence (TS):
The beach at sunrise is a magical place.
Supporting Sentences (SS):
The sky gradually changes from deep purple to a warm orange glow as the sun peeks over the horizon.
The waves gently lap against the shore, whispering in rhythm with the breeze.
Sand, cool and slightly damp underfoot, sparkles with tiny shells and fragments of sea glass.
Seagulls glide silently overhead, their wings casting fleeting shadows on the soft sand.
Concluding Sentence (CS):
Every element comes together to create a peaceful and breathtaking moment.
Transitional Devices Used: As, Gradually, Overhead, Every element
3. Expository Paragraph
Explains or informs using facts and logic.
Topic Sentence (TS):
Regular exercise has numerous benefits for the human body.
Supporting Sentences (SS):
It improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
Exercise also helps in weight management and boosts the immune system.
Moreover, physical activity releases endorphins, which reduce stress and enhance mood.
Many doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
Concluding Sentence (CS):
Clearly, incorporating exercise into daily life is essential for both physical and mental health.
Transitional Devices Used: Also, Moreover, Clearly
4. Persuasive Paragraph
Argues a point or persuades the reader.
Topic Sentence (TS):
School uniforms should be mandatory for all students.
Supporting Sentences (SS):
First, uniforms promote a sense of equality by reducing visible economic differences.
Second, they help reduce distractions, allowing students to focus more on their studies.
Uniforms can also improve school safety by making it easier to identify outsiders.
Contrary to some opinions, students can still express their individuality through hairstyles, accessories,
and personal attitudes.
Concluding Sentence (CS):
For these reasons, implementing a school uniform policy is a smart and beneficial decision.
Transitional Devices Used: First, Second, Also, Contrary to, For these reasons
5. Comparative Paragraph
Shows similarities or differences between two things.
Topic Sentence (TS):
Although ebooks and printed books both serve to deliver information, they differ significantly in
experience and functionality.
Supporting Sentences (SS):
Ebooks are convenient, portable, and often more affordable.
They allow users to highlight text, search for keywords, and adjust font size easily.
In contrast, printed books offer a tactile experience—the feel of pages and the scent of ink create a
nostalgic atmosphere.
Unlike ebooks, they don’t require batteries or screens, making them easier on the eyes.
Concluding Sentence (CS):
Both formats have their strengths, and the best choice depends on personal preferences and situations.
Transitional Devices Used: Although, In contrast, Unlike, Both
Cohesion and Coherence in Paragraph Writing
What is Cohesion?
Cohesion refers to how sentences and ideas within a paragraph are linked together using grammatical
and lexical tools. It creates surface-level connectivity, making your writing flow smoothly from one
sentence to another.
✦ Common Cohesive Devices:
Type Devices / Examples
Pronouns he, she, it, they, this, these
Repetition repeating key terms
using related words (e.g., book
Synonyms
→ novel)
however, therefore, for
Transitional Words
example
Conjunctions and, but, or, because, so
"The project was hard. This
Referencing
challenge…"
Cohesion Example:
The internet has changed the way we communicate. It allows people to share ideas instantly across the
world. In addition, this tool has made remote work and learning more accessible.
Cohesive Elements Used:
Pronoun reference: "it" refers to "the internet"
Synonym: "this tool" also refers to "the internet"
Transition: "In addition"
What is Coherence?
Coherence refers to the logical flow and clarity of ideas in a paragraph. It ensures that all sentences
support the main idea and follow a logical sequence.
✦ Ways to Achieve Coherence:
1. Start with a clear topic sentence
2. Arrange ideas logically (e.g., time, cause-effect, order of importance)
3. Use appropriate transitions
4. Stick to one main idea
5. Avoid jumping between unrelated points
Coherence Example:
Time management is essential for academic success. Students who manage their time effectively can
complete assignments without stress. Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute cramming, which often
leads to poor performance. Therefore, learning how to manage time is a crucial skill for students.
Why it's coherent:
Clear topic: "Time management"
Logical order: problem → solution → benefit
Focused idea: time management and student success
Cohesion vs. Coherence Comparison Table
Aspect Cohesion Coherence
Definition Grammatical and lexical linking Logical flow of ideas
Focus Sentence connection Idea organization
Tools Pronouns, transitions, repetition Clear structure, topic unity, logic
Reader Impact Smooth reading experience Easy to understand and follow
Practical Exercise: Identify Cohesion & Coherence
Paragraph:
Maria loves to paint. She spends most of her weekends creating colorful landscapes. This hobby relaxes
her and allows her to express her emotions. In addition, Maria has started sharing her work online. Her
paintings often receive positive feedback, encouraging her to continue.
✔ Identify cohesion:
Pronouns: She, her, this hobby
Transitions: In addition
✔ Identify coherence:
Clear main idea: Maria’s love for painting
Logical sequence: introduction → benefit → expansion → result
Cohesion & Coherence Practice Worksheet
Part A: Identify Cohesive Devices
Instructions:
Read the paragraph below and underline or highlight the cohesive devices (pronouns,
transitions, repetition, etc.).
Technology has revolutionized the way people communicate. It allows us to send messages
instantly, no matter where we are. This advancement has improved both personal and
professional relationships. In addition, social media platforms make it easy to stay in touch.
These tools have truly transformed human interaction.
Answer Key (For Teacher or Self-checking)
Cohesive devices:
Pronouns: it, us, this advancement, these tools
Repetition: communicate, social media platforms
Transitions: in addition
Part B: Spot the Coherence Issue
Instructions:
Read the paragraph and find the sentence that does not logically fit (breaks coherence). Cross it
out or rewrite the paragraph.
Eating fruits is important for good health. They are rich in vitamins and fiber. Apples, bananas,
and oranges are some popular fruits. I went to the beach last weekend. Fruits can also help with
digestion.
Answer Key:
Sentence that breaks coherence: "I went to the beach last weekend."
This sentence does not relate to the topic of eating fruits.
Part C: Rewrite for Better Cohesion
Instructions:
The paragraph below is choppy and disconnected. Rewrite it using cohesive devices to improve
flow.
Dogs are loyal. They protect their owners. Cats are independent. Some people like cats. Some
like dogs. Pets are fun.
Sample Revised Version:
Dogs and cats are both popular pets. Dogs are known for their loyalty and often protect their
owners. Cats, on the other hand, are more independent. While some people prefer cats, others
enjoy the companionship of dogs. Overall, pets bring joy to many households.
Part D: Write a Paragraph Using Cohesion & Coherence
Instructions:
Write a paragraph (5–6 sentences) on one of the following topics. Use at least 3 cohesive
devices and maintain coherence throughout.
Choose one:
1. The benefits of learning a second language
2. Why recycling is important
3. My favorite place to relax
