An Introduction to Writing — paragraph,

essayMohammad Aminur Rahman Lecturer, Dept. of English, ZHSUST

What is Writing?

Writing, a richer means of communication by which we express our emotions through pen focusing on a particular topic or point and later justify it by providing evidence to support that point.

Technically― writing, a method of human intercommunication by means of arbitrary visual marks forming a system.

Therefore, sound writing consists basically of making a point and then providing evidence to support or develop that point.

Accordingly, the following four basic principles you must learn to write effectively―i. start with a clearly stated point;ii. provide logical, and detailed support for that point;iii. organize and connect your supporting material;iv. revise and edit so that your sentences are effective and error-free.

Paragraph Development by ListingListing paragraph, a paragraph containing different ideas that all connect to one main idea.For example—

Sentence Functions in Paragraph Development

The sentences in most well written paragraphs may be analyzed into four general functions. First, there are paragraph introducers, which are sentences that establish the topic focus of the paragraph as a whole. Second, there are paragraph developers, which present examples or details of various kinds that support the ideas set forth by the paragraph introducers. Third, there are viewpoint or context modulators, which are sentences that provide a smooth transition between different sets of ideas. Fourth, there are paragraph terminators, which logically conclude the ideas discussed in the paragraph in a psychologically satisfying manner. Not all pieces of writing will conform to this analysis; however, most successful paragraphs usually contain some combination of these four sentence types.

Paragraph Development by DefinitionA definition paragraph describes, explains, or defines an unfamiliar term by relating that which is unknown to that which is already known.For example―

The Definition Paragraph

A definition paragraph describes, explains, or defines an unfamiliar term by relating that which is unknown to that which is already known. It makes use of the techniques of comparison, contrast, and synthesis, often in combination. More specifically, a definition paragraph may be developed by using comparison sentences that show that an unknown term is the same as or like some known term. Or it may be developed by using contrast sentences that show that an unknown term, though similar in some respects, is basically unlike some known term. Or it may be developed by bringing together the appropriate like and unlike characteristics of two or more terms to form a new concept, or synthesis. In any case, a given definition paragraph, whether developed by comparison, contrast, or synthesis, or some combination of these, normally ends with a sentence that summarizes the distinctive features of the term being defined.

Paragraph Development by Classification

A classification paragraph begins a main idea and discusses the subcategories of that topic, comparing and contrasting them with each other.For example—

The Classification of Paragraphs

Individual paragraphs―the building blocks of essays, articles, chapters, and other longer papers―may be classified in a variety of ways. At the essay level, paragraphs may be sorted into functional groups such as introductory, developmental, transitional, summarizing, and the like. Depending upon the purpose or intent of the writer, particular paragraphs may be thought of as aiming to persuade, inform, argue, or excite. Paragraphs may also be classified according· to such techniques of development as comparison, contrast, and definition. Another developmental device might also be the classification paragraph, which organizes items or ideas to be discussed into relatively homogeneous groups. Such classifications make it possible to talk about a large number of paragraphs by grouping them into a small number of classes.

Paragraph Development by Cause & EffectThe stating of facts and the giving of reasons to explain why or how the facts came about is the

basic procedure in a paragraph development by cause and effect.For example—

Slaughter on the Highways

During the past five years, the number of Americans killed annually in car accidents has climbed to more than 55,000. This needless slaughter on streets and highways can be attributed to three general causes. Mechanical failures, especially those related to faulty brakes and bald tyres, account for a significant number of fatal accidents. Environmental conditions such as blind corners, narrow streets, heavy fog, intermittent rain or snow resulting in slippery roads also contribute to the grisly accident statistics. But without doubt the most frequently reported factors in car accidents are errors of human judgment— all the way from such follies as excessive speed and drunken driving to such momentary lapses as failure to signal a turn or a change from one lane to another. The man behind the wheel is often his own worst enemy.

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