Types of Paragraphs

1. Enumerative Paragraphs

2. Expository Paragraphs

3. Argumentative Paragraphs

4. Opening & Closing Paragraphs

Enumerative Paragraphs

These kinds of paragraphs list or explain reasons related to

a main idea.

This main statement may be at the beginning or at the end

of the paragraph. For example, from the following outline we

can make an enumerative paragraph, positioning the main idea

either at the beginning or at the end of the text.

Main point: Things to take on a trip to Cartagena.

1st Thing: Sun block

2nd Thing: Sunglasses

3rd Thing: Cotton shirt

Main idea – Listing

When traveling to Cartagena, one must take some

precautions against the weather and be prepared to fight it

[main idea]. It’s important to carry sun block and use it

every 3 to 4 hours [1]. Also, wearing sunglasses will help

you being more comfortable while at the beach or when

taking a walk [2]. Finally, cotton clothes will help you stay

fresh and cool because the temperature can rise up to 32 °

C! [3].

Listing – Main idea

Using sun block every day is a great

way to prevent sun damage on your skin

[1]. When it comes to your eyes, sun

glasses will do the job by keeping them

from irritation and dryness caused by

extreme weather conditions [2]. Finally,

wearing light cotton clothes will help

your body regulating its temperature

and keeping cool and fresh [3]. That’s

why we recommend that when traveling

to cities like Cartagena you take these

three things with you [main idea].

Expository Paragraphs

The purpose of these kinds of paragraphs is to inform or

explain something to the reader.

It begins with an issue that the reader is supossed to be

aware of, yet it must be clearly stated in the text. Then, the

issue is explained and clarified.

Issue: Making a sandwich

Explanation 1: Getting started, putting butter.

Explanation 2: Hands on it, ham and cheese.

Explanation 3: Adding something extra.

For example:

Making a ham sandwich is the

easiest thing on Earth [issue to be

explained]. First, you get sliced

bread and put butter on 2 pieces, on

the sides that face each other

[explanation #1]. Then you get a

slice of ham and a slice of cheese

and tuck them in the middle of the

bread slices [explanation #2].

Finally, you can put some sauce or

even lettuce to enjoy a full meal

[explanation #3].

Argumentative paragraphs

These kinds of paragraphs attempt to

persuade the reader to believe in the

author’s point of view.

The thesis is the idea the author wishes to

prove and the arguments are the way to it.

These paragraphs can be presented with

arguments for or against an opinion. They are

usually enclosed by introduction and

conclusion paragraphs. Example: On why the school fundraiser money should

be used to buy more books for our school library.

“First, our class is doing reports on different animals and there are only a few books available on each kind. This makes it hard to do research and write our reports if we all have to share books, or can't take them home to use. If the library could buy more books, we would be able to do our reports better [argument #1].

Second, there is sometimes only one copy of a fiction book on the shelf and kids have to take turns checking it out. If the library could buy more copies of a book, then two kids could check out the same book and partner-read together. This would help us get better at reading, plus it's fun to read with a friend! [Argument #2] Third, there are many new things happening in the world and new information needs to be there for kids to learn and read about. For example, maybe a new kind of dinosaur is discovered, or a new president is elected. Without new books being bought for the library, kids will not be able to learn about these things if we just have old books to check out [argument #3].” (Wayne-Westland Community Schools, n.d).

Opening and Closing Paragraphs

These paragraphs surround the body of a text and serve as an

introduction and conclusion for the subject.

A simple way to write an introduction goes as follows (Ismael,

n.d.):

1. State one sentence in favor of the subject.

2. State one sentence against the subject.

3. State the thesis, that is the author’s opinion and how he will

approach the subject.

Closing paragraphs serve as a conclusion. They should state the

author’s point of view, summarize main ideas throughout the text

and open the possibility for further exploration on the subject.

For example:

Opening Paragraph

“Books are very

important for students in

school. They can learn

many new things and

improve their skills.

However, our school library

sometimes doesn't have

enough types of some

books. I think that the

school fundraiser money

should be used to buy more

books for our school library.”

(Wayne-Westland

Community Schools, n.d).

Closing Paragraph

“(…) So, it is important to

buy more books for the library

and the school fundraiser is a

good way to get the money!

Kids will have more choices to

read. We can keep up with

new things that happen in the

world. Plus, we won't have to

wait so long to have a chance

to read our favorite book!”

(Wayne-Westland Community

Schools, n.d).

References

• Conde, M. (November 17th, 2009). Tipos de párrafos. Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/Maritoconde/05-tipos-de-prrafos

• Geneva Community – Unit School District 304. (n.d). Expository Paragraph Example. Retrieved from: http://www.geneva304.org/Downloads/Expository%20Paragraph%20Example.pdf

• Ismail, G. (n.d). How to write an argumentative or opinion paragraph. Retrieved from: http://www.kau.edu.sa/Files/0056665/Files/60155_How%20to%20write%20an%20argumentative%20or%20opinion%20paragraph.pdf

• Learn American English Online. (n.d). Lesson Ten: Types of Paragraphs. Retrieved from: http://www.learnamericanenglishonline.com/Write_in_English/WL10_types_of_paragraphs.html

• UC Santa Barbara. (n.d). Enumerative Paragraphs. Retrieved from: http://education.ucsb.edu/webdata/instruction/hss/Writing/Enumerative%20Paragrap.PDF

• Wayne-Westland Community Schools Web site. (n.d). Persuasive writing. Retrieved from: http://wwcsd.net/~widrigr/PersuasiveWriting.htm

References