When you write a paragraph, you need to think about three things: what you want to say, how you want to say it, and what order you want to say it in. To start a paragraph, you need to have a topic sentence. This is the most important sentence in the paragraph because it tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. The topic sentence should be followed by supporting sentences that develop the main idea of the paragraph. Finally, you need to end the paragraph with a conclusion sentence that wraps up the main idea of the paragraph.
What are the different types of paragraphs?
Each type of paragraph fulfills a different purpose. It’s critical to comprehend the distinctions between these types of paragraphs in order to make sure every one you write is insightful and powerful. The four primary types of paragraphs are listed below:
Expository
An expository paragraph explains information and establishes your writing credibility. Expository paragraphs serve to educate the reader on a subject. Expository paragraphs frequently contain sources for writers to gain the readers’ trust.
For instance, a writer may clarify a fact about trees in an expository paragraph about trees and support their claim by quoting an expert botanist. The starting sentence of this paragraph may look like this:
Award-winning botanist Angela Michelle claims that by examining the shape of a tree’s leaves, you can determine what kind of tree it is.
Descriptive
A descriptive paragraph gives the reader specific information about a subject and nudges them to use their imagination. Due to the writer’s word choice, descriptive paragraphs frequently engage the reader’s five senses and may occasionally deviate from grammar rules.
For instance, a writer may employ figurative language to describe the color and shape of a tree’s leaves in a descriptive paragraph about trees. The starting sentence of this paragraph may look like this:
Small pink flowers adorn each branch of the trees, and their vivid green leaves match the color of the grass.
Narrative
The primary goal of a narrative paragraph is to describe a scene or tell a story. A writer uses a distinct beginning, middle, and end of a story in an action sequence to create a narrative paragraph. These narrative paragraphs are employed by writers to amuse readers or to set the scene for a more general topic in their works.
For instance, a story about a kid climbing a tree to get some fruit might be detailed in a narrative paragraph about trees. The first sentence of this paragraph could look like this:
The little girl started to climb toward the tree’s first peach hanging from the top branch.
Persuasive
A persuasive paragraph seeks to persuade the reader of a particular cause or viewpoint. These sentences are used by authors to persuade readers to support their viewpoint. In persuasive paragraphs, a claim and supporting details are frequently included. While the majority of persuasive paragraphs cite sources to support their claims, they may also combine ethos, logos, and pathos to persuade the reader.
To persuade readers to support their conservation efforts, a writer might, for instance, cite a source about the advantages of trees in a persuasive paragraph about them. The first sentence of this paragraph may look like this:
Leading conservationist biologist Nina Delgado claims that trees produce oxygen that contributes to the improvement of the air quality in their immediate surroundings.
How to start a paragraph
Be direct in how you begin each paragraph if you are having trouble writing or want to make sure your work achieves its goals. Follow these steps:
1. Determine what type of paragraph youre writing
It is crucial to decide why you are writing before you begin. You can choose the type of paragraph to use by determining the purpose or objective of your writing. In some circumstances, you might mix various types. For instance, when writing for travel companies, authors combine descriptive and persuasive paragraphs by describing locations in sensory detail to persuade readers to visit them.
2. Consider the paragraph structure
To organize your paragraphs and make them effective, take into account their structure before writing them. Despite the fact that most paragraphs are four sentences long, some can be as long as eight sentences.
Try to focus on one topic throughout a paragraph. Frequently, writers will state a claim or provide background information for their topic at the beginning of a paragraph before adding more information to back up that claim.
3. Choose a transition word or phrase
Consider using a transition to begin your paragraph unless you are writing an introduction or writing about a new topic in your work. To make your writing more readable and fluid, use transitional phrases and words to link your paragraphs. Consider one of these words or phrases as the transition your paragraph requires after determining its purpose:
4. Write your first sentence
Write the first sentence of your paragraph after selecting a suitable transition phrase. The first sentence of a paragraph is referred to as the topic sentence by experts. Often, topic sentences establish a paragraphs main idea. Start with a transitional word or phrase when writing a topic sentence. Then, make a claim or address a certain topic.
5. Complete your paragraph
Include details or supporting evidence to bring your paragraph to a conclusion after writing your topic sentence. Consider establishing more proof for your topic sentence in your second paragraph sentence in a four-sentence paragraph structure. The third sentence should then add more background information for the topic sentence, and the last sentence should include any necessary details.
How to write a basic paragraph
FAQ
What is a good way to start a paragraph?
Any paper’s introduction, regardless of its length, should begin with a sentence that will hold your readers’ attention. In a typical essay, that first sentence is followed by two or three more that detail your topic or your method.
How do you start a paragraph example?
- Use a Surprising Fact. A startling fact or assertion can draw the reader’s attention.
- Pose a Question. …
- Start With an Anecdote. …
- Set the Stage. …
- State Your Point Clearly. …
- Start With Something Shocking. …
- Use a Statistic. …
- Get Personal.
What is a good sentence starter?
The list of potential sentence openers, transitional words, and other words is provided below. This essay discusses…, explores…, is defined…, is briefly outlined…, is explored…, and the topic that is being discussed is… … is demonstrated . … is included ….
What words can I use to start a body paragraph?
- To start, to begin, to begin with, primarily, essentially, to start,
- To display Additional Information. …
- To add on Furthermore, Moreover. …
- In addition, In addition to, Additionally, …
- 3rd Body Paragraph of Essay Transition. …
- Summarizing. …
- facts, In a nutshell, …
- Although, However, Likewise, In.
