Methods of Paragraph Development

Prepared by: Ma. Anna Corina G. Kagaoan Instructor College of Arts and Sciences

I. Definition
Involves the amplification of a thought by more than just a dictionary definition. Definition proper is strengthened by a series of concrete examples and details. May also be amplified by an explanation of what something is not and what it is. Most expository writing utilize this method.

II. Comparison and contrast

Comparison is an elaborate, paragraph-long simile. It is pointing out the similarities between two objects, persons, or ideas. The idea is made vivid by comparison with the simple and the familiar. Contrast is holding up two actually similar, but not identical objects or situations for the sake of discovering their points of variance. A combination of both may also be employed.

III. Details
Presenting details that explain and illustrate the central theme. Skillfully chosen and arranged details contribute to concreteness and clarity. Four kinds of details with which paragraphs can be amplified: facts, examples, incidents, and reasons.

IV. Illustration
A topic sentence is amplified by illustration. The pattern is a general statement followed by an illustration, or a series of illustrations, in which case, the method is very much the same as amplification by details.

V. Analogy
Points out the similarity in some respects between things or ideas otherwise unlike. Particularly useful in clarifying something abstract and unfamiliar by likening it to something concrete and familiar.

VI. Repetition
Does not only secure coherence and emphasis but is also a means of amplifying a central thought. Thus, each sentence pattern that is repeated carries the thought forward. The repetition clarifies and expands the idea.

VII. Cause and Effect

The writer points out the relationship between certain events or situations and their consequences. The discussion may move from cause to effect, or from effect to cause.

VIII. Question and Answer

Effective in explanations and arguments. Sometimes, a series of related questions which are meant to be unanswered make up a paragraph or the succeeding paragraph answer the questions.

IX. Elimination
Points out what a thing or idea is not and proceeds with an explanation of what it is.

X. Enumeration
A paragraph may begin with a topic sentence which states the number of points to be covered. The points then follow in numerical order accompanied by clarifications or explanations, or if they require lengthy discussions, the paragraph of enumeration serves only as an introduction In both cases, the numerical order automatically insures good organization.

Write Clear Paragraphs

1. Put the topic sentence first. In technical writing, the deductive structure is used which begins with a topic sentence followed by details. Gives paragraphs the direct, straightforward style report readers prefer. 2. Structure paragraphs coherently. Each sentence amplifies the point in the topic sentence by using words in four ways: Repeat terms to emphasize them. Use the dominant position to repeat a key term as a subject or main idea of a sentence. Maintain class or membership relationships to show that they are subparts of the main sentence. Provide transitions to connect sentences.

Write Clear Paragraphs

3. Arrange sentences by level.
4. Choose a tone for the reader. Can communicate as much as the content of the message. Four possible tones: Forceful. Writer has control and is responsible. Use the active voice (subject-verb-object). Do not use weasel words (possibly, maybe, perhaps). Use imperatives. Passive. Reader has control. Avoid imperatives. Use the passive voice and weasel words Personal. Reader and writer are equal. Use the active voice, personal names and pronouns. Use short sentences and contractions. Direct questions at the reader. Impersonal. The writer is not important. Used to downplay personalities in the situation.