How to Write a Paragraph

  How to Write a Paragraph

 

In Social Studies assignments and exams, you are frequently asked to write paragraphs. You have been writing paragraphs for many years, and you may have excellent skills in this area.

You should know that a paragraph is a group of sentences on one topic. Generally, a paragraph has a topic sentence and three or more related sentences. That is just a guideline; paragraphs may be of any length, but they are usually long enough to be meaningful. Just be sure that you have explored the topic fully.

The following tips may help you refine your paragraph writing skills:

• Unity: Ensure that you understand the topic. Focus on the issue and do not include any unnecessary or irrelevant points just to make the paragraph longer! As well, do not make unsupported statements.
  Example of a generalization: Thousands of people are on waiting lists and even dying because of our poor health care system. You need support. You need to find concrete evidence to support your view. Your generalization that thousands are dying because of a poor health system may be difficult or impossible to prove.
  Example of an unsupported personal opinion: Most people in the developing world are poor because they are too lazy to work. Avoid making such personal opinions unless you can support them. Avoid biased or bigoted expressions.

• Clarity: Be clear in what you are trying to say. It is more important for your reader to understand your message fully than it is for you to use fancy language. Try reading your paragraph aloud. Does it sound like something you would say? If not, it may need revision.

• Emphasis: Ensure that your reader knows your viewpoint. The conclusion is the point at which you wrap it up-and leave no reason for the reader to ask, "What's your point?"

• Correctness: Proofread! Use your spell check and grammar check. Have a friend, relative, or classmate read it for you. Another pair of eyes is very important. See a tutorial on Proofreading.