. The five methods explored here are the core tools for any strong paragraph.
Method 1: Writing with Examples
The exemplification paragraph is one of the most common and effective ways to develop
a paragraph.
· Purpose: To clarify and support a general claim (the topic sentence) by providing
specific, concrete instances or illustrations.
· Key Structure: A general topic sentence is followed by specific examples that act as
evidence. The examples can be organized in categories enumerated in the topic
sentence for a clear structure.
· Example: "Work tends to be associated with non-work-specific environments,
activities, and schedules. Some people need to engage in sports or other physical
activity before they can work successfully. Being sedentary seems to inspire others.
Some students do their best work before the sun rises, some after it sets."
Method 2: Writing by Listing
The listing method orders a series of details or points under a single main idea.
· Purpose: To provide a series of reasons, pieces of evidence, or descriptive details to
support an argument or paint a picture for the reader.
· Key Structure: Unlike sequence or cause-and-effect, the listed items do not follow a
strict logical order (like chronology). Instead, they are often arranged from most to
least important to maintain reader attention.
· Example: Listing various reasons for a phenomenon or listing sensory details to
describe a scene are common applications of this technique.
Method 3: Writing by Definition
This paragraph type is used to explain the meaning of a term, concept, or idea clearly.
· Purpose: To ensure the reader has a clear understanding of the term being discussed,
often building on their background knowledge.
· Key Structure: A simple definition is often provided in the topic sentence.
Supporting sentences then add more information through description, explanation,
and examples, and may link the concept to a specific context or field.
· Example: A paragraph that defines "photosynthesis" by stating the term, explaining
the process, and breaking down its key components for a science class.
Method 4: Writing by Description
A descriptive paragraph aims to create a vivid mental image of a person, place, object, or
event for the reader.
· Purpose: To immerse the reader in the topic by appealing to their senses of sight,
sound, smell, taste, and touch.
· Key Structure: The paragraph typically introduces the item to be described in the
topic sentence. The supporting sentences then provide specific, concrete details about
its most important features, often organized spatially or by order of appearance.
· Example: A paragraph describing a sunset by focusing on the colors of the sky, the
feeling of a cool breeze, and the sounds of the evening.
Method 5: Writing by Comparison and Contrast
This method is used to examine the similarities and/or differences between two or more
subjects.
· Purpose: To help readers understand subjects better by examining their relationship,
often to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities.
· Two Main Organizing Strategies: You can use the "block method" (discussing all
points of Subject A, then all points of Subject B) or the "point-by-point method"
(discussing one point of comparison for both subjects before moving to the next
point).
· Key Transitions: Use "similarly," "like," "also" for comparison, and "in contrast,"
"however," "whereas" for contrast.
· Example: "In Montreal, a flashing red traffic light instructs drivers to careen even
more wildly through intersections. In startling contrast, an amber light in Calgary
warns drivers to scream to a halt."