WEEK 7: PARAGRAPHING
Purpose:
To equip learners with the skills of logically and coherently developing a paragraph.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
Define a paragraph.
Describe the elements of a paragraph.
Explain the relationship between cohesion and coherence in paragraph writing.
Construct a well-developed paragraph with a clear topic sentence, body, and
concluding sentence
1. What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of related sentences that develop a single main idea.
Each paragraph is a unit of thought, organized to communicate one idea clearly to the
reader.
Example Definition:
A paragraph is a group of sentences that discuss one main idea or
topic. The main idea is usually introduced in a topic sentence and
supported by other sentences that explain or give examples.
2. Elements of a Good Paragraph
A good paragraph contains three essential parts:
a) Topic Sentence
Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Usually appears at the beginning but can sometimes be at the end or implied.
It gives readers a sense of what to expect.
Example Topic Sentence:
University students must learn to manage their time effectively.
b) Supporting Sentences (Body)
These develop the main idea by giving examples, explanations, evidence, or
illustrations.
The sentences must be logically connected and coherent.
Example Supporting Sentences:
Balancing lectures, assignments, and personal commitments requires
planning. Students who fail to plan often experience stress and poor
performance. Using a timetable helps to allocate time to study, rest,
and social activities.
c) Concluding Sentence
Brings the paragraph to a logical end.
Summarizes or reinforces the main idea.
May also provide a transition to the next paragraph.
Example Concluding Sentence:
Therefore, effective time management is a vital skill for success in
university life.
Complete Example Paragraph
University students must learn to manage their time effectively.
Balancing lectures, assignments, and personal commitments requires
planning. Students who fail to plan often experience stress and poor
performance. Using a timetable helps to allocate time to study, rest,
and social activities. Therefore, effective time management is a vital
skill for success in university life.
3. Cohesion and Coherence
Cohesion
Refers to how sentences are linked together using connectors, pronouns, repeated
key words, and transitional phrases.
Examples of Cohesive Devices:
Furthermore, however, therefore, in addition, for instance, as a result,
similarly, on the other hand.
Example:
Exercise improves physical health. In addition, it enhances mental
well-being.
Coherence
Refers to the logical flow of ideas in a paragraph.
A coherent paragraph stays on topic and presents ideas in a logical order so the
reader easily follows the argument.
To achieve coherence:
Arrange ideas logically (chronological, cause-effect, comparison).
Use a consistent tone and point of view.
Start sentences with familiar information before introducing new ideas (old-to-
new principle).
4. Patterns of Paragraph Development
Pattern Description Example
“When I first joined university, I
Uses a story or sequence
Narration struggled to adjust to independent
of events to make a point
study…”
Pattern Description Example
Uses sensory details to “The library was quiet except for the
Description
create a vivid picture soft hum of computers.”
“Many students, such as those in
Uses examples to explain
Example/Illustration engineering, find group discussions
an idea
helpful.”
Shows similarities or “Unlike high school, university
Comparison/Contrast
differences demands self-directed learning.”
“Poor note-taking often leads to
Cause and Effect Explains reasons or results
confusion during revision.”
“To write a good essay, first plan
Explains steps or
Process your ideas, then draft, and finally
procedures
revise.”
5. Practical Exercise
Exercise 1: Identify the Topic Sentence
Read the following paragraph and answer the questions below:
Group work is an essential part of university learning. It allows
students to share ideas and develop teamwork skills. Through
discussion, members can explore different perspectives and improve
their understanding. Sometimes, group work can be challenging when
members fail to cooperate. Despite this, it remains one of the best ways
to learn from others.
Questions:
Which sentence is the topic sentence?
Identify two supporting sentences.
Which sentence acts as the concluding sentence?
Exercise 2: Identify the Topic Sentence
Writers must express ideas directly and avoid unnecessary words.
Academic writing requires clarity and [Link] vague language
confuses the reader and weakens the argument. Clear writing shows
respect for the reader’s time and intellect.
Questions:
a. Which sentence is the topic sentence?
b. Identify two supporting sentences.
c. Which sentence acts as the concluding sentence?
Exercise 3: Identify the Topic Sentence
Every student should therefore master the required referencing [Link]
gives credit to original authors and shows that your work is based on
research. Failure to reference correctly can lead to plagiarism.
Referencing sources properly is a key part of academic integrity.
Questions:
a. Which sentence is the topic sentence?
b. Identify two supporting sentences.
c. Which sentence acts as the concluding sentence?
Exercise 4: Identify the Topic Sentence
It captures attention, introduces the topic, and states the purpose of the
paper. A well-crafted opening sets the tone for the entire [Link]
a clear introduction, readers may struggle to understand the writer’s
direction.A strong introduction prepares the reader for what follows.
Questions:
a. Which sentence is the topic sentence?
b. Identify two supporting sentences.
c. Which sentence acts as the concluding sentence?
Exercise 5: Identify the Topic Sentence
Good paragraphing enhances the flow of an essay. Each paragraph
should develop one main idea that connects to the thesis. When
paragraphs are too long or contain many unrelated ideas, readers lose
focus. Logical paragraphing makes academic writing easy to follow.
Questions:
a. Which sentence is the topic sentence?
b. Identify two supporting sentences.
c. Which sentence acts as the concluding sentence?
Exercise 6: Identify the Topic Sentence
Careful editing strengthens both clarity and credibility. It allows the
writer to correct grammar errors, improve sentence structure, and
ensure logical [Link] is the final but crucial stage of writing.
Many students ignore this step and submit work with avoidable
mistakes.
Questions:
a. Which sentence is the topic sentence?
b. Identify two supporting sentences.
c. Which sentence acts as the concluding sentence?
Exercise 2: Write Your Own Paragraph
Write one paragraph on “The importance of reading widely as a university
student.”
Your paragraph should include:
A clear topic sentence
At least three supporting sentences
A concluding sentence
6. Discussion Question (Thematic Reflection)
Theme: Effective Academic Writing and Communication
Why is it important for a university student to develop the habit of
writing coherent and well-organized paragraphs in all academic work?
7. Teaching Tip for the Lecturer
Begin the lesson by showing an illogical or unfocused paragraph, and ask
students why it is difficult to understand.
Then introduce the structure (topic sentence–body–conclusion) as the
“recipe for sense-making.”
Guide learners to rewrite the poor paragraph using correct structure.
End with a peer-review activity: students exchange paragraphs and identify
topic sentences in each other’s work.
Answers
1. Group Work
Group work is an essential part of university learning. It allows students to share ideas
and develop teamwork skills. Through discussion, members can explore different
perspectives and improve their understanding. Sometimes, group work can be
challenging when members fail to cooperate. Despite this, it remains one of the best
ways to learn from others.
2. Clarity in Writing
Academic writing requires clarity and precision. Writers must express ideas directly
and avoid unnecessary words. Using vague language confuses the reader and weakens
the argument. Clear writing shows respect for the reader’s time and intellect.
3. Referencing Sources
Referencing sources properly is a key part of academic integrity. It gives credit to
original authors and shows that your work is based on research. Failure to reference
correctly can lead to plagiarism. Every student should therefore master the required
referencing style.
4. The Introduction
A strong introduction prepares the reader for what follows. It captures attention,
introduces the topic, and states the purpose of the paper. Without a clear introduction,
readers may struggle to understand the writer’s direction. A well-crafted opening sets
the tone for the entire essay.
5. Paragraphing
Good paragraphing enhances the flow of an essay. Each paragraph should develop
one main idea that connects to the thesis. When paragraphs are too long or contain
many unrelated ideas, readers lose focus. Logical paragraphing makes academic
writing easy to follow.
6. Editing
Editing is the final but crucial stage of writing. It allows the writer to correct grammar
errors, improve sentence structure, and ensure logical flow. Many students ignore this
step and submit work with avoidable mistakes. Careful editing strengthens both
clarity and credibility.