Lecture 3 Kinds of Paragraph Objectives To learn different types of paragraphs and their features. Introduction of different types of paragraphs Definition paragraph When you are writing a definition paragraph, you take a term or an idea and write about what it is. Often, definitions are combined with classification or other forms of organization. You need to give a careful definition of the key term before going on to discuss different types or examples. Example question: Write a paragraph defining energy resources and discuss the different types. Sequence paragraph In a sequence paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time. You organize the paragraph by writing about each step of the process in the order it occurred. Example question: Write a paragraph outlining the stages of the salmon life cycle. Classification paragraph In a classification paragraph, you separate things or ideas into specific categories and discuss each of them. You organize the paragraph by defining each classification and by giving examples of each type. Example question: Write a paragraph discussing the three types of government in Canada. Choice paragraph In a choice paragraph, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. You organize the paragraph by describing each option and then giving your opinion. Example question: Write a paragraph choosing between A and B. Description paragraph In a description paragraph, you write about what a person, place, or thing is like. You organize the paragraph by describing different parts or aspects of the main subject. Example question: Write a paragraph describing the polar bear. Explanation paragraph In an explanation paragraph, you explain how or why something happens or has happened. You need to explain different causes and effects. You should organize the paragraph by explaining each individual cause or effect. Example question: Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the early nineteenth century. Compare and Contrast paragraph In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, or things. You can organize the paragraph by writing about one subject first and then comparing it with the second subject. A more effective way is to organize the paragraph by comparing each subject by category. Example: Write a paragraph comparing the weather in City A and City B. Evaluation paragraph In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. Organize the paragraph by discussing the criteria you used to make your judgment. Example question: Write a paragraph evaluating the importance of …. Write to understand the different types of paragraphs Choose one of the topic sentences below and write a paragraph that develops it. Use transition signals to connect the supporting sentences smoothly. You may use the transition signals suggested for each topic, or you may use others not listed. Make a quick outline before you begin. 1. Foreign travel is very educational. The first reason Another reason In addition Consequently 2.Last week, I witnessed a terrible accident. First After that Next Finally 3.Being an identical twin can be a lot of fun. For example Furthermore As a result In conclusion 4.Some people enjoy solitude. As an example Moreover On the other hand Therefore Suggested limits: Outlining Time-3minutes Writing Time-10minutes Checking Time-2minutes Total-15minutes Now you are going to write a paragraph on a topic chosen from below within 30 minutes. Topic Suggestions 1. Arranged marriages. 2. Uncontrolled population growth. 3. Computers, calculators, or machines in general. 4. Left-handed people. 5. The advantages of having a college education. 6. Owning a car.