A well-organised and written paragraph consists of several types of sentences. These may be analysed into four general functions. Firstly, the "Paragraph Introducer", or better known as the Topic Sentence (TS), expresses the main idea of the whole paragraph. Secondly, the "Paragraph Developer", presents a specific example or illustration related to the TS, and also gives details to support it. After that, the "Paragraph Modulator" provides a transition between different sets of ideas.
Finally, the "Paragraph Terminator" concludes these ideas.
As I mentioned above, there are different types of paragraph developments, such as by listing, by examples, by comparison, by contrast, by comparison and contrast, among others. As regards a Listing Paragraph, it has not only a TS, but also a "Topic Introducer" (TI). Then, supporting examples are listed with the aid of connectors. Sometimes transition or Modulator Sentences are used between different sets of ideas. In the end, a Terminator Sentence gives the effect of rounding off the paragraph by circling back to the idea of the TS. Transitional Words are very important because they help connect and show the relationship of the various parts, or paragraphs, of the essay. Some typical transitional words or phrases to establish examples are: such as, in other words, for instance, that is to say, etcetera.
EXAMPLE
Over the past few decades, the collaboration of engineers and technologists with biologists and medical personnel has been producing an astonishing variety of medical instruments. One of the earliest and widely known is the pacemaker, "a tiny, transistorized, battery powered radio oscillator, permanently implanted in the abdominal walls of patients suffering from heart block and connected by two fine electrodes directly into the heart muscle to keep it beating regularly." Another ingenious device is the radio pill, which, after being swallowed by the patient, transmits a running account of conditions within the gastrointestinal tract to an outside receiver.
Innovation and Technology in Healthcare Sector. https://www.essayacademia.com
With respect to Comparison Paragraphs, they compare similar aspects or qualities of two subjects. The purpose is to point out the similarities between them. There may be obvious differences, but the similarities are emphasised. Some common transitional words or phrases could be by comparison, whereas, also, too, both, among others.
EXAMPLE
In contrast to Comparison Paragraphs, "Contrast Paragraphs" compare dissimilar aspects of two subjects. The main purpose is to point out differences between them. To establish contrast, there are two different procedures: to alternate examples of subjects A with examples of subjects B, or to present all subject A examples together, then all subjects B examples together. Typical transitional words or phrases within this type of paragraph development may be: unlike, on the other hand, however, on the contrary, conversely, as opposed to, etcetera.
EXAMPLE
These two restaurants do not compete for the same customers. McDonald's is located just off the interstate, so many of their patrons are not local residents. Another reason is that they are universally known. Fox's is further away from the interstate. Aside from the over-the-road truck drivers who know the area, most of the Diner's customers are local residents. As well as targeting different customers from Fox's Diner, McDonald's also places more emphasis on speed. McDonald's makes job specialization an integral part of their operation. They crank meals out on an assembly line. They use computers to take orders, automatic timers to assist in cooking, and radio headsets to communicate. Even the color scheme used by McDonald's promotes speed. Studies show that loud colors like red and yellow increase customer turnover. With the exception of handling money, tasks are shared by the staff at the diner and there isn't anything high-tech about the operation.
https://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Mac.html
Another style of paragraph is the "Comparison and Contrast Paragraph", whose main purpose is to state both similarities and differences between two subjects. Therefore, the paragraph developers of an essay may employ the combined techniques of comparison and contrast.
EXAMPLE
Because America itself is still a relatively young nation, its poetry, too, lacks the years of history and growth that have defined the voices of other nations. However, within the past century, American poetry has developed into a distinctive and accomplished art of its own. The creation of this poetic voice is often attributed to Walt Whitman, who has been coined “the father of American poetry.” His revolutionary style and untraditional subject matter, exemplified in his renowned poem “Song of Myself,” have paved the way for future generations of American writers. Furthermore, his unique use of the line and breath has had a great influence on many poets' own work, particularly the writing of the more contemporary poet Allen Ginsberg, whose controversial poem “Howl” echoes many of the characteristics of Whitman's verse. However, while the form and content of “Howl” may have been influenced by “Song of Myself,” Ginsberg's poem signifies a transformation of Whitman's use of the line, his first-person narration, and his vision of America. As Whitman's sprawling lines open outward in the voice of a cosmic speaker who creates a positive view of America, Ginsberg's poem does the opposite, using long lines that close inward to mimic the suffocation and madness that characterize the vision of America that he presents through the voice of a prophetic speaker.
http://www.webster.edu/academic-resource-center/writingcenter/writing-tips/compare.html
As for "Definition Paragraphs", they describe, explain, or define an unfamiliar term by relating that which is unknown to that which is already known. Besides, they make use of the techniques of comparison, contrast, and synthesis, often in combination.
EXAMPLE:
According to Cohn, liberalism is “the most influential perspective” in the international political economy (Cohn, 2005, p. 89). It is also the most influential perspective in the United States. The term liberalism, as used in IPE and this paper, is used to describe the theory of a group of people who “are inclined to support greater government involvement in the market to prevent inequalities and stimulate growth (Cohn, 2005, p. 89).” Liberalism is extremely diverse and naturally pluralistic; therefore, liberalists “focus on a wider range of actors and levels of analysis (Cohn, 2005, p. 89).”………… According to liberals, individuals must be free to “pursue their own political and economic interests (Cohn, 2005, p. 90).”
https://services.anu.edu.au/research-support/tools-resources/academic-paper-example
To conclude, the basis paragraph can be extended to provide the plan for an essay. Similar to the paragraph structure, essays also consist of three parts: the Topic Paragraph, one or more Examples Paragraphs, and the Restatement Paragraph. So, to write a clear and well-organised essay in English, all these techniques and paragraphs styles may be very useful.
Good choice of paragraphs!
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