CHAPTER 10

PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT
Victoria A. Alabi (Ph.D.)

Introduction:
A paragraph is a section of a piece of writing and is made up of a group of sentences, all of which deal
with a common idea that is, a single subject. With respect to structure and purpose, a paragraph could,
among other types. be introductory, body, concluding, inductive or deductive. The development of each
of these types of paragraph is hinged on the writer’s ability to deftly present the relationship between the
topic sentence and the supporting sentences, carefully organise the ideas in paragraphs, aptly utilise the
characteristics of a paragraph as well as employ appropriate transitional markers to achieve coherence. An
analysis of five structures of paragraphs, the relationship between a topic sentence and supporting
sentences, how to develop and organise ideas in paragraphs, the characteristics of a paragraph as well as
the appropriate use of transitional markers will be undertaken in this chapter.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the module, you should be able to:
(i) identify the techniques for paragraph development;
(ii) differentiate between the topic sentence and supporting sentences;
(iii) show competence in the appropriate use of transitions in paragraph development for the purposes
of coherence; and
(iv) use all kinds of paragraphs for efficient discourse writing.

Main Content:
The Structure and Purpose of Paragraphs
The structure and purpose of paragraphs could be introductory, body, concluding, inductive or
deductive. Background information is given in an introductory paragraph. It could also contain the overall
plan of the way the argument in a written discourse will be developed as well as the scope of the
discourse. It is expected that a discourse would contain several body paragraphs. The first body paragraph
logically follows the introductory paragraph and the other body paragraph lucidly follows each other.
Usually, each of the body paragraphs should center on a single subject in line with the focus of the
discourse. Sometimes however, an idea may flow from one paragraph into another.one. The concluding
paragraph contains the summary of the argument in the discourse.
An inductive paragraph is usually referred to as ‘conclusion-oriented’. It is generally known to
start with either proof or reasons culminating in the author’s assertion at the end of the paragraph. The
end of a paragraph thus houses a conclusion, which is the most important part of the reasoning. A
deductive paragraph is the converse of an inductive paragraph. It opens with the author’s assertion of the
most important part of the reasoning. The remaining sentences in the paragraph are used as proofs to
support the author’s assertion of this most important part of the reasoning

Components of a Paragraph
The first sentence of a paragraph starts on a new line and the central idea of a paragraph is
summed up in the sentence called the topic sentence. The other sentences which expand the topic are
referred to as supporting sentences. The Topic Sentence could be the first sentence in the paragraph as an
introduction. The topic sentence(s) and supporting sentences develop into a paragraph or paragraphs
through various techniques. These include definition, explanation, exemplification, simplification,
description, comparison and clarification, that is, giving further details or enumerating facts about the
topic sentence. Carbello (2014), for example, identifies eight different methods of paragraph development
as follows: “Facts and statistics, examples and illustration, process, comparison and contrast, cause and
effect, classification and analysis, definition, and analogy”.

The Characteristics of a Paragraph

UNITY
A writer of a paragraph must be concerned with one main idea or topic. Everything in a paragraph must
be related to the main topic being discussed and must be capable of being summarised in a single
sentence. A well written paragraph must have unity. If a writer adds any material irrelevant to his central
idea, then he violates unity.

COHERENCE
Well-written paragraphs must be coherent. Coherence may be achieved within sentences that make up a
paragraph or among paragraphs in a text. Ideas in a paragraph must be arranged in a clear logical order.
Linear structuring of time sequence or space order, contrast and comparison may be used. Also
transitional devices should be used to achieve coherence. Key words may be repeated, pronouns may be
used as references. Transitional words and phrases such as ‘consequently’, ‘meanwhile’, ‘however’,
‘furthermore’, may also be used.

COMPLETENESS
A paragraph must show evidence of a reasonable development of a central point. If a writer focuses on an
idea that cannot be fully developed, the paragraph becomes incomplete. The reader would thus not
understand what he should know.

EMPHASIS
The central idea of a paragraph must also be emphasised. Enough space must be devoted to discussing it.
The idea must be repeated many times including repeating or summing it up in the conclusion.
Expressions like ‘chiefly’, ‘of course’, ‘importantly’, ’mainly’, ‘indeed’, ‘especially’, may also be used to
emphasise the main idea.

Summary:
This chapter presents a discussion of some structures of paragraphs, the relationship between a topic
sentence and supporting sentences, how to develop and organise ideas in paragraphs, the characteristics of
a paragraph as well as the application of transitional markers. It is noteworthy that although paragraphs
are not written in isolation, the principles of writing paragraphs highlighted in this chapter are aimed to
assist in developing good essays.

Self-Assessment Questions:
(i) Read the following paragraph and identify the techniques which the writer employed to
develop it.

There are many steps to making pancakes. First, collect your ingredients. You will need, flour, sugar,
milk, and eggs. You will also need a frying pan. Next, mix a cup of flour with half a cup of sugar. Add a
teaspoon of salt. After that, mix the eggs and milk in a separate bowl. Add a tablespoon of oil. Then mix
the liquids and solids together until you have a smooth batter. Pour some batter into a frying pan. Wait for
the pancake to start to bubble. Then flip it over. Last, take the pancake out of the pan. (Carbello, 2014)

(ii) Underline the topic sentence in the passage above.

Tutor Marked Assignment:

(i) Read the paragraph below and underline and list the various words and phrases the writer has
used to emphasise his central idea. There are twelve words/phrases used for emphasis.

Training the student for a profession is one of the important functions of a college or university.
In the first place, professional training confers certain benefits upon the student himself. It enables him to
enter a respected occupation, and it usually assures him of a higher income than he would otherwise hope
to receive. More important, professional training provides our technological society with the trained men
and women it so sorely needs. In an age of space flight, automation, and nuclear research, there is an
increasing need for skilled personnel. Most important of all, professional training helps to safeguard our
way of life. (Unpublished Manuscript)

References:
Alabi, V. A., & S. T. Babatunde (eds.) (2005) Basic Communication Skills for Students and
Humanities. Ilorin: University of Ilorin, Ilorin.
Babatunde, S. T., Alabi, V. A., Alabi, T. A. & Egbewole, W. O. (Eds.)(2018). Fundamentals of the
Use of English. Ilorin: Published by the GNS Division, University of Ilorin.
Quirk, R., & Greenbaum, S. (1973) A University Grammar of English. London: Longman.

Further Reading:
Amaudet, M. L., & Barret, M. E. (1990). Paragraph development: A guide for students of
English. (2nd Ed.). England: Pearson ESL.
Indiana University Bloomington. (2018). Paragraphs and topic sentences. Retrieved from
https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/paragraphs-and-topic-sentences.html
Meyers, A. (2002). Writing with confidence. Writing effective sentences and paragraphs.
(7th Ed.). Mishawaka (USA): Better World Books.