PARAGRAPH WRITING

Definition:- A paragraph is a number of sentences grouped together and relating to one
topic; or, a group of related sentences that develop a single point.

These definitions show that the paragraphs of a composition are not mere arbitrary
divisions. The division of a chapter into paragraphs must be made according to the
changes of ideas introduced.
There is, therefore, no rule as to the length of paragraphs. They may be short or long
according to the necessity of the case. A paragraph may consist of a single sentence, or of
many sentences.
(Note.-In. this respect, the paragraphs of a piece of prose differ from the stanzas or verses
of a poem. The stanzas of a poem are usually of the same length and pattern; but
paragraphs are long or short according to the amount of matter to be expressed under
each head).

PRINCIPLES OF PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
1. UNITY:- The first and most important principle to be observed in constructing a
paragraph is that of Unity. Just as each sentence deals with one thought, each paragraph
must deal with one topic or idea- and with no more than one. In writing an essay, for
example, every head, and every sub-head, should have its own paragraph to itself. And
every sentence in the paragraph must be closely connected with the main topic of the
paragraph. The paragraph and every part of it must be the expression of one theme or
topic.
(Note:- A good practice is to read a chapter in a book, and give a short heading or title to
each paragraph, which will express in a word or brief phrase the subject of the
paragraph).

The topic, theme or subject of a paragraph is very often expressed in one sentence of the
paragraph - generally the first. This sentence is called the topical sentence (because it
states the topic), or the key-sentence (because it unlocks or opens the subject to be dealt
with in the paragraph).
2.ORDER:- The second principle of paragraph construction is Order - that is, logical
sequence of thought or development of the subject. Events must be related in the order of
their occurrence, and all ideas should be connected with the leading idea and arranged
according to their importance or order.
(Note:- The two most important sentences in the paragraph are the first and the last. The
first, which should as a rule be the topical sentence, should arouse the interest of the
reader; and the last should satisfy it. The first, or topical, sentence states the topic - a fact,
a statement, or a proposition; the last should bring the whole paragraph on this topic to a
conclusion, or summing up).

3.VARIETY:- A third principle of paragraph construction is Variety; by which is meant
that, to avoid monotony, the paragraph of composition should be of different lengths, and
not always of the same sentence construction.
To sum up:- the essentials of good paragraph construction are - (1) Unity. (2) A good
topical sentence. (3) Logical sequence of thought. (4) Variety. (5) A full and rounded
final sentence in conclusion.

EXAMPLE


  “Hence it is that it is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never
inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly
occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed
action of those about him; and he concurs with their movements rather than takes the
initiative himself. His benefits may be considered as a parallel to what are called
comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature, like an easy chair or good
fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means
of rest and animal heat without them.” - J.E. Newman.
This is a paragraph from Cardinal Newman's famous description of a “Gentleman” in his
The Idea of a University, Notice that the paragraph is confined to one point in the
character of a gentleman, which is clearly stated in the first, or topical sentence viz., that
"he is one who never inflicts pain." The rest of the paragraph is simply a development
and illustration of the topical sentence. And the concluding sentence drives home the
statement of the subject with its similies of the easy chair and the good fire.