Understanding Paragraph: Parts of Paragraph

The Concept of a Paragraph

A paragraph is a group of sentences which discuss one main idea, existing on the topic sentence of a paragraph. According to Muhyidin (1988: 43), a group of sentences which tell about one topic or main idea is called as a paragraph. He also adds that a paragraph consists of three components: topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. Topic sentence states main idea of the paragraph. The supporting sentences develop the topic sentence by giving examples, reasons, and facts. Then, concluding sentence ends the paragraph by restating or summarizing the ideas in it. Therefore, a good paragraph should have these three components.

A paragraph is a group of sentences that clearly and concisely expresses one basic idea (Coffey, 1987: 72). It means that we cannot have more than one idea in a paragraph. While, Rooks (1988: 103) adds that a paragraph is a group of sentences which logically develop one subject is stated in the topic sentence. Similarly, McWhorter (1980: 70) defines paragraph as a group of related sentences about a single topic. She also divides a paragraph into three essential parts: topic, main idea, and details. The topic of a paragraph is the subject of the whole paragraph. The main idea of a paragraph is what an author wants you to know about the topic. An author usually directly states a main idea in one or more sentences within a paragraph. The main idea can be found in the first sentence, in the last, in the middle of the paragraph, or in the first and the last sentence. We can see it in the following example:

    Whenever possible, the good listener prepares in advance for the speech or lecturer he or she to attends. He or she studies the topic to be discussed and find out about the speaker and his beliefs. An effective listener, as you are beginning to see, takes specific steps to achieve accurate understanding of the lecturer. Furthermore, on arriving at the place where the speech is to be given, he or she chooses a set where it is easy to see, hear, and remain alert. Finally, when the speech is over, the effective listener reviews what was said and reads to and evaluators the ideas expressed. 

 

From this example we can find the main idea in the middle of the paragraph. The details in a paragraph are those facts and ideas which prove, explain, support, or given examples about the main idea of the paragraph. But, we have to know not all main ideas are directly stated. Some of them are implicit main ideas. In implicit main idea, a reader must formulate a main idea of a paragraph by himself.

 

Brereton (1982: 28) says that a paragraph is neat, a compact unit of writing. It is longer that a single sentence, but much shorter than an essay or a chapter. He also adds that a good writing comes in all shapes and sizes; in all types and styles. The structure and the style, then, should be simple and clear to the reader. Saraka (1980: 27) defines a paragraph as basic and logical unit of organization in writing in which a series of closely related sentences supply the reader with detailed information. And it explores, develops, and supports a single main idea. So, a paragraph does not have to be too long or too broad. It should be organized logically by giving only the real detailed information and develop about main idea or a topic sentence.

 

Parts of Paragraph:

1. The topic sentence

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. It states the main idea of the paragraph. A good topic sentence tells the reader exactly what the rest of the paragraph will be about.

The topic sentence is the sentence (subject-predicate) that states the topic of the paragraph. It is the answer of that question, “What does the author say about the topic of the paragraph?” It is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, but it can be in the middle, at the end, at the beginning and at the end of the paragraph, even it can be unstated in the paragraph.

 

2. The supporting sentences (details)

Supporting sentences (details) are sentences that support the topic sentence of the paragraph. It is the answer of the question, “How does the author support, explain, or prove the topic sentence of the paragraph.” They constitute the body of the paragraph, support the topic sentence and develop and establish the main idea. They give details of the topic sentence and make the topic sentence convincing and connect ideas within a paragraph. These details answer the question raised by the main idea like who, what, when, why, or how.

Supporting sentences (details) are the middle sentences of the paragraph. They provide details such as explanations or examples that expand on or support the topic sentence. They are sometimes connected by transition words or phrases.

 

3. The concluding sentence

A concluding sentence is sometimes used in longer paragraphs to sum up the ideas presented. It expresses the same idea as the topic sentence but in different words. It can start with a transition such as clearly or in conclusion.

Example of a paragraph, click here….!!!