Paragraphs
A paragraph is the basic building block for any piece of writing. It is (1) a group of related sentences (2) arranged in a logical order (3) supplying readers with detailed, appropriate information (4) on a single important topic.
- Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work, 761-62
- Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work, 761-62
Logical Arrangement
General Topic Sentence
Specific statistics, examples, proof
Example:
(General Topic Sentence) One look at the governor told me that he was a man destined more for physical action than for political bickering. (For Example) He was over six feet tall, but he seemed short because of the waisteless, rectangular shape of his body. (For Example) His jaw was angular and straight, his skin dark and often caked with mud, for even as the governor, he preferred to be at the controls of a road grader than behind his desk in the official office.
- James C. Raymond
To generalize is to be an idiot; to particularize is the alone distinction of merit.
- William Blake, 18th century poet
Skimpy paragraph:
Farmers can turn their crops and farm wastes into useful, cost-effective fuels. Much grown on the farm can be converted to energy. This energy can have many uses and save farmers a lot of money in operating expenses.
Developed paragraph:
Farm crops and wastes can be turned into fuels to save farmers on their operating costs. Alcohol can be distilled from grain, sugar beets, potatoes, even blighted crops. Converted to gasohol (90 percent gasoline, 10 percent alcohol), this fuel can run such farm equipment as irrigation pumps, feed grinders, and tractors. Similarly, through a biomass digestion system, farmers can produce methane from animal or crop wastes as a natural gas for heating and cooking. Finally, cellulose pellets, derived from plant materials, become solid fuel that can save farmers money in heating barns.
--Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work, 761-62