DEVELOPING LOGICAL PARAGRAPHS

By: K. M. Pathi
A paragraph is a complete thought. A complete thought usually consists of a
group of sentences all of which are related to a central thought, topic or idea.
If part of a topic or idea is to be emphasized, it should be placed in a
separate paragraph. The purpose of paragraph is to make communication
with the reader easily understood.
Conversational statements, replies and exclamations can be one word
paragraphs, but in narrative, descriptive or expository writing a paragraph is
a mini composition, most often written in order of occurrence or
observation.
Organizational methods for a paragraph
Chronological
Paragraphs can be organized chronologically. Events or observations are
described in the order in which they occur or occurred.
General to specific
Another common arrangement of paragraph is from a general statement to
specific details
Specific to general
A contrasting order for developing paragraphs is from the specific to the
general. The paragraph begins with specific details that support the topic
sentence and then moving on to general aspects.
Definition
A paragraph can define a word or the special meaning of a word used in the
composition.
Description
Paragraphs can be developed for describing any place or event.

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Procedure
A paragraph can describe a step by step procedure. The amount of detail
required will depend on the knowledge of the reader and whether you wish
to present a complete working procedure or merely an overview.
Cause and effect
Causes and their effects can be described in a paragraph. Either can be stated
first and then related to the other.
Comparison and contrast
Comparisons and contrasts can make interesting paragraphs
Order of observations
One way to develop a paragraph is to mention things observed in the order
seen by the writer, such as glancing back and forth, looking to the right …
Problem to solution
When discussing a problem in a paragraph, the first sentence or two states
and perhaps explains the problem. The rest of the paragraph suggests the
solution.
Narrative or story
A narrative paragraph should include answers to these questions: who?
What? Where? When? Why?
Viewpoint
A paragraph should be written from the point of view of only one person
Details
A series of short paragraphs dealing with the same topic should usually be
combined.

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Paragraph length
A paragraph length should be mentally planned or outlined before it is
written. The length will be determined by what the reader will expect and
whether the paragraph is an exclamation, a straight forward statement of
fact, a quick summary or a fully developed idea.
Regardless of length, a paragraph should be easy for the reader to
understand. The purpose of a paragraph is to communicate with the reader.
One way to consider length is to write what you want to say then stop. This
assumes that you have written a complete thought or idea developed to the
extent you intend.
Short paragraphs are great for punch or emphasis. The topic is quickly
grasped. On the other hand, too many short paragraphs in one letter or
memo or article can fracture a complete thought. Do not cut an idea in
two just to make a paragraph shorter.
Parallel construction
Parallel construction can make long paragraphs easy to read.
Variety
Variety reduces monotony. An occasional short paragraph among long ones
breaks the appearance of the page giving the reader a psychological respite,
and a thinking intermission.
Transitions within paragraphs
Transitions can improve the readability of paragraphs by enhancing the
smooth flow of thoughts. The directional transitions indicate where the
reader’s thoughts are being sent, and they usually occur at the beginning of
the sentence or paragraph. The following are selected transitional words that
will direct the reader’s thoughts:

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Addition
Again, also, and, at the same time, besides, equally important, finally, first,
further, further more, in addition, in the first place, last, likewise, moreover,
next, nor, then, too.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
In the first place, Mr. Singh has been a politician, for 20 years. Furthermore,
he has been re-elected every time he has run for office. Also he has a
reputation of helping his constituents and I like him.

Result
Accordingly, as a result, as it is, at that rate, because of that, consequently,
due to this, for that reason, hence, inevitable, in short, in that case, it follows
that, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus, wherefore
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
My brother and I started a fast paced morning jog. As a result, we tired
quickly. Therefore we slowed our pace. Consequently, we arrived home later
than planned, and thus found no breakfast waiting for us.

Comparison
Alike, by the same token, correspondingly, equally, in comparison, in like
manner, in the same way, in turn, like that, like this, likewise, similarly.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
The accounting department personnel were cut by 10%. Similarly, the
customer service staff was downsized 12%. In turn, the administrative
clerical staff was reduced, but only 5%. All departments were not treated
equally.

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Concession
Accept, acknowledge, after all, allow, at the same time, certainly, concede,
confess, even though, granted, naturally, not oppose, of course, to be sure
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
I concede that Prashant is a better bowler and I acknowledge his experience
even though I have had more training. Certainly, he will make the team and
I will not oppose his efforts to become captain. But I will not allow him to
intimidate me.

Contrast
After all, adjacent to, although true, and yet, at the same time, beyond, but,
conversely, for all that, here, however, in contrast, in other words, nearby,
nevertheless, notwithstanding, opposite to, otherwise, on the contrary, on the
other hand, still, where as, yet.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
Geetha enjoyed the concert, but her mother thought much of it was too loud.
On the other hand, her father loved the high volume. Her sister was amazed
at the performer’s singing technique, notwithstanding a couple wrong notes,
whereas brother Prashant was bored.

Example
For example, for instance, in other words, namely, specifically, such as, that
is, thus, to illustrate, to tell the truth.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
Here for example, are two essential reference books: a dictionary, such as
Oxford and a thesaurus, specifically Roget’s International. To illustrate,

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their combined use, find a word you like in the thesaurus then verify its
exact meaning in the dictionary.

Explanation
In fact, in other words, simply stated, the rationale, the reason for, to explain.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
The reason for Geetha’s starting a new career can be simply stated: burn out.
That in fact means she is tired- overly tired. In other words, she is no longer
stimulated by her work.

Intensification
In brief, indeed, infact, that is, the fact is, to be sure
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
Indeed, we try hard to please our customers. The fact is we meet our goal of
less than two complaints each month. In brief, we work harder than our
competitors.

Place
Adjacent, at the side, beyond, here, in back, in the back ground, in the
distance, in the foreground, in the front, nearby, on this side, on the other
side, opposite, there.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
The roses for the yard were placed in front. The dahlias were put in back. On
the west side we planted iris and on the other side we started a low hedge.
An orange tree was placed beyond the dahlias in back. Nearby was a dwarf
lemon tree.

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Purpose
For this purpose, the object is, is designed to, the point is, the aim is, to this
end, with this object
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
Geetha declared, “I must win the October foot race”. To this end, she trotted
daily for a month. The object was to slowly strengthen her muscles. Then
she ran for a month, the aim being to build up her endurance.

Repetition
As has been noted, to be sure, as I have said, in any event, in other words,
recapitulate, to be sure, to recap, to repeat, to wrap up, what I mean to say
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
To repeat my views of children’s special education classes, they require
dedicated teachers. As I have said, most teachers are not qualified. In other
words, appointing any available teacher can be harmful to the children.
What I mean to say is that special education classes require teachers with
special training.

Summary
As a result, finally, hence, in brief, in closing, in conclusion, in short, in
summary, on the whole, to conclude, to summarize, to sum up.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
As a result of numerous bank consolidations, customers are confused.
Hence, they are dissatisfied. On the whole, the banks may be better off
financially, but in brief, it’s a bad deal for bank customers. To summarize,
customers want their small, personalized banks back again.

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Time sequence
After, at last, at length, before, first, immediately, in turn, later, meanwhile,
next, now, soon, then, the next day, subsequently, ultimately.
Example of how to use the above mentioned transition words:
Geetha had to catch the midnight plane. First she found out the departure
time, and then the distance, to the airport, next the time it would take to drive
there. Subsequently, she checked the parking situation before she started for
the airport.

Transition between paragraphs

To make a composition or article coherent it needs transitions between
paragraphs as well. A smooth transition between paragraphs can reduce the
choppiness you may find upon a review of your writing. One way to
eliminate disconnected sounds is to use a key word or phrase in the first
sentence that refers back to a previous paragraph. A large selection of
transitional words and phrases were introduced in the preceding section.
These same words and phrases can also be used between paragraphs.