QUALITIES OF A

GOOD PARAGRAPH
A good paragraph is like a miniature essay. It has
a clear beginning, middle, and ending. Strong
paragraphs combine focus and attention to
detail to develop a single idea thoroughly, and
they help the reader transition from one idea to
the next.
 Qualities of a Good Paragraph
1. UNITY - singleness or "oneness" of purpose. All the detail sentences clearly point to or support the
topic sentence.

2. COHERENCE - all the sentences and ideas in the paragraph flow smoothly together to make
clear and logical points about the topic. Coherence can be achieved through the use of:
A. A natural or easily recognized order:

> Time Order (Chronological) - arranging details or sentences as they happen according to time;
usually used in writing narratives

> Space / Direction Order (Spatial) - arranging evidence in relation to space, direction or
location

> Importance Order (Emphatic) - arranging details in order of importance or emphasis

> Step-by-Step (Sequential or Procedural) - arranging information according to numbers.

 B. Transition Words and Phrases - used to show the connection from one sentence to
another, or to signal a new train of thoughts
Some common transitions:

a. For continuing a common line of reasoning: consequently, clearly, then, furthermore,

additionally, and, in addition, because, besides that, in the same way, also, in the light of...
b. To change the line of reasoning: however, on the other hand, but, yet, nevertheless, on the
contrary
c. For the final points of a paragraph or essay: finally, lastly
d. Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged
chronologically:
- first, second, third...
- generally, furthermore, finally
- in the first place, also, lastly/finally
- in the first place, just in the same way, finally
- basically, similarly, as well as
e. To signal conclusion: therefore, this, hence, in conclusion, indeed
f. To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way: after,
afterwards, as soon as, at first, at last, before, before long, finally, in the first place, in the
meantime, later, meanwhile, next, soon, then
 C. Repetition of Key Words - important words or phrases (and their synonyms) may be
repeated throughout a paragraph to connect the thoughts into a coherent statement.

D. Substitution of Pronouns for Key Nouns - use a key noun in one sentence and then
use a pronoun in its place in the following sentences. When using pronouns consider
the nouns to be replace by checking the nouns: 1. number - is the noun to be
substituted singular of plural, 2. function in the sentence - is the noun to be replaced
use as a possessive, a subject, or object, 3. gender - is the noun to be replaced a male,
a female, a common noun or a neutral noun, 4. Person - is the noun to be replaced in
the first, second, or third person.

E. Parallelism - use of the same grammatical structure in several sentences to establish

coherence. The use of similar phrasing helps tie ideas and sentences together.
3. PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT --> Support and evidence provided by the writer
can be explained in different ways, These details can be provided by giving or
using:

a. narration telling a story

b. description painting something or someone by use of words
c. comparison showing how two subjects are similar
d. contrast pointing out how two subjects are different from each other
e. example providing illustrations or representatives of an idea or topic
f. classification organizing or grouping together subjects with the same
qualities or characteristics
g. division taking out a part from the whole to fully discuss or emphasize
how the part is integral to the whole
h. definition giving the meaning of a term, idea, or concept
i. process analysis telling how something is achieved or came to be; or
telling how to do something
j. cause and effect showing reasons/results of a phenomena/process
Example of a bad paragraph
Women in the past were not granted civil rights. Women in Sparta were considered
citizens. Their rights were respected. Divorce was accepted there. Most importantly,
they were considered important members of the household.

This is a bad paragraph because it doesnt lead to any main point of view; its
scattered. Its message is unclear and the statements seem unrelated. It doesnt give
much information about the topic.
Example of a good paragraph
Women of ancient civilization prove to be victims of early human rights violations; they
were not given any domestic rights. But there was one race of women who became distinct
in terms of these rights. They were the Spartan women. Comparing it with other civilizations,
Sparta was the first to respect women and annihilate misogyny. First and foremost, women in
Sparta could own land and were considered citizens. Considering all things, thats a very big
deal. Why? Because that was extremely rare at that time and there are lots of places even
today where women dont even get that much. They were even allowed to vote, as
compared to their Athenian neighbours, who preferred to keep their wives at home, doing
absolutely nothing. Second, womens rights were respected. Spartan women were given
small knives so that if their husbands came home and tried to hit them or assault them, they
had a weapon within reach. That weapon was for cutting their husbands faces so that
when he went out in public, everyone would know he was an abusive husband, giving them
the right to publicly shame him. Third, divorce was totally fine, and a woman could expect
to keep her own wealth and get custody of the kids because paternal lineage wasnt very
important. And it didnt make her a pariah! She could totally remarry, no big deal at all.
Lastly, they were thought of as brave and important members of the household. Spartan
men only got their names on their graves if they died in battle. And women? Women only
got their names on their graves if they died in childbirth. The Spartans compared childbirth to
battle and it was viewed as the most honourable way to die. Spartan civilization was the first
to consider the potential of women and their importance in society. They were the first
feminists.
The aforementioned paragraph was a good one because although it was quite
lengthy, it was coherent, unified, and it gave examples and a background on the topic
being discussed.
 THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING!
Cath Manuel 2013