b. Body Paragraph
T he topic sentence tells readers how the paragraph’s topicmain idea relates to
the essay’s core thesis. In other words, a topic sentence not only gives a fact but makes a point or gives an interpretation about that fact, showing how it is
relevant or signi ficant to the essay’s core purpose. It is important to remember,
too, that the topic sentence is the idea, based on the interpretation of the sources. c.
Transitional Paragraphs Transitional paragraphs act as signposts that guide readers to the next part of
the essay. Because transitional paragraphs serve such a specific function.
d. Concluding Paragraphs
Some students think that the purpose of a conclusion is to restate the thesis and this is partly true. The conclusion should reassert the core idea of paper, but it
should also clearly flow from the material have carefully developed in the body paragraphs, it should be more than a mechanical restatement of the thesis.
3. Paragraph Development
All paragraphs have one basic aim: to communicate a single idea clearly and effectively, all paragraphs are not organized in the same way. Consider some of
the factors that should be presents in any paragraph.
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a. The paragraph contains one central idea only.
Limit the paragraph because a paragraph with more than one central ideas is usually overworked and tends to break down under the strain. The more deeply
into the subject, the more paragraphs must be narrowed down or limited.
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Kethleen E. Sullivan, Paragraph Practic, New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. 1967 p. 3
b. The paragraph should have unity
Unity means that the paragraph should be of one piece, a distinct unit that has one fundamental purpose. A paragraph should not be a fragment; it should be
whole, complete unit, understandable no matter whether it stands alone or is combined with other parts to form a larger whole.
The first characteristic of an effective paragraph is unity, which means that all sentences in the paragraph explain, develop, and support a central idea in some
way. In other words, every paragraph must have a purpose within the paper, and all the sentences must somehow advance that purpose.
c. The paragraph should have coherence and continuity
Coherence means that the parts of the paragraph should be logically connected. Continuity means that the connection of the parts should be smooth.
To make a comparison, a coherent paragraph is like a motor that is assembled. A paragraph that is coherent flows because it is arranged according to a
definite plan, and as a result, all the sentences are not just about the same main topic,
but they also “stick together” and lead readers smoothly from the topic sentence to the concluding one.
d. The paragraph should be clarity
The main ideas shines through the words clearly. For writing to be effective, readers must be able to determine the meaning upon a first reading. Clarity is the
end result of knowing the purpose, correctly assessing the audience, connecting ideas, selecting appropriate word, and being complete.
e. The paragraph should have an interesting thing
An effective paragraph is worth reading. The topic significant and the development is interesting. A secret good essay writing is to remember that
readers like to be entertain. Try to capture readers; attention and make them eager to continue.
f. The paragraph should be adequately developed.
That is should do fully what it sets out to do. It should not leave the job half done. The degree of development depends upon the aim or purpose of the
