Developing a Paragraph by Explanation

The kind of paragraph that develops an idea by defining words or explaining thoughts is common in your text books.

E.g. The word “liberty” is often interpreted incorrectly. The dictionary gives many exact definitions of the word; briefly it means “freedom from restraint or control”.... Such brief definition leads to misinterpretation. Many people think liberty means they may do whatever they like, regardless of the effects. Liberty is not uncontrolled freedom. Real liberty involves thinking of the other fellow and giving up your desires if they will harm him. If it is to be enjoyed by everyone, then everyone must give up the idea that liberty means freedom from all restraint or control. Everyone must live by the true meanings: “self-disciplined freedom.”

Writing a Paragraph

A. Study the paragraph defining liberty; discuss the following questions or answer them in writing:

1) In how many ways does the paragraph define liberty?

2) Why is the dictionary definition alone unsatisfactory?

3) Point out the topic sentence and effective means that emphasise the central idea.

4) Quote the sentence that tells what liberty is not.

B. Develop one of the ideas by the use of definitions. Tell what the word or thing is not as well as what it is:

1) If one is called a “hard-boiled” person it means...

2) If one is called an impetuous person it means...

3) If one is called a long-suffering person it implies that...

4) If one is unrelenting with self and others it means...

5) If one is opinionated and bossy it follows that...

6) If one is sensitive and sympathetic it suggests that...

7) If one is cross and insensitive it means...

8) If one is lazy and impractical it means…

9) If one is spineless it follows that…

10) If one is good at decision making it implies that…

Developing a Paragraph by Giving Details

A common way to expand an idea into a paragraph is to give details; that is, to add descriptive matter that fills out a picture. In writing details, you should do the following:

1. Observe closely;

2. Use a plan description that is easy to follow step by step;

3. Use vivid and accurate expressions.

E.g. Speed is the word that marks our time. Everybody is somebody. Industry is constantly demanding new inventions that will “speed up” production, and the constant cry of the bosses to the workmen is “Speed it up!” The marker of automobiles has his proudest boast that the newest type of car goes faster than the old models. Shoppers push and shove each other all about the counters in a hurry to get something for nothing. People going to school, the shop, or the office rush breathlessly to unimportant tasks. They gulp their food and swallow it in haste. Restless “hunters of fun” crowd into places of entertainment. Most of these people cannot sit still. At a movie, they tap their feet or wiggle their tongues or click their teeth on gum; at a dance they swing and whirl madly. It's a hurry-up time we are in.

Writing a Paragraph

1. Study the preceding example, find the following: (1) the topic sentence, (2) the clincher sentence and (3) sentences building up the main idea (list the details).

2. Add details to develop one of the following topic sentences into a paragraph. Think out your details carefully. Remember that the topic sentence need not come first. Read your paragraph to the group. Call upon your classmates to discuss your use of details. If you developed your paragraph either deductively or inductively, explain.

1) The ideal teacher has certain qualities.

2) Nowadays mass media play an important role in forming public opinion.

3) The film ... is outstanding.