English and Language Usage Study Guide for the TEAS

Knowledge of Language: Writing Paragraphs

Each paragraph should address a single topic. This topic should be clearly stated and all sentences in the paragraph should form some sort of support for the topic. When assessing a paragraph, look for these things and look for parts that need to be moved or taken out completely because they don’t relate to the subject or the purpose of the paragraph. An added sentence or two may also make a difference.

Types of Paragraphs

Paragraphs are cohesive, organized units of text. There are different kinds of paragraphs that each serve a different purpose, however, and they are not all created equal. An introduction paragraph, for example, introduces the reader to the topic, provides background information on the topic, and makes a claim or states a position with regard to the topic. The conclusion paragraph wraps up a text, reminding the reader of the main points made and leaving them with something to think about. Body paragraphs take the reader from beginning to end and are used to provide specific information or examples.

Body paragraphs are focused around a specific topic and generally provide examples or details before moving the reader on to the next idea. They are made up of three parts: the topic sentence, details/support, and a conclusion that transitions the reader to the next paragraph.

Parts of Paragraphs

A paragraph should not just be a jumble of sentences. When you write a paragraph, be sure to include all of these parts.

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence of a paragraph states the main idea of the paragraph. It introduces the main idea, which is then supported or explained by detail sentences. While the topic sentence usually comes first in a paragraph, sophisticated writers may plant their topic sentence a sentence or two into the paragraph for emphasis.

Details

Once the topic of the paragraph is introduced in the topic sentence, the detail, evidence, or support sentences come next. These sentences provide details, examples, and explanations of how those details or examples support the main idea. It is important to use these detail sentences effectively—rather than make a claim within a body paragraph and then just move on, make sure that there are a few sentences explaining that claim and providing evidence and explanation as to why or how that evidence supports the claim. This is sometimes referred to as analysis.

Conclusion

Body paragraphs end with a conclusion sentence (or two) that provides a sense of closure regarding the main idea of the paragraph and transitions the reader to the idea that will be presented in the next paragraph.

Paragraph Organization

Paragraph organization refers to the order in which sentences are presented. The goal is to create a unified, cohesive paragraph that guides the reader through the topic effectively and transitions them to the next point to be made. There may be some organizational variety within a paragraph, but it should be logical for the topic and purpose. As there are different kinds of paragraphs, their organization may vary slightly.

An introduction paragraph usually begins with a hook or attention-getter to engage the reader from the very beginning. This might be a short anecdote, an interesting fact, or a rhetorical question. Then some background may be necessary to orient the reader to the topic. Key terms or specialized vocabulary might also need to be explained in the introduction paragraph. Readers will want to know why they should read about this subject, so a statement explaining the topic’s importance and its impact on the audience should be made. The thesis statement usually comes next, which not only identifies the subject of the text but also the writer’s position with regard to that subject. The thesis statement is the anchor of the entire text and every body paragraph should connect back to this guiding idea.

Body paragraphs generally begin with a topic sentence to introduce the main idea of the paragraph (making sure it relates directly back to the thesis statement in the introduction paragraph) and the writer’s stance. Supporting details or evidence is then provided with analysis included to explain why or how these details and pieces of evidence connect to the main idea. This part of the paragraph should be the longest. Don’t feel limited by a certain number of sentences; what the sentences say and how they say it is more important than how many there are. Once you have thoroughly explained the main idea presented in the topic sentence of the paragraph, wrap it up and transition the reader to the next idea to be presented in the subsequent paragraph.

Conclusion paragraphs are organized as the last opportunity to make your point and leave the reader with something to think about or consider. There is a certain element of summary in the conclusion paragraph, as you wrap up and recap the highlights of what was presented in the body paragraphs. Those highlights should be in the same order as the ideas were presented in the body paragraphs. Do not introduce new ideas at this point, but do leave the reader with something to think about and maybe a call to action, depending on the topic and purpose of the text.

Eliminating Unnecessary Information

It can be easy to get carried away when writing. With so many ideas running through the writer’s head, they may go off on a tangent that really isn’t necessary or drifts away from the main idea of the paragraph. Sketching a brief outline before you begin writing can help you focus on the main points you want to cover and help you avoid including unnecessary information you’ll just have to take out later. Then, during the revision process, read through to see what information could be deleted without negatively impacting the effectiveness of the text. Are there sentences that would be combined, words that could be omitted or exchanged for something more precise? Eliminating unnecessary information helps keep the message clear and the writing unified.

Adding Necessary Information

Sometimes the problem isn’t too much information, it’s a problem of not enough information. If they’re not careful, writers can jump to conclusions that might leave the reader behind and lost. To help your reader follow your train of thought and hopefully reach the same conclusion you have, look for gaps in your writing. Where are conclusions drawn that seem to jump from point A to point C without mentioning point B? Are there explanations, definitions, or details that would help strengthen your position? When a supporting detail was provided, was enough support or explanation given as to why it’s there and what it proves? If the answer to any of these is “no,” those are places where additional information should be added.