Paragraph Structure and Types

A paragraph is a unit of writing that consists of one or more sentences focusing on a single idea or topic. A well-written paragraph often has the following structure:

Topic Sentence: This sentence outlines the main idea that will be presented in the paragraph.

Support Details or Examples: This is the part of the paragraph that presents details, facts, examples, quotes, and arguments that support the main idea.

Conclusion Sentence: This sentence summarizes the main idea of the paragraph. It may also lead the reader to the topic of the next paragraph.

There are many different types of paragraphs, depending on what you are writing:

Descriptive Paragraph: This paragraph describes something or someone. For example, you can write a descriptive paragraph describing your best friend, including what she likes and dislikes, where she lives, what she wants for her birthday, and her favorite food.

Expository Paragraph: This paragraph explains an idea; it is also called an information paragraph. For example, you can write an expository paragraph explaining how to make chocolate chip cookies.

Persuasive Paragraph: This paragraph tries to convince the reader of something. This type of paragraph may start with a phrase like: “I think that…” The support section may include sentences that start with, “One reason is…,” or “For example…” It may end with something like, “This is why I think that…” For example, you can write a persuasive paragraph telling why people should vote for you for class president.

Narrative Paragraph: This paragraph describes an event or tells a story, usually in chronological order. For example, you can write a narrative paragraph detailing what you did on your first day of school.