Types of Paragraphs  

There are three main types of paragraphs: 1. Narrative 2. Descriptive 3. Expository  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The Narrative Paragraph This type of paragraph describes one primary topic and narrates or tells its story This topic usually involves one main event, adventure, scene, or happening.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

Tips for Writing a Narrative Paragraph: 1. Start with a topic sentence that grabs the reader's attention. 2. Write events in the order in which they occurred. 3. Use plenty of interesting details. The paragraph provides lots of detail but stays on topic.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

Start your narrative paragraph with a strong topic sentence and beginning: "This past weekend I had the time of my life. First, Friday night, I had my best friend over and we made a delicious, mouth-watering pizza. After we ate, we had a friendly video game competition." When talking about the weekend, the paragraph starts with the first day.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

Use transition words to move from event to event: "On Saturday, my dad took us out on the boat. The weather was perfect and the water was warm. It was a great day to go for a swim. Later that night, we went to the movies. We saw an action-packed thriller and ate a lot of popcorn." Do you see how the bolded words move the narrative naturally from one thing to the next-  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

End your detailed description with a good concluding sentence: "Finally, on Sunday, we rode our bikes all over town. By the end of the day, my legs were very tired. I only hope that next weekend can be as fun as this one." This paragraph keeps everything in order and gives lots of detail about one thing: the weekend.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The Descriptive Paragraph When writing this type of paragraph, you describe something with words that allow your reader almost to "see" what you're describing.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

Use strong verbs and colorful adjectives in a Descriptive Paragraph Verb Examples (action words):  run, leap, shout, fly Adjective Examples (describe nouns): smelly, disgusting, gorgeous, radiant, brilliant, and gigantic  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

Sample Sentences with strong verbs and colorful adjectives: "The petite young girl merrily skipped around the blossoming, fragrant bushes." "A strong, putrid odor flowed through the musty air outside the garbage dumpster." Each sentence lets the reader see (and smell!) what is being described.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The Expository Paragraph When writing this type of paragraph, you provide information. You write it in a logical sequence so your reader can follow the ideas.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The Three Parts of an Expository Paragraph: 1. topic sentence 2. supporting sentences in a logical sequence 3. concluding sentence  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The topic sentence in an Expository Paragraph: This states the main idea, or what you are going to write about. Example: "Going to college can be expensive." Your reader knows this paragraph will be about the costs of going to college.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

Each supporting sentence may be followed by one or two sentences that add details or give more explanation: Example: "First, college tuition and room and board can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000 per semester. Other expenses make going to college even more expensive. For example, books typically cost between $100 and $500 each term."  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The next supporting sentence and detail sentences follow in logical sequence: Example: "Second, materials are also very expensive. Paper, notebooks, writing utensils, and other supplies required often cost more at the college bookstore than at any local discount department store. For instance, a package of notepaper costing $2 at a discount store might cost $5 at a college bookstore."  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

You may have other supporting sentences and detail sentences, still in logical sequence: Example: "Finally, there are all kinds of special fees added onto the bill at registration time. A college student might have to pay a $50 insurance fee, a $20 activity fee, a $15 fee to the student government association and anywhere from $100 to $1000 for parking. There is another fee if a student decides to add or drop classes after registration."  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

End with an appropriate concluding sentence: Example: "The fees required to attend college never seem to end." This sentence ties back to the topic sentence, often by rephrasing it. The sentence shows you where the sequence of information finally leads you.  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012 

The end. More free PARAGRAPH WRITING resources: the topic sentence supporting details the concluding sentence paragraph unity and coherence Eight-week PARAGRAPH WRITING courses: elementary school middle school high school  Copyright 2012                    www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources                    Copyright 2012