Paragraph Writing/ Essay Writing
A paragraph is a group of related sentences that develop main idea or the different aspects of the same idea. All these sentences are arranged in a regular and natural order. Thus a paragraph is a group of sentences dealing with one main idea or theme. The word 'paragraph' comes from two Greek words. They are 'para' which means beside and 'graphin' which means to write. There was a time when paragraphing was considered a form of punctuation. Even today it suggests that the reader is to make a major pause in his progress-tor several seconds-and that he is to prepare himself for a new unit of writing following in some reasonable order, the one he has just finished. This definition holds good about a longer theme treated through several paragraphs. But in our study of the paragraph we are concerned with a single short piece of writing that deals with one idea or one single theme. We may define a paragraph as a collection or series of sentences with unity of purpose. It is an essay in a capsule form, a group of sentences, so arranged as to have unity of thought and it deals with a single idea. All the sentences deal with one topic and are linked with one another in such a way as to explain and amplify the central theme. Normally the theme of the paragraph, the idea it deals with, is stated in the first sentence or in one of the early sentences if the first is obviously introductory: this is often called the Topic Sentence. A Topic Sentence thus is a sentence that expresses the central idea of the paragraph.
Essential Features of a Paragraph /Essay:
1. Unity of Thought. A good paragraph/Essay is primarily concerned with one thought. This unity makes the paragraph ‘well-knit. This unity is maintained when the whole piece of writing is developed around the topic sentence. A topic sentence is one which states or summarises the theme of the paragraph. All the other sentences that follow are nothing but an amplification of the same topic sentence. Digression is always harmful to the unity of thought.
2. Clarity in Organisation. Sentences in a paragraph should be placed in such a manner as to make it lucid, well-knit and comprehensible. More important ideas connected with the topic should be placed first so as to make the theme clear as early as possible. There are no hard and fast rules regarding what should come first and what next. Even after stating the topic sentence the thought should diverge from the point and when the full view of the topic has been developed, the thought should converge on to the original point. It has to be borne in mind that the arrangement mostly depends upon both the subject and the writer's ability. In all writing, especially in writing that deals with ideas, the writer must give as much thought to the reader as to the subject. The writer must begin where the reader is. This may mean starting with a very simple idea or ideas in which he and his readers are in agreement.
3. Coherence. Coherence is the most important quality of a good paragraph. It means that different sentences should be interlinked. There should be a sense of the smooth and uninterrupted flow of the mind. All the sentences within a paragraph should be arranged according to some pattern that will bring in orderliness and natural flow of ideas. There must be a clear cause and effect relationship among the ideas. It would be really very good if each sentence should follow the preceding one so logically that the reader is carried along in the development.
4. Length. The length of a paragraph varies from 150 to 300 words. But for classroom writing or writing a paragraph in the examination, the length should not exceed (unless otherwise stated) 200 words.
5. Sequence. Prepare the outline and arrange the points in a proper sequence. Start with a sentence which should straightaway express the main theme. To avoid sameness or monotony, students should use a variety of expression. Do not beat about the bush. Any digression will rob the paragraph of its force and vigour. Make use of contrast to heighten the effect. Do not subdivide the paragraph. End the paragraph with a striking sentence so that the reader does not lose sight of the main theme of the topic.
6. Key sentence. A sentence containing the main idea is generally placed at the beginning or at the end of a paragraph. Sometimes it may be in the middle or at the end of a paragraph. This sentence is called the key or topical sentence.
7. Variety. The sentences of a paragraph should be of different lengths and structures. They should be clear, simple and idiomatic. Repetition of words should be avoided. For such repetition makes the paragraph dull and boring.
8. Substantiating the Points. Examples, illustrations and data should be used to support the arguments. If the arguments are not substantiated, then they may appear as subjective ideas. Furthermore, the writer of an essay is expected to be aware of the relevant data and information about a given topic. Therefore, if an essay is to reflect the writer's knowledge of events and developments in a particular field, it ought to contain all the relevant facts and figures.
9. Language. Use of appropriate words is the criterion of a good essay. Choosing difficult and high sounding words for their own sake is not advisable. Exact meaning can be conveyed by the right words. However, English not being our mother tongue, at times, the writer may not be able to think of an appropriate word. In that case, a simple substitute should be used. Short sentences should be preferred to long ones. The emphasis should be on conveying the point only.
10. Miscellaneous. Single-sentence-paragraphs should not be written. Grammar and punctuation should be kept in mind. Slang and colloquial words should be avoided. One should ensure objectivity and avoid using extreme ideas and opinions. If the subject can be treated impersonally, then the use of 'I' should be avoided. There should be no numbering of the paragraphs and no headings should be used in the Body of the essay.
How to Begin an Essay:
1. Introduction 2. With a Definition 3. With a Quotation 4. With a Question 5. With a Proverb or a Striking Statement 6. With a Piece of Vivid Description
Some useful hints on essay writing:
1. Choose the essay which, according to you, is easier to write and you have a clear idea.
2. Try to understand the scope of the selected essay like "The Evils of Dowry." Here you are asked to write about the evils of dowry only therefore it would be better to concentrate on its evil aspects only. You should not include the origin, its sanctity or the government's bid to control it.
3. Think over the topic again and again, concentrate your mind and try to conceptualize your thoughts and ideas. Then jot down all the points that come to your mind in connection with the subject. You can also cite any story, examples, incidents or illustrations to write at first. It will arouse interest and curiosity to the examiner.
4. Arrange the facts in a logical manner; divide the entire topic into paragraphs. Do not write in a haphazard manner. In each paragraph, explain the point as you divide the whole subject into points.
5. Your sentences should be not too long. It may result you in losing connection from the topic.
6. Pay enough attention to grammar, punctuation and style. Slang and colloquial expressions should be avoided.
7. Keep in mind, the paragraphs should not be numbered and the must not be inserted within the body of the essay.
8. After the writing is over, revise thoroughly.
Classification of Essays: Essays can be classified as follows:
1. Descriptive Essays: The simplest type of essay, which consists of a description of a place, person thing etc., is called a descriptive essay.
2. Narrative Essays: These essays consist of narrations during: a journey, an incident, a natural calamity an accident you have witnessed, story, etc.
3. Reflective Essays: These essays are those essays which express the writer's thought or reflection on various aspects of life:
(a) Social and domestic aspects, (b) Political aspects, (c) Scientific and religious aspects,
4. Imaginative Essays: These essays are those essays where the writer has to represent a situation or think himself in which he has never been before and describe what he would do in such circumstances.
5. Biographical Essays: These essays based on life of eminent personalities excelled in fields like politics, social, culture, science, art, economy, etc are included in biographical essays.
6. Expository Essays: These essays are based on a theory or doctrine. Ex: Evolution of man, Karma, Birth and Death or topics on literature etc.
The Craft of Paragraph/Essay Writing: For writing a good essay one needs discipline of mind and regimentation of thoughts. It requires the framework within which an essay should be written Precision and clarity are the hallmarks of a good essay Reasoning and logical development of the points made or thoughts presented lead to coherence. Avoid superfluous matter from creeping into the body of the essay. Relevant data adds punch and powers the exposition. Use of appropriate words and correct grammar make the reading of the essay a pleasurable experience. It has often been observed that many good speakers find it difficult to put down their thoughts on paper. The reason is they have never practised the craft of writing. They have never analysed, synthesised, or organised their thoughts to express them in writing. An essay is divided into Introduction, Body and Conclusion. It is essential to build a background to the essay in the Introduction, because otherwise, the starting of the essay will be rather abrupt. Introduction to an essay can be compared to the face of an individual. A striking Introduction favourably disposes the reader towards the whole essay. The Body of an essay contains all the relevant information about the topic under discussion. In the Conclusion, the discussion started in the Body of the essay is rounded up. The concluding paragraph caps the discussion with a conclusive statement which is the result of well-reasoned arguments put forward in the Body. Being precise and to the point brings about clarity which is the hallmark of a good essay. This can be done, if the points are noted down before the actual composition of the essay. These points should then be developed into thoughts.
Here, we are only giving the outlines of a few essays. Follow them and write accordingly:
1. Your best friend: i. Introduction, ii. His habits, iii. His qualities you like the most, iv. His achievements, v. Conclusion.
2. The Television. i. Introduction, ii. Invention, iii. Importance in our daily life, iv. Its disadvantages, v. Conclusion .
3. An Election Scene. i. Introduction, ii. Date and Time, iii. Polling Station, iv. Scene outside the polling station, v. Casting vote, vi. Conclusion.
4. Visit to a Historical Place. i. Introduction-importance of historical places, ii. Place you visited - its location, your passage to the location, iii. Its historical importance, iv. Description of the place, v. Description of the monuments, vi. Conditions at present, vii. Conclusion.
5. A Journey by Train. i. Introduction, ii. Scene at the booking office, iii. Scene at the platform, iv. Description of the journey, v. Conclusion .
6. Rabindra nath Tagore. i. Birth and parentage, ii. Education, iii. Work as a poet freedom fighter, v. As an educationist, vi. His qualities, iv. Work as a, vii. Conclusion.
7. The Role of Students in Modern India a. Introduction, b. Role of students in the freedom struggle, c. Comparison of students with foreign students, d. Becoming a true nationalist, e. Bring national integration, f. Take part in social services, g. Raise the educational standard, h. Keep yourself away from corrupt politicians, i. Conclusion.
8. The Importance of Discipline a. Introduction, b. Importance of discipline in our life, c. In armed forces, d. In educational institutions, e. In offices, f. In social and political field, g. Conclusion .
9. The Status of Women in India a. Introduction ,b. Position in social sphere, c. In education field d. In political field, e. In industry & service sector, f. Govt. schemes to raise the status of women g. Conclusion.
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