Of Paragraph-Writing

Of Paragraph-Writing

The chunks facilitate thinking and writing; it can fill the gap and provide base for succeeding thoughts or ideas; it helps to develop the theme; it also helps to reach to a logical conclusion on the subject-matter of a paragraph

By Mukesh Sharma

The biggest problem in learning English as a second language is that the mind always thinks in mother tongue. And when one tries to translate the sentences in mother tongue into English, one ends up with poor or fractured English – languages often defy translation. As far as paragraph-writing is concerned which is a common question in English papers at school level as well as in various competitive exams for government services, the students, particularly, from Hindi medium or from Hindi heartland find the question rather intriguing. Here this blogger seeks to suggest the students the easiest way to attempt the question on Paragraph-Writing.

Paragraph-writing

What is a paragraph? Generally speaking, a paragraph is a group of sentences related to one topic. Revealing the etymological meaning of ‘paragraph’, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary says: “A section of a piece of writing, usually, consisting of several sentences dealing with a single subject.” In a widely acclaimed and acknowledge book on Grammar entitled “High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin, the authors define it as “A paragraph is a number of sentences grouped together and relating to one topic; or a group of relating sentences that develop a single topic.” In other words, it is an exercise in writing a short piece in English on the given topic consisting 90-100 words.

The topic of a paragraph question can be a quotation/proverbs or anything of common interest. Now the pertinent question is ‘how to start?

The simplest way to start with is the smart use of chunks – readymade sentences commonly used by the native speakers or the writers writing in English. The chunks facilitate thinking and writing’ it can fill the gap and provide base for succeeding thoughts or ideas; it helps to develop the theme; it also helps to reach to a logical conclusion on the subject-matter of a paragraph. Here are a few useful common chunks:

-          It is very much significant that . . .

-          It throws light on the wholesome truth

-          But as a matter of fact, it is maintained that . . . .

-          But every coin has two sides

-          It is generally believed that

-          It doesn’t mean that  . . . .

-          It is a received wisdom

-          Truth can’t be created; it exists in nature; only a true truth can’t be created; it exists in nature; only a true truth seeker can discover it

-          Nothing is absolute in this world except God.

-          It still holds water

-          What is wrong for one may be right for other.

-          A mound can’t be made without digging a hole.

      The next thing that helps to develop and write a paragraph is the smart use of connectives; it helps to connect the sentences; it helps to make an idea or thought flow from one sentence to another. In fact, connectives act like a mortar to join the bricks of sentences together. Here are some useful common connectives:

-          As a matter of fact

-          It is obvious that

-          It is evident that

-          It is contended that

-          It is well said

-          There is no doubt that

-          It can be concluded that

Before paragraph-writing is discussed practically here, students must know the FOUR characteristics qualities of a paragraph which are as follows:

Unity 

All the sentences must be related to one topic; no digression; no irrelevant thoughts.

Order

There must be logical sequence of thoughts and development of the topic

Variety

Thoughts expressed must not be monotonous or boring.

Conclusion

The sequential flow of thoughts through related sentences must reach to a logical conclusion endorsing the topic of paragraph.

Any topic of the paragraph can be developed on the basis of under mentioned four points:

Elaborate

All topics of paragraph question have certain key words. Locate the key words. Further explain and expand the topic with the help of key words. Here, the smart use of chunks and connectives will play the key role. Try to write at least 5-6 lines to elaborate.

Endorse

Topic in question can be endorsed by another thought or quotation. Again further explain and expand it. Smart use of chunks will help to churn out 6-8 sentences easily.

Illuminate

Now think of certain examples that illuminate the thoughts expressed in the preceding lines in support of the topic. Very easily, at least 6-8 sentences can be penned down.

Conclude

In the light of all the preceding sentences/thoughts, conclude again with the help of chunks, and prove that topic is of significance.

Specimen

Write a paragraph in 100 words on 'Man is the architect of his own fate'

The statement is very much significant that man is the architect of his own fate (key word). It throws light on wholesome truth. But as a matter of fact it is maintained that life is predestined. Fate is born with the birth. If one is born in a royal family, he or she is destined to become king or princess. If one is born in a poor family, he or she inherits nothing but poverty.But every coin has two sides. The Gita says life is governed by karma only. Nothing can be achieved without karma. It can change the destiny. Late A.P.J. Kalam, the former President of India and an aerospace scientist was born in a very poor family in Rameshwaram, Tamil Naidu. He struggled against poverty and continued his journey by dint of his hard work. It was his hard work that made him scientist and President of India. It is obvious that not sheer fate but karma changed his destiny. Another illustrious example is our PM Modi. He was also born in a poor family. He would sell tea in railway compartments. He too rose from ranks to become PM of India. He is leader in his own right. It is evident and it can be concluded that man is the architect of his own fate.

Read the above specimen carefully, look at the chunks and connectives used, and see how the topic has been expanded, explained and concluded. Mind you, this is how any topic of a paragraph-question, can be attempted in the exam successfully without any confusion or confliction of thoughts.