Paragraph

A paragraph is a group of closely related sentences that develop a central idea.A

paragraph is much more than a collection of connected sentences. It is a building block of
essay development, and paragraphs provide the structure needed to develop the thesis of a
paper. In fact, a useful way to think about a paragraph is as a mini-essay, or an essay within
an essay, with its own mini-thesis (the topic sentence), middle or body (the supporting
details) and end or conclusion (the concluding sentence).
To understand how paragraphs help to develop a thesis, think of them as landmarks on
a map. With each paragraph, you describe where you are standing and point the direction for
your readers to make sure they complete the journey to your conclusion. A vague signpost or
a detour down a side trail could well have your readers lost and wondering where you are
taking them. Clear signals, on the other hand, in the form of clearly worded topic sentences,
relevant support, reasonable interpretations of material, and logical conclusions will help
your readers follow the development of your ideas.
Sample of a paragraph developed by exemplification:
In the paragraph below , a student writer uses exemplification to develop her point about
Shakespeares use of language in the play, Henry IV:
(1) The subordinate image of women is suggested in this passage by the way they are treated
and addressed by the male characters. (2) The language Falstaff uses in addressing the hostess
of the tavern , for example, echoes the treatment of women in other parts of the play. (3) In
this passage, instead of apologizing to the hostess for his rudeness towards her, Falstaff says
that he forgives (3.3.176) her and orders her with commands. (4) In addition, the
brusqueness of his manner is accentuated by short, terse phrases go make ready, love
thy husband, look to thy servants, cherish thy guests and be gone (3.3.176-180). (5)
This disrespectful treatment of women is echoed as well in Hotspurs behavior towards his
wife, Kate, when he says to her, I love thee not; I care not for thee, Kate 2.3.90 -91) and
when he expresses his distrust of her simply because she is a woman (2.3.107-111). (6) Still
an other woman in the play, Lady Mortimer, experiences the same treatment when she is
referred to as a peevish self-willed harlotry (3.1.198) by her father, Owen lendower. (7)
Overall, the men in this passage speak of and to the women in ways that suggest women must
submit to disrespectful and dominating behavior by men. (Adapted from an essay by
Angeline Chan, used with permission.)

Sumber :
UVU Writing Center. 2013. Basic Essay Format. Utah : Utah Valley University.
https://www.uvu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/basicessayformat.pdf