Paragraph Writing Version1

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Material needed

1. Teaching Material of Paragraph Writing course
2. Handouts
3. Power Point presentation and online extra information
4. Related books and worksheet

Assessment and Evaluation

1. Group presentation records
2. Practices from the teaching material and handouts
3. Writing assignments

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Unit 5

Process Writing: An Expository Paragraph

Introduction to an Expository Paragraph

An expository paragraph is used to explain something based on the logical order.
The logic can refer to the way a person thinks of something which can be different from
others. So a topic can be presented differently according to one’s logical perspective.
Moreover, the focused idea in an expository paragraph can be explained in many ways
such as by giving definition, examples or steps, by showing similarities or differences
between two things, by dividing something into its parts, by analyzing the causes or
results of something, by stating the opinions to convince the readers to do something
and etc. Although there is a wide range of how expository paragraphs are written, the
core of all means is to explain things based on the logical sequence.

In this unit, three steps are shown to the learners in order to create a good
expository paragraph:

1. Generating ideas: clustering, brainstorming and using the chart
2. Organizing ideas: a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding
sentence
3. Developing cohesion: transitional signals and parallelism

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1. Generating ideas

Since the goal of an expository paragraph is to explain something, generating
ideas is very helpful in eliciting many possible ideas that can be used in developing the
paragraph details. Furthermore, this step can help the writer transfer his/her background
knowledge, fact or experiences that relate to the topic into words, phrases or sentences.
Besides, it can reduce time spent in writing since the writer can easily identify the
related thoughts from unrelated ones after eliciting all together before starting to
conduct a piece of writing. Although there are many ways to generate the ideas for an
expository paragraph, three effective ways are pointed in this unit: clustering,
brainstorming and using the chart.

1.1 Clustering: Clustering is one of successful ways in generating and
developing ideas. It helps the writer detect the ideas as it flows in his/her mind and
record them in the form of visual figures. So it is easy to relate each idea in a logical
way. Like mind mapping, clustering can be started by writing the topic in the center of
the paper. Then, write down any associated ideas and branch them out from the center.
More ideas will appear as more branches are drawn. ( Chalermpatarakul, 2008) By using
this method, additional details will be easily illustrated from the original idea

An example of clustering method in generating ideas will be presented in the
following diagram.

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Figure 5.1 Generating ideas (Clustering)
From: Chalermpatarakul, C. (2008: 99)

As seen in the diagram, the benefits of riding a bicycle are elicited by branching
out from the centered idea. With this method, all ideas are visually and systematically
shown. And all related ideas can be effectively written in a paragraph.

1.2 Brainstorming: In paragraphs where opinions are presented, brainstorming is
very useful for generating and developing ideas. Since the writer can list all ideas that
come to his/her mind during brainstorming session, the picture of what is going to write
can be foreseen. Moreover, as a certain viewpoint is stated as the main idea of the
paragraph, the writer will be able to analyze whether the listed evidence or reasons are

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enough to explain the viewpoint. Then, the writer can leave out some irrelevant ideas or
put in some more details in order to produce a logical paragraph.

Paragraph Example 1: Brainstorming

Three Reasons Why Smoking Should Be Banned
5) It affects the smokers’ health.
- Be the great cause of pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer
- Increase risk of heart disease and infection
6) It harms others.
- Affecting the child’s growth since small kids (especially infants)
are very susceptible to the smoke
- Producing unfavorable and harmful smell that puts other’s
lives in risk and causes premature death.
7) It destroys the environment.
- Polluting the air, litters, street and water
- Containing carcinogens, toxic metal and poisonous gas that have
long-term terrible effects to the earth

As appeared in the example above, the reasons why smoking should be banned
are listed point by point with its support. By using this method, the ideas can be seen
clearly. Thus, the writer can identify each idea whether it is relevant to the main point
easily. The details can be cut or added in this step even before the writer starts to write.

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1.2 Using the chart: Drawing the chart is beneficial for a comparison paragraph.
Since the similarities and differences of the topic are directly compared, the writer can
give the clear explanation for each point with less confusion. Moreover, the paragraph
details will be smoothly presented by the flow of the chart.

Table 5.1 Generating ideas (Using the chart)

Players American Football Rugby
Field Size 11 players 13-15 players
Time longer wider
Point 4 quarters, 15 mins each Two halves, 40 mins each
Equipment 6 points per 1 touchdown 4 points per 1 goal
Leather, oval-shaped ball Leather, oval-shaped ball

As seen, the generating process facilitates the writer in eliciting ideas and providing
useful details in writing a good paragraph. As many ideas are produced during this
process, the less work will be done in the later step. With a time limit, it helps the writer
effectively form ideas to start a paragraph. Also, it reduces time spend for editing the
writing task because the related ideas are identified in the beginning of the process
writing.

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2. Organizing ideas

After getting plenty of ideas to write a paragraph, the next step is organizing
those ideas to create a good paragraph. As presented in the previous units, a topic
sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence are three main parts of
paragraph organization

2.1 A Topic Sentence: In an expository paragraph, a good topic sentence should
preview what is going to be discussed or presented in the paragraph. It is more like the
introduction that can help the readers predict the direction of paragraph. Also, it can
draw the readers’ attention in the paragraph as they can link the controlling idea of the
paragraph with their personal experiences.

Examples:

- Cats and dogs share some certain characteristics. (Comparison)
- They are three effective ways to keep ourselves fit. (Example)
- Students can get lots of benefits from online learning materials. (Persuasive)
- To live longer and to save more money are two main reasons why I stop
drinking alcohol. (Reason)
- There are three kinds of exercise: light exercise, moderate exercise and vigorous
exercise. (Classification)

From the examples, the flow of the focused ideas is presented in a topic
sentence. So the readers are provided the effective paragraph guided by a good topic
sentence. This can facilitate the readers in paragraph interpretation.

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2.2 Supporting Sentences: In an expository paragraph, supporting sentences
aims to provide the explanation about the topic. And the logical order is used to
organize the ideas in this paragraph. As logic is a personal point of view about
something, the order of the supporting sentences in the paragraph will be varied and
normally depend on the level of the writer’s concern or value. (Boardman, 2008)
For instance, if the effects of air pollution are explained in an expository paragraph, the
effects on human may be stated before the effects on animals and plants. On the other
hand, the effects on plants may be presented before the effects on animals and plants
as another writer sees that the effects on plant and animal will bring the great source of
human’s loss. So the writer is the one who decides if the order makes sense.

Here are some examples of possible logical orders.

Example 1:

There are three major kinds of living creatures that get the direct effects
of air pollution.

- humans, animals and plants
- plants, animals, humans
- animal, plants, humans

Example 2:

There are three examples of light exercise that can benefit your health.

- walking, housekeeping and gardening
- housekeeping, gardening and walking
- gardening, walking and housekeeping

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From the examples above, although each topic sentence contains the same
ideas for supporting sentences, the order of each set is non- identical. In this way, there
will be a small difference between ideas but the paragraph arrangement will show the
variation.

Example 3:

You can follow my steps to make a perfect sandwich.

- Cut the sandwich into halves, spread the fillings on top of one slice and press
them together.

- Cut the sandwich into halves, spread the fillings on top of one slice, press them
together, and fry them on the pan with butter.

- Fry two slices of bread on the pan with butter, spread the fillings on top of
one slice, press them together and cut them into halves.

As you can see, one’s logic can differ from others’ logics. With the same topic,
the supporting sentences or the order of supporting sentences can be alike, partly alike,
or unalike depending on the writer’s perspective. So, logical order plays a major role in
organizing ideas of an expository paragraph.

Along with the logic, the clarity of the supporting sentences is another key point
for writing an expository paragraph. In a well-developed paragraph, a topic sentence has
a great impact on the following details. If the topic sentence is not clear enough, it is
hard to be further explained, described or illustrated by the supporting sentences.
Therefore, effective supporting details can be done by a good work of a good topic
sentence.

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The examples of well-organized expository paragraphs are presented as follows.

Paragraph Example 1:

Three Types of Exercise

There are three different types of exercise that can help you create a
healthy lifestyle. The first one is light exercise. It refers to activities that do
not cause you to have lots of sweat or produce shortness of breath, so you
are able to talk while doing them. Going for a walk, doing some light
housework and gardening are the easy examples of light exercise. Moderate
exercise is another type. It refers to activities that make you feel slightly out
of breath. You will feel slightly worn out, but not to the point where it is
unbearable. The examples of the moderate exercise include going for a brisk
walk and walking up a hill. The last type is vigorous exercise. It can be
defined as the activities that make you breathe rapidly. You will feel like you
are just at the point where you are pushing your body's boundaries without
doing yourself any harm. Jogging, cycling, swimming and weight training are all
vigorous forms of exercise. With these three kinds of exercise, you will have a
better quality of lifestyle.

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Paragraph Outline

A Topic Sentence There are three different types of Main idea.
exercise that can help you create
a healthy lifestyle.

Supporting 1. Light exercise All points are
Sentences explained with
2. Moderate exercise definition and examples.
3. Vigorous exercise

A Concluding With these three kinds of exercise, Restatement
Sentence you will have a better quality of
lifestyle.

Figure 5.2 Analyzing Paragraph Organization
(Expository Paragraph: Three Types of Exercise)

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Paragraph Example 2:

How to make a perfect Tuna sandwich
There are five steps to make a perfect Tuna sandwich. First, get two
slices of bread and lay them on a plate. Second, spread the cream cheese
and ketchup all over two slices of bread. Make sure that they are fully
covered. Third, spread the tuna on one slice and put the vegetables of your
choice on the top. Fourth, press them together as one and cut it into halves
Last, put it on your favorite plate with little decoration. Now, the lovely
sandwich is ready to be served.

Paragraph Outline

A Topic Sentence There are five steps to make a perfect Main idea
Tuna sandwich. 5 proposed steps

Supporting 1. Get two slices of bread and lay them
Sentences
on a plate.
2. Spread the cream cheese and

ketchup on them.
3. Spread the tuna and vegetables on

the top of one slice.
4. Press them together and cut it into

halves.
5. Put it on your favorite plate with

little decoration.

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A Concluding Now, the lovely Tuna sandwich is ready The result
Sentence to be served.

Figure 5.3 Analyzing Paragraph Organization
(Expository Paragraph: How to Make a Perfect Tuna Sandwich)

Example 3:

Football vs Rugby

American football and rugby have more differences than
similarities. For instance, football requires eleven players, whereas rugby
requires thirteen to fifteen. Also, a football field is longer than a rugby field
but is less wide. Football has four quarters of fifteen minutes each, but
rugby has two forty-minute halves. A touchdown in football is worth six
points; however, a goal in rugby is worth four points. Aside from the
differences, there are also a few basic similarities. Both games are played
with a leather, oval-shaped ball, and both are based on soccer. In short,
Although football and rugby have some similarities, the larger number of
differences makes them two unique games.

Adapted from Boardman, Cyntia A., and Frydenberge, J. (2002 :9)

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Paragraph Outline

A Topic American football and rugby have more Main idea
Sentence differences than similarities.
Stating more
Supporting 1. Differences differences
Sentences than similarities
- Football requires eleven players, whereas
Restatement
rugby requires thirteen to fifteen.
- A football field is longer than a rugby
field but is less wide
- Football has four quarters of fifteen
minutes each, but rugby has two forty-
minute halves
- A touchdown in football is worth six
points; however, a goal in rugby is worth
four points.
2. Similarities
- Both games are played with a leather,

oval-shaped ball.
- Both are based on soccer.

A Concluding Although football and rugby have some
Sentence similarities, the larger number of differences
makes them two unique games.

Figure 5.4 Analyzing Paragraph Organization
(Expository Paragraph: Football vs Rugby)

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From the examples above, each paragraph is considered a well-supported
paragraph due to having a clear and easy-to-develop topic sentence with effective
supporting sentences. Also, each supporting sentence is well explained by the logical
order.

2.3 A concluding Sentence: A concluding shows that a paragraph has come to an
end. In an expository paragraph which aims to give explanation about something, a
concluding sentence is normally the restatement of the topic sentence, the summary
of the focused point, the result of what is being discussed, the recommendation, and
the prediction of the future phenomenon. Furthermore, the concluding signals are
commonly used at the beginning of a concluding sentence.

Here are some examples:
- For these reason, I never come back to smoking again.
- As a result, a Tuna sandwich is ready to be served
- In short, the American football and rugby have more differences than
similarities.
- Therefore, you will have a better quality of life
- In conclusion, it is clear that there are many advantages of online learning
materials for students.

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3. Developing Cohesion

Since the goal of an expository paragraph is to explain something, the ideas in the
paragraph are logically delivered point by point. Cohesion is the main tool to create a
well-developed paragraph. To make a cohesive paragraph, the most traditional way to
link the ideas between sentences is to use transitional signals. And parallelism is another
cohesive device that is often used in connecting ideas in a paragraph. In this unit,
transitional signals and parallelism are presented.

3.1 Transitional Signals: In an expository paragraph, there are various kinds of
transitional signals. Some common signals will be presented in the following table.
They are categorized by their function.

Table 5.2 Transitional signals for an Expository Paragraph

Transitional Signals

Logical Order first, first of all, to begin with, then, next, second, third, …., last, finally

Example for example, for instance, as a (first,…, last) example

Addition also, besides, moreover, furthermore, in addition, similarly, additionally

Contrast however, instead, on the other- hand, on the contrary, by contrast,
nevertheless, nonetheless, conversely, although

Cause because, since, for, due to the fact that

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Table 5.2 Transitional signals for an Expository Paragraph (cont.)

Result then, thus, therefore, hence, consequently, in consequence, as a result

Conclusion in conclusion, in summary, in short, all in all

As appeared above, transitional signals are varied as they link the ideas between
sentences that may contain difference relationship. (Pinijsakkul, 2007) Moreover, when
the sentences are combined, do remember that a comma needs to be added after each
transitional signal.

Examples:
1) Logical Order:
- There are there reasons why I love Marathon running. First, I can develop
my patience. I have to put my great effort to cross the finish line.
Second,…
2) Example:
- There are many ways to keep you healthy. For instance, you have to eat
good food, exercise regularly and sleep at least 7 hours per day.
3) Addition:
- Smoking is bad for your health. In addition, it ruins your personality.
4) Contrast:
- Pizza gives you a great source of energy. However, you will gain weight if you
have it too much.

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5) Result:
- I lost my purse yesterday. Therefore, I do not have enough money to pay
for the house rent this month.

6) Conclusion
- There are there benefits of riding a bicycle. First,………..…. Second,……………...
Third,………………….. In conclusion, having good health, saving money and
getting new friends are the advantages of riding a bicycle.

However, this rule does not apply to the following clause connectors: although,
because, since, for and due to the face that. These connectors are used to combine
two clauses—a main clause and a subordinate clause. And the comma will appear to
separate the two clauses only when the subordinate clause is at the beginning of the
sentences.
Examples:

1) Contrast:
- Although money is what we need in our life, morality should come first.
- Morality should come first although money is what we need in our life.

2) Cause:
- Since the people will get the direct effects from all kinds of pollution, we
should stop or avoid producing them.
- We should stop or avoid producing all kinds of pollution since the people
will get the direct effects from them.
- Due to the face that there are many advantages of doing regular exercise,
people should be encouraged to start doing it.
- People should be encouraged to start doing regular exercise due to the face
that there are many advantages of doing it.

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3.2 Parallelism: Parallelism means that words, phrases or clauses that have similar
relationships in sentences are all written with the same kind of grammatical structure. In
this way, the sentence will easily be interpreted by the readers. Also, all points are
smoothly balanced by a series of parallel structure. (Chalermpatarakul, 2008) This can
help the writer advance his/her writing style as well.

Table 5.3 The Comparison of Nonparallel and Parallel Structure

Nonparallel Parallel

1. To eat good food and doing - To eat good food and to do regular

regular exercise benefit your exercise benefit your health.

health. - Eating good food and doing regular

exercise benefit your health.

(A balances series of gerund or to
verb: to eat, to do and eating and
doing

2. Eating clean is easy and benefits - Eating clean is easy and beneficial to

your health your health.

(A balances series of adjectives:
easy and beneficial)

3. People can use internet in three - People can use internet in three different
different ways: communication, ways: communication, education and
education and entertaining. entertainment.

(A balances series of nouns: communication,
education and entertainment)

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In summary, an expository paragraph aims to explain something based on logical
order. And there are many ways to give the explanation about something such as giving
definition and examples, illustrating steps, reasons or opinions, pointing out the
similarities about two different things, classifying things, showing cause and effect,
indicating problem and its solution, and persuading the readers to believe in a certain
view or to act in a certain way. To produce a relevant paragraph, a topic sentence
should be well-rounded enough to be explained. And all supporting sentences need to
be well-connected by appropriate transitions. Also, parallel structure is another mean to
smoothen the sentence in the paragraph. Lastly, a concluding sentence shows the sign
that the paragraph has come to an end. With this systematic process, an expository
paragraph can be successfully created by all learners.

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Practice 1: Generating ideas
A: Directions : Choose one strategic way to generate your ideas on the given topics.

Topic 1: Benefits of Internet

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Topic 2: Reasons Why Kids Shouldn’t Use Smartphones

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Topic 3: Writing Letter vs Writing Email

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Practice 2: Paragraph Organization

A: Directions: Rewrite each topic sentence into a concluding sentence.
Example: There are many disadvantages of soft drinks.

To have a healthier body, we should stay away from soft drinks or
consume them as little as possible.

1. There are many advantages of being an early bird.
______________________________________________________________________

2. Korean music is growing in popularity due to three major reasons.
______________________________________________________________________

3. I have a lot of benefits from doing yoga.
______________________________________________________________________

4. To be healthy and to save money are the reasons why I quit smoking.
______________________________________________________________________

5. Drinking alcohol has many bad effects to your life.
______________________________________________________________________

6. There are four stages to determine the severity of cancer.
______________________________________________________________________

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B: Directions : Choose two topic sentences from Practice 2 A (the previous session)
and develop them into well- organized paragraphs. Also, create the
appropriate title for each paragraph.

Title: _________________________________

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Title :__________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
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Practice 3: Developing Cohesion

A: Directions : Combine the ideas between sentences by using the appropriate
transitional signals and punctuation.

1. To get A in English is possible. You have been studying hard this semester.
___________________________________________________________________________
2. There was great loss from flooding. It took so long to restore all ruins.
___________________________________________________________________________
3. It is easy to make an omelet. You should break the eggs into the bowl.
___________________________________________________________________________
4. My last high school exam was a disaster. I successfully pushed myself till I got
accepted into my dream university after that.
___________________________________________________________________________
5. Greenhouse gases cause the world’s rising heat. We must urgently remove them
from our atmosphere.
___________________________________________________________________________
6. I like many kinds of music. Pop, rock, R & B and house are my favorite ones.
___________________________________________________________________________

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B: Directions : Circle the nonparallel structure used in following sentences.
Rewrite them with the appropriate structure.

Example: To ride a bicycle and going for a walk help us stay healthy.
Riding a bicycle and going for a walk help us stay healthy.

1. Determination, patience and working hard lead to success.
___________________________________________________________________________
2. To get through depression, one needs help, encourage, and understanding.
___________________________________________________________________________
3. So many bad things happened last year: having a car accident, lost my job and
getting divorce.
___________________________________________________________________________
4. Dad is smart, friendly and has a kind heart.
___________________________________________________________________________
5. David needs to stop eating junk food, go clubbing and drinking alcohol.
___________________________________________________________________________
6. I want to be a doctor because I want to make my dad proud, to helping people and
getting a lot of money.
___________________________________________________________________________

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References

Boardman, Cyntia A. (2008). Writing to Communicate: Paragraphs. New York:
Pearson Education, Inc.

Boardman, Cyntia A., and Frydenberge, J. (2002). Writing to Communicate: Paragraphs
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Chalermpatarakul, C. (2008). Paragraph Writing: A Process Approach: Paragraphs.
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Pinijsakkul, P. (2007). Sentence Writing. Bangkok: Thammasat University Press.

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