2. What’s a paragraph?
• A paragraph consists of a number of
sentences
• Paragraph length varies – as a general guide
only they are between 5 to 10 sentences in
length
• Each paragraph develops one aspect of a
topic
• A paragraph contains a topic sentence
Paragraphs are the building blocks of many
types of academic writing
3. The Topic Sentence
• The TOPIC SENTENCE makes clear
what the paragraph is about
• Other sentences in the paragraph
develop or explain the main idea
4. Other sentences in a paragraph
may…
•
•
•
•
Give further detail
Explain
Give examples
Give evidence
Sentences need to support, clarify, develop the
main idea
5. Reference
Reference
to
to
literature
literature
Further
Further
reference
reference
to
to
literature
literature
This distinction between the supervisory
manager and visionary leader is determined by
their respective tasks and functions. According
to Colvard (2003) management tasks involve
organising and running the day to day activities
of the business – “setting priorities, establishing
processes, overseeing the execution of tasks and
measuring progress against expectations” (para.
4). Leadership, on the other hands, is much
more focused on the ‘big picture’, on developing
a vision for the longer term, such as developing
new ways of doing things or identifying new
solutions to old problems. Similarly, Dunford
(1992) argues that management is concerned
with ‘efficiency’ – with tasks such as coordinating
resources and implementing policy, while
leadership focuses on ‘effectiveness’ in terms of
making decisions, establishing directions and
principles, formulating questions and identifying
problems.
Topic sentence:
Topic sentence:
This sentence
This sentence
gives the main
gives the main
point of the
point of the
paragraph
paragraph
Explanation of
Explanation of
the 11stpart of
the st part of
the topic
the topic
sentence:
sentence:
difference in
difference in
tasks
tasks
Explanation
Explanation
of the 22ndpart
of the nd part
of the topic
of the topic
sentence:
sentence:
difference in
difference in
functions
functions
7. We use paragraphs to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Describe
Explain
Compare
Contrast
Support
Persuade
and…
8. Example of paragraph notes
An example of how you might plan your paragraphs:
Paragraph topic = Distinction between Managers and leaders
-> Tasks and functions
Managers -> day to day tasks
Leaders -> big picture
Supporting information -–> quote Colvard (2003)
Managers “day to day activities” Leaders “vision” (para. 4)
Paraphrase Dunford (1992, p.46) -> different functions
efficiency v effectiveness
9. Summary
• Paragraphs are the building blocks of many types of
academic writing
• A paragraph is made up of a number of sentences
• A paragraph is focused on ONE main point of a topic
• A paragraph contains a topic sentence
10. Summary
• Paragraphs are the building blocks of many types of
academic writing
• A paragraph is made up of a number of sentences
• A paragraph is focused on ONE main point of a topic
• A paragraph contains a topic sentence
