DEVELOPING PARAGRAPH: Definition and Process

Ig. Harjanto

Writing Definitions
A formal definition is based upon a concise, logical pattern that includes as much information as it can within a minimum amount of space. The primary reason to include definitions in your writing is to avoid misunderstanding with your audience. A formal definition consists of three parts. The term (word or phrase) to be defined The class of object or concept to which the term belongs. The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class

For example:
Water (term) is a liquid (class) made up of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2 to 1 (differentiating characteristics). Comic books (term) are sequential and narrative publications (class) consisting of illustrations, captions, dialogue balloons, and often focus on super-powered heroes (differentiating characteristics). Astronomy (term) is a branch of scientific study (class) primarily concerned with celestial objects inside and outside of the earth's atmosphere (differentiating characteristics).

Classification Paragraph
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into specific categories. Example: Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy resources. Words for a good classification paragraph: is a kind of; can be divided into, is a type of, falls under, belongs to, is a part of, fits into, is grouped with, is related to, is associated with

Example
is a kind of Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource. can be divided into Energy resources can be divided into two types. is a type of Coal is a type of non-renewable resource. falls under Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources. belongs to Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.

Example
is a part of Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources. fits into Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources. is grouped with Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources. is related to Coal is related to other non-renewable resources. is associated with Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.

example
Definition

Process Analysis Paragraph

Process analysis paragraph guides the reader through a complex process of a series of actions that are aimed at achieving a particular result, or lead the reader toward a particular conclusion. As such, process analysis paragraph contains elements of both how-to writing and advice giving. This type of writing is often used in manuals and various instructional pieces.

What is a process analysis paragraph?

The so-called process analysis paragraph, usually, takes the form of a how-to paragraph which guides readers through a process or action to be performed. It s very concise and uses formal, non-descriptive vocabulary. It should be written in chronological order which accounts for subsequent actions.

Elements of a Process Analysis Paragraph

Chronology all actions are described in a step-by-step manner which means that the order of in which subsequent actions are described is analogical to the order in which those actions are to be performed; Clarity the instruction is concise and uses simples language. Process analysis paragraphs, if composed correctly, will never be written in a descriptive or subjective language and will also avoid opinion-based stances; Explanation the paragraph explains how a particular result can be achieved.

Example of a Process Analysis Paragraph

The problem of hairballs that have already formed in cat s fur can be solved by proper brushing. In order to brush your cat s hairballs, you ll need two kinds of brushes: a wide-teeth wipe and a metallic one. The former will help you dissolve and, partially, remove tightly knotted hairballs without causing any pain or discomfort to your cat. The latter, used subsequently, will remove excess of loose puffy hair and decrease the possibility of reoccurrence the next day. Once brushing is over, make sure to polish your cat s fur all over his body with the help of a clean, cotton, or woolen cloth.

Another example
How to Live on a Tight Budget

Another example
Data collection

Description Paragraph
In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located. Examples: Write a paragraph describing what a plaza looks like. Describe where Rungkut Industry is located.

Words for description paragraph:

Properties: size, color, shape, purpose Measurement: length, with, mass, speed Analogy: is like, resembles Location: in, above, below, beside, near, north/east/south/west

Compare and Contrast Paragraph

In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas. Example: Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Surabaya and Malang.

Words for Compare and Contrast Paragraph

Similarities: is similar to, both, also, too, as well Differences: the other hand, however, but, in contrast, while, differs from, unlike

Sequence Paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time. Example: Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the president / the governor.

Words for Sequence Paragraph

Order: first, second, third, in the beginning, before, then, after, finally, at last, subsequently Time: recently, previously, afterwards, when, after

Choice Paragraph
In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. Often, you will need to give your opinion on a choice of actions or events. Example: Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play badminton or football

Words for Choice Paragraph

Point of View: in my opinion, belief, idea, understanding, I think that, I consider, I believe, it seems to me, I prefer Personal Opinion: like/dislike, hope, feel

Explanation Paragraph
In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events. Example: Write a paragraph explaining why so many Chinese moved to Indonesia during the seventeenth century.

Words for Explanation Paragraph

Cause: because, since, as, as a result of, is due to Effect: therefore, thus, consequently, hence, it follows that, if then

Parallel Construction
Words, phrases, and clauses used in enumerated (listed) items, in a series of items, or in connected independent clauses must be parallel in grammatical construction. You might want to review the parallel structure section if parallel construction is still a weak area for you.

Key Words and Pronoun References

Words, such as pronouns, that clearly relate to nouns in previous sentences may be used to promote continuity. For example: 1. Frank will complete the required research within two months. He will report his findings no later than December 1. 2. The information system in the MNO Company is used extensively for decision making. Because of this high rate of use, it is imperative that the data in the system are up to date.

Transitional Expressions
Transitional expressions help the coherence in writing because they tie ideas together. For example: Overtime work can be increased to complete the project on time. The budgeted cost of the project, nevertheless, cannot be exceeded.

Transition signals indicating an additional idea:

moreover, further, furthermore, besides, likewise, also, in addition, equally important, last, first, second, similarly, etc.

Transition signals indicating a contrast and comparison of ideas

however, still, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, after all, notwithstanding, in contrast, otherwise, on the other hand, yet, conversely, nonetheless, rather, although, etc. similarly, likewise

Transition signals indicating the result of an idea and summary statement

hence, thus, therefore, accordingly, consequently, as a result in summary, in brief, on the whole, in short, as I have said, in other words, in any event, for example

Transition signals indicating emphasis or confirmation & Conclusion or Summary

indeed, naturally, of course, certainly, undoubtedly, admittedly, plainly hence, therefore, thus, accordingly, in brief, in conclusion, consequently

Coherence Exercise: Supply with correct and proper transition signals

In creating a document using word processing, load or boot up the operating system. Load the word processing software into primary storage. Open and name the document.

Suggested answer
To create a document using word processing, follow these three steps: first, load or boot up the operating system; second, load the word processing software into primary storage; and finally, open and name the document.

Exercise:
Main idea: to be a good employee, have a good understanding of the job Details: 1. understand your responsibilities 2. understand the rules you must follow 3. understand the decision you can make

Answer: unity, coherence, completeness, order

If you want to be a good employee, one characteristic that you must have is a clear understanding of the job you have. First of all, you must know what your responsibilities are in the position you hold.

Answer: unity, coherence, completeness, order

For example, you must know exactly what tasks you must do in your job. You must also know exactly how these tasks should be done and when they should be done. After this, you must understand the organizational rules that you must follow in your position.

Answer: unity, coherence, completeness, order

Every organization has rules to follow, such as when to take breaks or what to do when you are sick, and it is important for you to understand these clearly. In addition to understanding your duties and the rules you must observe in your job, you must also have a clear understanding of which decisions you can and cannot make.

Answer: unity, coherence, completeness, order

Some types of decisions may be yours to make, while other kinds decisions may be up to your supervisor. In summary, for you to be a good employee, it is important for you to understand all of these aspects of your job.

Troubleshooting paragraphs
1. Problem: the paragraph has no topic sentence. 2. Problem: the paragraph has more than one controlling idea. 3. Problem: transitions are needed within the paragraph.