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Types of Paragraphs


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1.Descriptive Paragraphs:

Such paragraphs attempt to describe a person, place, object, scene or process. The description should be based on facts. It is like painting a picture in words. Every description is likely to be coloured with the personal attitude of the writer. There can be no escape from it. The description of a person, place or object will certainly be coloured with the likes and dislikes of the writer. While describing a person, attempt should be made to create his picture in mind and then describe his appearance, manners, habits, behavior and qualities of character. A similar method may be adopted while describing an animal. While describing an object, the picture of the object may be kept in mind and then its structure, composition, function and purpose may be given. While describing a scene its location, atmosphere, environment and impression should be given in detail. While describing a process, all the steps in their proper sequence should be given.


2.Narrative Paragraphs:

Such paragraphs narrate stories, relate incidents, and recall experiences. Chronological sequence of events must be followed in these paragraphs. Time-sequence is a dire necessity of narrative paragraphs. Events should be arranged in a strictly chronological order. The first thing should be narrated first and the next event should come next. The events should be arranged and narrated in such a way that the reader immediately gets interested in them. An element of suspense will add to the charm of narrative paragraph.


3.Expository Paragraph:

The expository form of paragraphs is used to explain something clearly and systematically. Such paragraphs bring out the meaning and significance of the topic under discussion. They give detailed explanation and extended definition. Examples and illustrations are helpful in explaining the topic clearly.


4.Reflective Paragraphs:

Reflective paragraphs involve a lot of thinking on the part of writer. The topic presents a problem which needs a solution. While writing a reflective type of paragraph we have to find ways and means to solve the problem presented by the topic. The solution may not be perfect, but it must be plausible. The aim of reflective paragraphs is to cultivate the habit of thinking among the students.


5.Imaginative Paragraphs:

Imaginative paragraph gives a free play to imagination. Imagination is required in all types of paragraphs, but in imaginative paragraphs, there is predominance of imagination. They are not based on actual facts and real experiences. They are related to the world of imagination where everything is possible. Situations are imagined and invented. There is no check on imagination.


6.Argumentative Paragraphs:

In the argumentative type of paragraphs or essays, we have to make use of arguments to prove or disprove a point. Like a lawyer, we have to plead and argue a case. We have to collect evidence in our favour and against our imaginative opponent. We have to give reasons and proofs to support our arguments. The case has to be argued in a logical and systematic manner.



7.Persuasive Paragraphs:

The chief aim of persuasive paragraphs is to convince and persuade the reader and bring him round to our views, In such paragraphs, appeal is made both to the head and the heart of the reader. A persuasive paragraph is certainly different from an argumentative paragraph. The former appeals both to reason and emotion while the latter appeals only to reason. Argumentative paragraph depends mainly on the reason and intellect. Persuasive paragraphs rely both on thinking and feeling.


Sample Usage

Examples:


1.Descriptive Paragraphs:

(a)A Moonlight Night.
(b)The Taj at Agra.
(c)My Grandmother.
(d)Our Neighbour.
(e)The Scene at the Railway Station.
(f)The Scene at the Bus Stand.
(g)How to Prepare a Cup of Tea.
(h)How to Learn to Drive a Car.


2.Narrative Paragraphs:

(a)How I was once Caught Sleeping in the Class.
(b)How I Played Truant.
(c)How I Spend a Sunday.
(d)Walking in the Rain.
(e)A Pleasant Dream.
(f)A Street Quarrel.
(g)An Incident of Chain-Snatching.
(h)How I Saved a Drowning Child.
(i)A Narrow Escape.


3.Expository Paragraphs:

(a)The Value of Games.
(b)The Value of Discipline.
(c)Educational Value of Travelling.
(d)Sportsmanship.
(e)Friendship.
(f)Patriotism.
(g)Punctuality.
(h)Pleasures of Reading.
(i)Good Manners.
(j)The Art of Conversation.


4.Reflective Paragraphs:

(a)How to End Corruption?
(b)Environmental Pollution.
(c)Should English Go from India?
(d)What is Wrong with Our System of Education?
(e)Should There be No Examinations?
(f)The Problem of Poverty.
(g)Rising Prices.
(h)Is Science the Enemy of Man?
(i)Indiscipline among the Students.
(j)The Younger Generation in Revolt.


5.Imaginative Paragraphs:

(a)If I were the School Principal.
(b)If I were the Prime Minister.
(c)If I win a Lottery Prize.
(d)If I were a Bird.
(e)If I were a Butterfly.
(f)If I were a Millionaire.
(g)Autobiography of an Old Umbrella.
(h)Autobiography of a Coin.
(i)If I were Born in America.


6.Argumentative Paragraphs:

(a)Machines as Our Enemies.
(b)Smoking.
(c)Drinking.
(d)Prohibition.
(e)Is Science the Enemy of Man?
(f)Should We Make the Atom Bomb?
(g)Is life Worth living?


7.Persuasive Paragraphs:

(a)The Evils of Begging.
(b)Science as a Curse to Mankind.
(c)The Evils of Dowry System.
(d)Bride Burning.
(e)Evil Influence of Films.
(f)The Dangers of Television.
(g)Horrors of War.
(h)Craze for Fashions.
(i)The Evils of City Life.


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