Paragraphs: Non-Fiction Writing

[shanachie_quill]

Paragraph
Non-Fiction Writing

A Modern Look at Paragraph Rules
There is a beauty and logic to all of Bain’s rules for paragraphs, however modern paragraph theory is a little more generalized and seems to center on these three principles. All-in-all they do contain most of Bain’s ideas, however, they also allow a little more freedom for creativity in paragraph construction.

1. Unity – Single minded focus of ideas. All the sentences must have unity of purpose AND there must be no information in the paragraph which does not serve that purpose.
2. Coherence – Ideas flow in a manner which makes them easily understandable.
3. Development – Ideas support and develop a topic sentence or main idea.

Alexander Bain’s Six Paragraph Rules Paraphrased for Easy Reading and Easy Understanding
1. The direction and purpose of each sentence should connect to what came prior. This must be explicit and unmistakable.
2. When several consecutive sentences repeat or illustrate the same idea, they should, as much possible be formed alike. (Parallel construction) The main subject and predicate should maintain their positions throughout.
3. The opening sentence (topic sentence) is expected to indicate the subject of the paragraph.
4. Each sentence in a paragraph should be found in its most suitable location within the paragraph. Every paragraph has a plan dictated by the nature of the composition. As such, sentences should be laid out in accordance of this plan. An out of place sentence brings confusion.
5. A paragraph should possess unity and contain a definite purpose. There should be no sentences or information contained in that paragraph which does not support that purpose.
6. The big sentences within the paragraph should be the important ideas. The smaller sentences should be the less important ideas. Everything should have bulk and prominence according to its importance.
Reference

How do I know when to start a new paragraph?
You should start a new paragraph when:
• When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
• To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference.
• When your readers need a pause. Breaks in paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex.
• When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introductory and concluding material should always be in a new paragraph. Many introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.

Reference


Following are some rules for paragraph writing.

- Each paragraph must be indented.
- There must be at least 7 sentences in each paragraph.
- Each paragraph must start with capital letter and end with a punctuation.
- Use exciting forms of verbs.
- Numbers should be spelled out.
- Sentences must never begin with and, but or because.
- Use a variety of sentences as far as style and length is concerned.
- Use your imagination and creativity.

* Keep paragraphs short
* Sometimes, it's ok to have one sentence in a paragraph
* Indent or skip a line between paragraphs
* There should be one idea per paragraph
* In a story, you start a new paragraph when the time changes, the character speaking changes, or the setting changes.
* Most paragraphs should be "bite-sized," meaning 3-5 sentences
* Sometimes, very long pieces can have very long paragraphs

Reference