Paragraphs
In this lesson we will discuss various devices used in developing paragraphs
By the end of the lesson you should be able to develop paragraphs using different devices.
What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of related sentences that work together to explain or develop one main idea.
The main idea in a paragraph is clearly expressed in a topic sentence which usually comes at the
beginning of the paragraph.
What comes after the topic sentences are the supporting details. They make up the body of a paragraph by giving details to develop and support the main idea.
Finally, there is the clincher sentence. This is the closing sentence, which restates the main idea of a
paragraph using different words. The clincher sentence summarizes the paragraph.
The Great Rift-valley
Kenya is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. First, the Kenyan people are friendly and enjoy having the tourists around. Secondly, there are diverse breathtaking sceneries for instance, Mount Kenya, migration of the wildebeest, the Great Rift-valley among others. Finally, its sandy beaches are spectacular. Therefore, this makes Kenya a desirable place to visit.
Giving reasons and examples
A paragraph can be developed by giving reasons and examples. Reasons are logical statements that
answer the question ‘WHY’ while examples are specific objects, situations, incidents that explain or relate to the main idea. Examples are introduced by words like; for instance, for example, such as, among others.
Overgrazed land
There are various causes of soil erosion. One major cause is poor farming practices, for example; farming on steep slopes, non-rotation of crops and overgrazing. Natural calamities also lead to soil erosion. Such natural calamities include floods, landslides and whirlwinds. Another cause of soil erosion is deforestation which refers to the cutting down of trees without replacing them. The reasons cited above have been known to leave productive land barren.
The paragraph above illustrates how reasons and examples can be used to develop paragraphs.