Types of Paragraphs
Paragraphs are commonly grouped into four types by their purpose.
| Type | Purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | describes a person, place, or thing | appeals to the five senses |
| Narrative | tells a story in sequence | clear beginning, middle, end |
| Expository | explains or instructs | often a process or definition |
| Persuasive | convinces the reader of a view | builds an argument with facts |
Every paragraph, whatever its type, has three core parts: a topic sentence (states the main idea), supporting details (facts, examples, transitions), and a closing sentence (restates the main idea in different words).
Useful transition words: to add (also, furthermore, moreover); to give examples (for example, for instance, to illustrate); to compare (likewise, similarly); to contrast (however, on the other hand, in contrast); to conclude (in short, therefore, to sum up); to show time (after, meanwhile, finally).
Tip: Match the type to your purpose: describe → descriptive, tell a story → narrative, explain → expository, argue → persuasive.
Common mistake: Forgetting the closing sentence. A complete paragraph opens with a topic sentence and closes by restating the main idea.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. Describes a sunset using the five senses
2. Tells the story of your first day at school
3. Explains how a computer works
4. Argues that school should start later
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values
“Don’t be philistine.”
Meaning — the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.
“I was unaware of the implications of my decision.”
Meaning — leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others.
“Members of NATO were united under Russian hegemony.”
“He has not done that so far.”
“I can see the growing divergence of opinion in your friends.”