In a loose paragraph, the topic sentence comes at the beginning of the paragraph. This is the most common type of paragraph. The writer states the main point, then goes on to give examples and elaborate his or her point of view.
Full Answer
Can a paragraph be loose?
Jun 27, 2020 · What is loose paragraph? In a loose paragraph, the topic sentence comes at the beginning of the paragraph. This is the most common type of paragraph. The writer states the main point, then goes on to give examples and elaborate his or …
When to use a loose sentence in an essay?
Learn about our Editorial Process. Updated on January 02, 2020. A loose sentence is a sentence structure in which the main clause is followed by one or more coordinate or subordinate phrases and clauses. Also known as a cumulative sentence or a right-branching sentence . Contrast with the periodic sentence .
What is a paragraph?
A loose paragraph is in effect transformed into a periodic. Paragraphs can also happily exist without topic sentences, provided the writer is sufficiently skilled to convey the topic implicitly – By the mid-1990s, said the prophets of IT, the spread of computers to all aspects of human activity would result in a ‘paperless society’. The rapid
What is a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
It’s a way to tie up any loose ends. It’s the final thought that leaves an impact on your reader. It’s what brings the whole essay together and makes it sound polished. What a conclusion is only gives you half the story—you also have to know what a conclusion is not. A conclusion is not an opportunity to add new information.
What is loose writing?
A loose or cumulative sentence is one in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent clauses and phrases; therefore, a loose sentence makes complete sense if brought to a close before the actual ending: e.g., “We reached Edmonton that morning after a turbulent flight and some exciting ...
What is loose sentence example?
Here are some loose sentence examples: I went to the movies yesterday, bought candy, and shopped at the mall. He might consider paying the higher fees at a private university, if the teacher/student ratio is small, the teachers are highly qualified, and the job placement rate is high.
What is loose and periodic paragraph?
Syntax. I. Loose sentences—A sentence grammatically complete at some point (or points) before the end; the opposite of a periodic sentence. Loose sentences which are composed of too many dependent clauses become stringy. The independent clause is followed by one or more dependent clauses or phrases.
What does loose statement mean?
A loose sentence (also called a cumulative sentence) is a type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases.
Why do we use loose sentence?
The dependent clauses that come before the independent clause serve to stress the importance of the key idea. A loose sentence, in contrast, creates the effect of immediacy and naturalness. English writers tend to use loose sentences much more often than periodic ones.
How do you write loose?
Loose vs. LoseLose is a verb that means “to fail to win, to misplace, or to free oneself from something or someone.”Loose is an adjective that means “not tight.”Only one O distinguishes loose from lose.
What is periodic sentence example?
Periodic-sentence definition The definition of periodic sentence is a sentence in which the main clause is given at the end of the sentence in order to create interest or suspense. An example of periodic sentence is "I couldn't wait any longer, I went to sleep."
How can you tell if a sentence is loose?
a sentence that does not end with the completion of its main clause, but continues with one or more subordinate clauses or other modifiers. QUIZ YOURSELF ON HAS VS.
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences that deals with a single topic, typically comprising a topic sentence (often the first) and a number of supporting. sentences that explore or develop it –. Progress in urban sanitation has been erratic and piecemeal. Conditions.
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence (underlined) tells us what the paragraph is to be about, while its remainder consists of supporting sentences that explain the. details or provide the evidence. In other words, the topic sentence is general while the supporting sentences are specific, developing the topic by. means of examples, descriptions, definitions, ...
How to write a thesis paragraph?
So, let’s suppose that you have done some brainstorming to develop your thesis. What else should you keep in mind as you begin to create paragraphs? Every paragraph in a paper should be: 1 Unified: All of the sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single controlling idea (often expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph). 2 Clearly related to the thesis: The sentences should all refer to the central idea, or thesis, of the paper (Rosen and Behrens 119). 3 Coherent: The sentences should be arranged in a logical manner and should follow a definite plan for development (Rosen and Behrens 119). 4 Well-developed: Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained and supported through evidence and details that work together to explain the paragraph’s controlling idea (Rosen and Behrens 119).
Why do we need transitions in a paragraph?
Within a paragraph, transitions are often single words or short phrases that help to establish relationships between ideas and to create a logical progression of those ideas in a paragraph. This is especially likely to be true within paragraphs that discuss multiple examples. Let’s take a look at a version of our piranha paragraph that uses transitions to orient the reader:
What is the purpose of paragraph development?
Paragraph development continues with an expression of the rationale or the explanation that the writer gives for how the reader should interpret the information presented in the idea statement or topic sentence of the paragraph. The writer explains his/her thinking about the main topic, idea, or focus of the paragraph. Here’s the sentence that would follow the controlling idea about slave spirituals:
How to write a paragraph with more than one main idea?
If a paragraph has more than one main idea, consider eliminating sentences that relate to the second idea, or split the paragraph into two or more paragraphs, each with only one main idea. Watch our short video on reverse outlining to learn a quick way to test whether your paragraphs are unified. In the following paragraph, the final two sentences branch off into a different topic; so, the revised paragraph eliminates them and concludes with a sentence that reminds the reader of the paragraph’s main idea.
What is the final movement in a paragraph?
The final movement in paragraph development involves tying up the loose ends of the paragraph and reminding the reader of the relevance of the information in this paragraph to the main or controlling idea of the paper. At this point, you can remind your reader about the relevance of the information that you just discussed in the paragraph. You might feel more comfortable, however, simply transitioning your reader to the next development in the next paragraph. Here’s an example of a sentence that completes the slave spirituals paragraph:
Do piranhas bite humans?
Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.
Do piranhas eat fish?
Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas.
What Is a Conclusion?
I know what you’re thinking… we learned what conclusions are in elementary school.
What to Do and How to Do It
Most conclusions aren’t as long or as detailed as your body paragraphs. However, they are necessary because they tie everything together and make your essay sound complete.
What to Avoid and How to Avoid It
There are only two things to avoid when writing a conclusion: ending too abruptly and rambling. This isn’t a too-short vs. too-long scenario.
Conclusions You Can Learn From
Now that you know how to end an essay theoretically, let’s put some of these rules into practice. Here are a few examples of both bad and good conclusions.
One Last Note
Reading about how to end an essay can only get you so far. Now you just have to jump in and do it. But don’t worry— Kibin editors are here to lend their eyes (and their awesome editing powers).
What is a paragraph in writing?
A paragraph is a component of fictional prose and non-fiction writings. When writing essays, research papers, books, etc., new paragraphs are indented to show their beginnings. Each new paragraph begins with a new indentation.
How many sentences should a paragraph be?
The overall topic of the writing and content will determine the length of a paragraph. Unfortunately, there is no single number of sentences to a good paragraph.
What is the purpose of a paragraph?
The purpose of a paragraph is to express a speaker’s thoughts on a particular point in a clear way that is unique and specific to that paragraph. In other words, paragraphs shouldn’t be mixing thoughts or ideas. When a new idea is introduced, generally, a writer will introduce a new paragraph.
What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is the first sentence of the body paragraph. Simply put, the topic sentence introduces the topic of the paragraph. A good topic sentence will be broad enough to allow for explication but narrow enough that it does not require a paragraph that is too long.
What is a supporting sentence?
What is a supporting sentence? The supporting sentences of a paragraph are the sentences between the topic sentence and the concluding sentence. The supporting sentences “support” the topic sentence. That is, they explain and elaborate the point of the paragraph.
What is adequate development?
Adequate Development. In order for a paragraph to be considered “adequate” or “sufficient,” the paragraph should be well-developed. The reader should not be left wanting more information. Similarly, the paragraph should include enough evidence to support its topic sentence.
What are transitions in a paragraph?
Transitions. Good paragraphs have transitions between preceding and proceeding paragraphs. These transitions are logical and verbal. One paragraph should logically flow to the next. The ideas in a body of work should be organized so each paragraph transitions well to the next. It should not be choppy.
How to write a process paragraph?
First, make sure that the steps in the process are complete. Following a procedure whose steps are incomplete will fail to produce the expected result. Second, present the steps in the right sequence.
How to make a good cup of tea?
First, the teapot is heated by filling it with water that has just come to a boil. This water is then discarded, and one teaspoon of loose tea per cup is placed in the teapot (the exact amount may vary according to taste). Fresh water that has just come to a boil is poured into the pot.
How many cups of tea is a pound?
A pound of loose tea will yield about two hundred cups of brewed tea. Using a tea bag eliminates the strainer, but it is still best to make the tea in a teapot so that the water stays sufficiently hot.
What This Handout Is About
What Is A paragraph?
- Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is half a page long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what constitutes a paragraph. A paragraph is defined as “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a un…
How Do I Decide What to Put in A paragraph?
- Before you can begin to determine what the composition of a particular paragraph will be, you must first decide on an argument and a working thesis statementfor your paper. What is the most important idea that you are trying to convey to your reader? The information in each paragraph must be related to that idea. In other words, your paragraphs should remind your reader that ther…
How Do I Organize A paragraph?
- There are many different ways to organize a paragraph. The organization you choose will depend on the controlling idea of the paragraph. Below are a few possibilities for organization, with links to brief examples: 1. Narration: Tell a story. Go chronologically, from start to finish. (See an example.) 2. Description: Provide specific details about what something looks, smells, tastes, so…
5-Step Process to Paragraph Development
- Let’s walk through a 5-step process for building a paragraph. For each step there is an explanation and example. Our example paragraph will be about slave spirituals, the original songs that African Americans created during slavery. The model paragraph uses illustration (giving examples) to prove its point.
Troubleshooting Paragraphs
- Problem: the paragraph has no topic sentence
Imagine each paragraph as a sandwich. The real content of the sandwich—the meat or other filling—is in the middle. It includes all the evidence you need to make the point. But it gets kind of messy to eat a sandwich without any bread. Your readers don’t know what to do with all the evid… - Problem: the paragraph has more than one controlling idea
If a paragraph has more than one main idea, consider eliminating sentences that relate to the second idea, or split the paragraph into two or more paragraphs, each with only one main idea. Watch our short video on reverse outliningto learn a quick way to test whether your paragraphs …
Works Consulted
- We consulted these works while writing the original version of this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find the latest publications on this topic. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guida…