There are different types of paragraphs according to the ways in which supporting sentences are organized.
This table shows each type, its unique purpose, and the characteristics of the topic sentence.
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| TYPES OF PARAGRAPHS
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| PARAGRAPH TYPE | PURPOSE | CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOPIC SENTENCE |
1 | Classification | Explains a subject by breaking it into categories or groups | -States the subject clearly -May use words such as categories, groups, types, or kinds
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2 | Comparison | Shows the similarities between two subjects | -Mentions both subjects -Focuses on similarities
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3 | Contrast | Shows the differences between two subjects | -Mentions both subjects -Focuses on differences
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4 | Process (Directional) | Provides the reader with specific steps and instructions to do, make, or repair something | -Orders the reader how to do something -Focuses on procedures
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5 | Process (Information) | Provides the reader with a clear understanding as to how a system or a procedure works | -States the procedures in a system -Focuses on procedures
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6 | Cause | Shows the reasons for an action or event | -States the subject clearly -Focuses on reasons
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7 | Effect | Shows the results of an action or event | -States the subject clearly -Focuses on results
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8 | Narration (First Person) | Tells a story about a specific event in the writer's life | -Use "I or We" in the story -Focuses on stories
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9 | Narration (Third Person) | Tells a story about a specific even that happened to another person | -Does not use the writer's character in the story -Focuses on stories
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