Seven Types of Paragraphs

Different Body Essay Kinds

© Daria Przybyla

Mar 3, 2009
Main paragraph types, imelenchon, morguefile
There are at least seven types of paragraphs. Knowledge of the differences between them can facilitate composing well-structured essays.

In order to write coherent essays, students must first learn about the functions of various paragraphs. Most paragraphs will have several functions to fulfill at a time; it is important to know under what circumstances their functions can be conjoined. The following list contains explanations about the content and style of different paragraphs.

Narration Paragraph

Narration paragraphs are most distinctively used in fiction. As such, they will contain all necessary components of action development: protagonist, setting, goal, obstacle, climax and resolution. Writing a narration paragraph requires, consequently, sequential order and chronology. There are many descriptive elements included into the body of a narration paragraph but, if composed correctly, the paragraph will feature much more action than depiction.

Exposition Paragraph

Often times, this kind of a paragraph is used as a component of other types. It’s created in order to clarify or explain a problem or a phenomenon. Writing exposition paragraphs requires strict focus on evidence and objective language. It can contain elements of comparison and contrast or cause and effect writing - both facilitate accurate exposition of its subject-matter.

Definition Paragraph

Definition paragraphs are used in order to explain the meaning, origin and function of things. They are used both in academic writing and in fiction. To write a definition paragraph, writers should concentrate on the role of its subject in the context of the whole essay and list comparisons as well as examples accordingly.

Classification Paragraph

Writing a classification paragraph takes a slightly varied approach. It should rely on both defining and comparing. Writers should classify the subject of the paragraph in a specific context providing comparisons to corresponding ideas. Classification can be performed on multiple levels – semantic (comparing different meanings of things), linguistic (using vocabulary to show contrast), and more.

Description Paragraph

Preferably, description paragraphs should concentrate on action (verbs), rather than sensations (adverbs and adjectives). Writers should assume the role of readers whose idea of the described events is, in entirety, constructed by the paragraph content. Description paragraphs should be detailed, clear, and render the represented reality chronologically.

Process Analysis Paragraph

It, usually, takes the form of a how-to paragraph which guides readers through a process or action to be performed. It’s very concise and uses formal, non-descriptive vocabulary. It should be written in chronological order which accounts for subsequent actions.

Persuasion Paragraph

Persuasion paragraphs require exhortatory and dynamic language. They are aimed at persuading others into taking a particular action or adopting certain point of view. They should be devoid of descriptive content and, instead, rely on the imperative mode.

Ready to take a quiz? You can try doing this exercise.

Further reading:

How to Write Paragraphs

Elements of a Paragraph

Paragraph Coherence


The copyright of the article Seven Types of Paragraphs in Academic Writing is owned by Daria Przybyla. Permission to republish Seven Types of Paragraphs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


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Comments
Mar 8, 2009 8:02 AM
Guest :
very good yo!
Mar 29, 2009 6:28 PM
Guest :
I liked it very much and i found it very useful!
Apr 25, 2009 2:24 AM
Guest :
how about paragraph by example?
May 1, 2009 9:46 PM
Guest :
Great for a quick review!
May 22, 2009 2:58 AM
Guest :
very good but I want simple examples
May 25, 2009 2:11 PM
Guest :
baha funny
Jun 19, 2009 2:26 AM
Guest :
Excellent summary of each kind of paragraphs. Very useful!!
Keep up the good work.
Jul 11, 2009 7:18 PM
Guest :
great!
Jul 13, 2009 5:13 AM
Guest :
thank you...
but how about the examples??
Aug 23, 2009 10:13 AM
Guest :
i like it .. but i think you should put on some simple examples .
Aug 23, 2009 10:48 AM
Guest :
i like it .. but i think you should put on some simple examples .
Sep 13, 2009 4:30 AM
Guest :
is it also the argumenetation paragraph is belong in the types of paragaph?
Sep 18, 2009 6:37 PM
Guest :
can you give at least one example each?
Sep 21, 2009 5:30 PM
Guest :
TNX SAU HEHEHEHEEHH!!!!!!!!
Sep 24, 2009 9:30 PM
Guest :
kindly please show some examples of the paragraphs enlisted?
Sep 28, 2009 4:07 AM
Guest :
thank you..like it
Oct 5, 2009 1:37 AM
Guest :
i hope there are examples for each of the types of the paragraph..
Oct 20, 2009 2:56 AM
Guest :
beautiful.......amazing..........perfect.........luv it.............
Nov 5, 2009 1:41 AM
Guest :
good but where is the other types
19 Comments