Paragraphs can be developed in a number of different ways. For example:

• A DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH describes a process or a sequence of events, or the characteristics or structure of something.

• A NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH is also descriptive, but tends to give background information, that is, an account or description of past events perhaps.

• An EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPH provides information.

• An INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH sets the scene and outlines what is going to follow.

• A PERSUASIVE PARAGRAPH tries to convince the reader about something and may make recommendations.

• The FINAL PARAGRAPH brings an assignment to a conclusion.

Types of paragraphs

Practicing exercise

Write an essay using the following prompt:

On September 22 in 1789, the United States Post Office opened. In recent years, many people have begun to use email. Do you think there will ever be a time in the future that the only items actually “mailed” by the Post Office are packages? And all letters and magazines will be sent via email?

Write two descriptive paragraphs, one narrative paragraph and one final one.

Types of paragraphs

Practicing exercise-Answer key

~Answers will vary~

Types of paragraphs

Quiz

1. The goal of this type of paragraph is to convince another person to change, or at least think about changing, their opinion about something

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive 

2. Which type of sentence would this topic sentence best go with: My best friend's freckled face always has a glowing, crooked smile.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

3. Which type of sentence would this topic sentence best go with: The day I won first place in the box car derby race was the proudest day of my life.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

4. Which type of sentence would this topic sentence best go with: The Himalayan Mountains are the tallest mountains in the world.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

5. In this type of paragraph, the author is writing about what a person, place, or thing is like.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

6. This type of paragraph is used to present information, ideas, or opinions.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

7. Which type of sentence would this topic sentence best go with: Despite what dog lovers might believe, cats actually make better pets.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

8. This paragraph is used to tell a story. There is a logical sequence of events.

• persuasive

• narrative

• expository

• descriptive

Types of paragraphs

Quiz-Answer key

1. P
2. D
3. N
4. E
5. D
6. E
7. P
8. N

Types of paragraphs

Test

Write an essay using the following prompt:

You often hear people say, "You'll never understand another person until you've walked a day in his or her shoes." Choose a fictional character and walk a day in his or her shoes. Now write about it.

Write using one of all the discussed paragraphs.

Types of paragraphs

Test-Answer key

~Answers will vary~