Types of Paragraphs

Each differs from the others in

structure and purpose

description; compare-contrast; narrative; definition; opinion; cause-effect; classification;

process

DES

CR

IPTIV

E

PAR

AG

RA

PH

S

Purpose:

•Give the reader a visual picture of the topic.

•Get the reader involved.

•Uses the 5 senses.

•Uses feelings.

Descrip

tive

Para

gra

ph

s

Key Fe

atu

res

Use

s

1. Describes2. Gives

impressions/feelings about

3. Does not give a definition4. Paints a picture with

words5. Uses sensory words that

apply

Give features or characteristics

Give impressions about something

Give feelings about something

WH

AT IS

TH

E T

ITLE

?

What is happening in this picture?

CO

MPA

RE-C

ON

TR

AS

T

PAR

AG

RA

PH

S

Purpose:

• Show how 2 items are the same and/or different.

•People•Ideas•Things

Com

pare

-con

trast

Para

gra

ph

s

Key Fe

atu

res

Use

s

1. Two subjects2. Compared

similarities or differences

3. Similarities or differences that are not so obvious.

4. Use point by point

Show similarities Show differences Strengths and

weakness Advantages and

disadvantages

COMPARE these

Contrast These

CA

US

E-E

FFEC

T

PAR

AG

RA

PH

S

Purpose:

• Explains the reasons something happens or the results of consequences

Cau

se - E

ffect

Para

gra

ph

s

Key Fe

atu

res

Use

s

1. Causes of a thing or event

2. Results of a thing or event

3. 1 cause – multiple results

4. Multiple causes- 1 result

Causes of something Consequences, or

effects, of something

NOTE: make sure the topic has a cause – effect relationship.

CLA

SS

IFICATIO

N

PAR

AG

RA

PH

S

Purpose:

• separates ideas into specific categories

Cla

ssifi

catio

n

Para

gra

ph

s

Key Fe

atu

res

Use

s

1. A thing being classified

2. Different groups3. Distinct categories

without overlapping4. Descriptions5. Identifying

characteristics

Show different types or categories

Differentiate between the parts of something

This week we will work on a…

DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH