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What are paragraphs, and why do they matter?

 

First, a paragraph can stand alone or it can work together with other paragraphs to form a longer piece of writing. In this unit, we will focus on paragraphs that stand alone; in the next unit, you will learn more about multi-paragraphs.  

 

In its most basic form, a paragraph is a topic sentence followed, preceded, or surrounded by supporting sentences.   Ultimately, the purpose of any paragraph is to develop an idea. Yet, the way in which an idea is developed, explained, or described can vary, almost to an infinite degree.  

Consequently, a paragraph can serve many purposes depending on who is writing it, who is reading it, and what the paragraph is trying to say. These three elements—the writer, the reader, and the topic—are often recognized as the vertices of Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle.

Topic, Writer, Reader

 

While Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle is often used to discuss the interplay among logos (logic), ethos (credibility), and pathos (values), we will limit our considerations to how writers, readers, and topic interact to create different purposes in writing.

 

For instance, the purpose of a paragraph might be to explain a difficult concept. Or, its purpose might be to entertain the reader. Maybe its purpose is to describe a situation or place. In a way, there are as many purposes to a paragraph as there are people who are writing and reading them.  

 

Think about all the reasons why you write.   When you are writing for school, you are a student writing for an instructor.   When you are writing an email to a parent, you are a son or daughter writing to a mother or father.   Perhaps you write a blog for family and friends. Maybe you are part of an online community in which you are an expert. All of these different roles you assume affect the content and purpose of what you write.

 

Thus, when you are considering the purpose of the paragraph you are about to write, think first about the role you have assumed: Are you a student? An expert? A friend?   Then, think about who will be reading what you are writing.   When you determine the relationship between you as the writer and your reader as the audience, the purpose of your paragraph will become clear.

 

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