All texts are developed through paragraphs. Understanding the types of paragraphs and how to use them will help you to correctly capture the beauty of your thoughts in a text that will make all your readers fall in love with it. Let’s see what paragraphs are and how they are divided. Or what is the same, what are the types of paragraphs. Along with the typology, you will find several examples so that you understand when to use each one.

What are paragraphs, types of paragraphs, and what are they used for?

Before we describe how they are classified, let’s see what paragraphs are. Basically, a paragraph or paragraph is a linguistic unit made up of sentences or sentences that addresses a single topic. This resource is essential in the production of texts.

Now, typographically, what are paragraphs? A paragraph is the part of the text that consists of one or more sentences, begins in capital letters and ends in a period and apart. Therefore, well-structured paragraphs facilitate the general understanding of the text.

So what are paragraph types and what are they used for? they are the way to classify paragraphs to study their structure and improve their understanding. This helps us to better structure our text, organize ideas when writing, and improve understanding of what we are writing.

Types of paragraphs: How are paragraphs divided in a text?

We already know what a paragraph is, now let’s see how the paragraphs of a text are divided. These linguistic resources can be classified in four ways:

• According to the author’s intentionality: descriptive, narrative, expository and persuasive.
• Depending on your location: opening, synthesis, phrase or interrogative phrases, quotation, transition, and closure.
• According to its content: conceptual or definition, argumentative, chronological, enumeration, descriptive, explanatory, expository, narrative.
• According to its logical structure: comparative, cause-effect, approach and resolution of a problem, deductive, inductive and conclusion.

For the purposes of this article I will only address the paragraphs according to the author’s intentionality and according to their location. To illustrate them I will include examples in each type of paragraph.

Started?

Types of paragraphs according to the author’s intentionality

This typology is the most used. At the same time, thanks to its simplicity, it is the most useful when writing a text. Let’s look at each of these types of paragraphs and their examples.

Descriptive paragraphs

As the name implies, this type of paragraph describes a person or a thing. The words chosen in the description often appeal to the five senses: touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. Descriptive paragraphs can be artistic and deviate from grammatical norms.

Examples of descriptive paragraphs

The house of my dreams is located in front of the Mirador Norte Park, in Santo Domingo Norte. It is a large house, it has four spacious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. It has a spacious patio, suitable for a chicken coop, a play area and a large lawn. In the front it has a beautiful garden and the canopy is suitable for two vehicles. It has a living room, a breakfast room and a large kitchen. My dream home is just a dream, but I trust that God will make it come true, if Christ doesn’t come sooner.

Own elaboration.

«The right computer to work on google worksheets should have at least 6GB of RAM, a 4-core processor with a video card of 1GB of memory. You should also have a large monitor that allows you to see as many cells as possible.»

Response from Jo6 Méndez at Brainly.lat.

Narrative paragraphs

These kinds of paragraphs tell a story. They have a clear action sequence, beginning, and development of a plot or ending for the paragraph. It is widely used in narrative. In the articles and other texts of the web writing they serve to tell an anecdote of the author or outside him, which helps to connect with the reader and hook him with the text.

Examples of narrative paragraphs

«The word of the Lord was addressed to Jonah, son of Amitai, in these terms: he departs right now for Nineveh, the great city, and cries out against it, for his wickedness has come down to me.» But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish, far from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found there a ship sailing towards Tarshish; He paid for his passage and embarked to go with them to Tarshish, far from the presence of the Lord.

Jonah 1:1-3

«The new U.S. congressmen took office on January 3, 2021. That same day they inaugurated the 117th congress of that nation. Being a country founded by Puritans, they have followed the tradition of closing the prayer with the word amen, during 116 consecutive congresses. But in the latter tradition was broken. The Missouri congressman, who is also a Methodist pastor, Enmanuel Cleaver, closed the sentence with the following sentence: «amen and a-woman.»

Excerpt from the article «Amen and a-woman»: the phrase that marks a new era in the USA congress» by José Gomera in Palfcris.org

Expository paragraphs

These types of paragraphs explain something or provide instructions. You could also write a process, method, or guide with steps to solve a problem or to do something specific. This is one of the types of paragraphs that require more research. But if the author is an expert in what he exposes, he could rely on his own exposition.

Examples of expository paragraphs

«Outsourcing by competitions»: companies like Designhill allow you to create a contest focused on your design needs. In this case, you choose the type of design, the name of your company or website. You select the industry you belong to and then choose from hundreds of designs you like. They also allow you to get unlimited reviews. In the end you stay with the design that you like the most. You will see that these designers do know how to make a quality infographic.»

Fragment of the article «How to make an infographic and how to position it in 8 simple steps» by José Gomera in José gomera.com.

«If this is your first time reading the Bible, you can start with the New Testament. It is simpler to read than the Old Testament and above all you will quickly learn about Jesus Christ and His ministry on earth.»

Excerpt from the article «How can I start reading the Bible? in veniracristo.org.

Persuasive paragraphs

This is one of the easiest types of paragraphs to build, one of the most used, but also, one of the most misunderstood by novice writers. Persuasive text tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of view or to understand the author’s point of view.

This resource is vital when a concept can be interpreted from different types of view, but the author wants to make it clear which is his own or needs to convince the reader about what is the point of view that he considers correct. Its use can generate a large number of readers related to what is exposed or alienate those who do not identify with the text.

Examples of persuasive paragraphs

«Such tactics include, for example, the participation of people who, while participating in the march, have no idea what it is. Which reveals the financial capacity of the group to sustain these actions. As Joseph Goebbels said: «A lie repeated a thousand times becomes a truth.» They don’t even hide it anymore. The famous phrase of the Nazi propagandist seems to be the maxim of the pro-abortion strategies.»

Fragment of the text «The struggle for the 3 causal dominates the conversation in social networks» by José Gomera, in palfcris.org.

«So do and observe whatever you are told; but do not do according to their works, for they say and do not do.»

Matthew 23:3

Types of paragraphs according to their location

This typology of paragraphs does not involve the intentionality of the author or the structure of the paragraph. The types of paragraphs according to their location facilitate a structuring of the text. And no, I’m not contradicting myself here. One thing is the structure of the paragraph and another, very different, is the structure of the text.

Let us remember that the paragraph is subject to the text, and not the other way around. Any of the paragraph types must meet this condition. That is, the paragraph is part of the text and not the other way around. So, paragraph types based on their location tell the reader where they are in the text. If you are starting, if you are developing the story (yes, because each text tells a story) or if you are already finishing it.

In addition, these types of paragraphs help with scalability. A paragraph with a list of instructions or a list of things that describe a concept, for example, keeps the reader focused on your piece.

Now, let’s look at the description of each of these types of paragraphs.

Opening paragraph

It is the introductory paragraph. Open the text. I guess we already know that this piece is essential in the structuring of any text. This is the only one of all types of paragraphs that has the responsibility of convincing the reader that the rest of the text is worth it. This is so, since an opening paragraph has the following functions:

• Present the problem that the text will solve.
• Raise the thesis that is going to be argued.
• Attract the reader’s interest. Give him a reason to continue reading.

Below I leave you the video of Brittany Wolker. Wolker explains in a detailed and professional way how to make an introductory paragraph. Enjoy!

A book can contain a multi-page introduction, but although all of these paragraphs are part of the book’s introduction, that part of the book only has one introductory paragraph. On the other hand, you can write a clean opening paragraph when you start to elaborate your text, but it is advisable to leave its wording for the end.

Why? Because its structuring should not be taken lightly, since it is the most important paragraph of the entire text. If you make a blur at first, it is highly likely that during the review you will need to modify it. In addition, the elaboration of the rest of the text will give you phenomenal ideas to elaborate a perfect opening paragraph. Do you agree with me? Then read on.

Here are some examples of opening paragraphs:

«Blessed is The Almighty God, Creator of the Heavens and The Earth, blessed be all His creation, and all lovers of reading are God’s creation, they are men and women. May the Lord fill us with intelligence, with knowledge, capable of differentiating between good and evil. I understand that not all our readers preach the message based on false hopes, but I consider it pertinent to publish a reflection that the Lord revealed to me on the subject.»

Excerpt from the article «Beware! Preaching false hopes can take away our salvation» by Danny Alexander Flores in palfcris.org.

«In the first treatise, O Theophilus, I spoke about all the things that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day he was received above, after he had given commandments by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen;  to whom also, after having suffered, he presented himself alive with many indubitable trials, appearing to them for forty days and speaking to them about the kingdom of God. And being together, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to await the promise of the Father, which, he said to them, you heard of me.»

Acts 1:1-4

Summary paragraphs

These types of paragraphs summarize the topic of the text or the synthesis of it. Often, the synthesis paragraphs set the tone for the elaboration of the title. It is here that the main idea of the text is outlined.

Here are some examples of synthesis paragraphs:

It is a proven fact that the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life as we know it today. All citizens, from all nations have been affected by Covid-19. It is widespread madness that they have given the green light to governments to lock up their populations. And all this happens in the face of the passivity of horror of the majority of citizens.

Own elaboration.

«Almost 5 years after that election day, Moïse was killed in the early hours of Wednesday, July 7, when a group of armed men broke into his private residence in Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital.»

Excerpt from the article «Haiti: who was Jovenel Moïse, the controversial president murdered in his home» published in bbc.com.

«According to a Harvard University study that came out this year, the fact that millionaires are saving their money creates debt for 90% of the population and lowers the interest rate.»

Posted in Entrepreneur.com

Paragraph of interrogative phrase or sentences

Paragraphs of interrogative phrases or phrases help us interact with the reader. Through this resource we ask our reader rhetorical questions, challenge them to keep reading (as I did with you in the second section of this text), awaken a feeling, or motivate them to take action.

In addition, crafting a paragraph with three or four questions helps the reader understand what answers they will get from that point on. But if the author’s intention with the consecutive questions is to move the reader to reflection, they also constitute a highly effective resource to achieve it. Even these types of paragraphs can be constituted by a single question.

Paragraphs of biblical phrases or popular sayings or phrases resort to the longing of the old days; that the reader identifies with what he reads, since he speaks in his language, and harmonizes the content of the text with the intentionality of the author. Of course, these resources must be used within the contextual framework of the text.

Despite how valuable these types of linguistic resources tend to be, this is one of the types of paragraphs that should not be abused. Each paragraph of questions should harmonize with the thread of the text. If these types of paragraphs are used inappropriately, they could leave biases in the text.

Here are some examples of paragraphs in interrogative phrases or phrases:

«Does the president believe that an unborn 15-week-old baby is a human being?» a reporter asked Psaki last week.

Excerpt from the news «Is an unborn a human being? Biden’s spokesman evades the answer. CBN News, published in evangelicodigital.com.

Why does the abortion debate seem intractable? Do fetuses have the right to life? What arguments explain the wrongness of killing? What objections are valid to the arguments of pro-abortionists?

Excerpt from the article «Abortion: a fundamental right or a huge mistake?» Essay by Don Marquis, published in palfcris.org

«Blessed be the Lord,

for he has made his mercy to me wonderful

in a fortified city.

I said in my hurry:

«Excluded I am from before your eyes»;

but you heard the voice of my pleas

when I cried out to you.» Psalm 31:21-22

Psalm 31:21-22

Paragraphs of quotations

Quotations are fragments of texts that contain what another author said about the topic we are writing. The paragraphs of quotations also make up a small text extracted from a book or an article published on the Internet to support our argument. This is how the quotes enrich and give documentary strength to our text. They make it more professional.

This type of paragraph also includes the loose paragraphs that only mention the textual quotation or not of an author. This resource enriches our text, as it gives a sense of knowledge of the subject being discussed. But thequote must be referenced correctly. This is one of the types of paragraphs that can be used anywhere in the text: in the introduction, the development or in the conclusion.

A citation can be contained in a single citation paragraph, however, if this is very long and it is necessary to place it complete within the text, it is possible to use several paragraphs to introduce the citation. Another case is that of quote-based news. That is, news that is based on what the president or an official said. In this case, most of the paragraphs in the text are quotations. And this is absolutely valid.

Examples of paragraphs of quotations:

«The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines convergence as two or more lines that are directed at one point or when two or more people unite their points of view, opinions, opinions and ideas. For the purposes of this study, we need a much more specific definition. This definition is provided by the doctor in communication from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, José Alberto García Avilés.

With regard to the evolution of the media, García argues that «the convergence of media is a process facilitated by the widespread implementation of digital telecommunication technologies, which affects very diverse aspects and promotes an integration of tools, spaces, work methodologies and languages previously disaggregated».In that sense, García adds that the convergence of media is developed in five areas: technological, business, content, users and media professionals.»

Excerpt from the article «Evolution of the media: its forced transformation towards virtuality» by José Gomera, published in José gomera.com.

«In this same sense, he explained that «this structure has been maintained within the Ministry of Defense, but, in addition, the Colombian Constitution, in its article 218, after a great debate that the Constituent Assembly had, was clear in defining the Police in its civilian nature. And it is in the Ministry of Defense to have that harmonious coordination with all the forces, but also to fulfill humanitarian and protection tasks.»

Excerpt from the article «No one can recommend a country to be tolerant of criminality», published in Periodico El Tiempo de Colombia.

Transition paragraphs

The transition paragraphs serve as a bridge to give a change in the topic. That is, they are used to move from one section to another within the text. These paragraphs allow the author to communicate to his reader that the rest of the text addresses another topic of the subject matter.

To reflect that transition, this type of paragraph uses connectors that indicate that transition. So, however, however, despite the above, in addition, then, despite, are some of the most commonly used connectors in the transition paragraphs.

Examples of transition paragraphs:

«However, some by pride do not understand that second chance that God is giving them to truly repent of their sins and stop practicing doctrines of error. Without realizing it, they continue to be submerged in darkness blaspheming the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that is why Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds them of this Word…»

Excerpt from the article «Beware! Preaching false hopes can take away our salvation» by Danny Flores, published in palfcris.org.

«I will take advantage of my specialty in the area of plant breeding to try to understand and explain as closely as possible to what Pablo wanted to teach with this illustration. In terms of agronomic science, grafting is a method of artificial vegetative propagation of plants in which a portion of tissue from a plant (graft), is joined on top of another already established or sown for such purposes (the pattern or graft holder), so that both grow together and complement each other.»

Excerpt from the essay «Romos Bible Study 11: Part Four. Written by Ángel Adames, published in palfcris.org.

Closing paragraphs

As the name implies, the closing paragraphs are the last paragraphs of the text. These pieces constitute what in essays and books is called a conclusion. In newspaper or web writing articles, between one and three closing paragraphs can be used, depending on the size of the article. But it should never bear his name.

In the following video, our friends of Scribbr explains how to make a closing paragraph.

Are you already aware that closing paragraphs are the type of paragraph that concludes the text? Alright, now let’s look at some aspects that you can address to build this type of paragraphs:

• Offer conclusions regarding the subject matter. Which does not mean that the word ‘conclusion’ is necessarily used.
• Provide suggestions on the subject.
• Motivate the reader to identify with the ideas discussed.
• Retrieve the essence of the text.
• Summarize the central ideas of the text.
• Call the reader to action. Which means you can invite him to follow you on social media, leave a comment, among other things.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer or a front-end programmer, understanding the types of paragraphs and how to place them correctly, within the structure of the text, gives you a competitive advantage over your peers.

Correctly placing each of the types of paragraphs where it corresponds is the key to organizing ideas and giving documentary strength to the text. As well as, facilitate its reading and make our reader identify with what we have written.

If you’ve made it this far, you know more about the types of paragraphs than most professionals. Now you have a powerful weapon that will help you unleash the literary creativity in you. Please leave a comment.