Writing tips: Paragraph

https://www2.actden.com/writ_Den/tips/paragrap/index.htm

In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas.
Example: Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Vancouver and Halifax.

The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:

Helper Words:

Similarities
is similar to
Example: Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in Halifax.

both
Example: Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.

also
Example: Halifax also has a rainy spring season.

too
Example: Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.

as well
Example: As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.


Differences
on the other hand
Example: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.

however
Example: However, winter is much colder in Halifax.

but
Example: Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.

in contrast to
Example: In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.

differs from
Example: Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.

while
Example: While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold winter.

Differences
on the other hand
Example: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.



Compare and contrast paragraph PDF:

What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.
Five Writing Steps:

1. Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your ideas.

In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.
Example: Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.

The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph:

Helper Words:



Cause
because
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.

since
Example: Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.

as a result of
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe.

is due to / was due to
Example: The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.



Effect
therefore
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

thus
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

consequently
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people moved to Canada.

hence
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to Canada.

it follows that
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved to Canada.

if ... then
Example: If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have moved to Canada.

What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.





What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them?
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.




What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.