Example:
Because the end of the year is approaching, we would like to know the head office's plans for us next year. We have our own budget to plan. We need to know how many people can be hired and what our office expenses will be. Some advice from the head office in these matters would be greatly appreciated.

I hope you will send this information as soon as possible.

The first paragraph is a normal paragraph, with different opening and closing sentences. The second paragraph is just one sentence, relating one complete thought: the writer would like the information as soon as possible. If the second paragraph was added to the end of the first paragraph, it would not convey the thought as strongly as the writer would like it too. But on its own, the one-sentence paragraph makes the writer's thoughts very clear.

Paragraphs are used in all types of writing. They are very necessary because they put sentences into logical groups, making the writer's thoughts easier to understand. A writer who uses paragraphs correctly is understood much better. His or her work is organized and easy to read.

Exercise 1

Write a paragraph about something you are interested in. Make sure your paragraph has at least 3 sentences and has a strong first and last sentence.

Exercise 2

Look at the following paragraph. Use the WRITE function of the SARAW program to list the problems with this paragraph. Underneath that list, rewrite the paragraph, making it better.

It was raining cats and dogs last night. I will go to visit my friend in Edmonton this weekend. She has CP too and lives alone. It will be nice to get away from my parents. Her house is close to the West Edmonton Mall. I don't have class on Thursday. The trip will be too short.