Paragraph patterns with examples and a revision checklist
Choose the paragraph pattern by what the reader needs to understand. Chronological order explains a sequence, comparison uses common criteria, and cause-and-effect writing distinguishes a mechanism from an observation.
Match the pattern to the question
To explain how a library processes a returned book, describe the steps in order. To compare two borrowing systems, discuss both under the same criteria, such as search time, accessibility and error recovery.
Build a paragraph around one claim
For example, start with 'The new return slot reduced the queue at closing time.' Add observations, then explain how they support the claim. If other changes happened at the same time, say so before attributing the entire effect to the slot.
Revise the reader’s route
Underline the main claim, mark the evidence and check that each sentence advances the same point. Split the paragraph when it shifts from explaining a result to proposing an action. Use a transition to make the relationship explicit.