LESSON LXIX.
A connected series of sentences dealing with a single topic is called a paragraph. It is a whole composition and is complete in itself.
Note.—A paragraph begins on a new line and the opening word is withdrawn towards the middle of the line.
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE PARAGRAPH.
1. Every paragraph should possess unity, that is, it should have a definite subject or topic to which all parts of the structure are related, forming elements, in its development.
2. The sentences that compose a paragraph should follow one another in natural order, showing a logical progress of thought. This principle is called continuity.
3. The connection of each sentence in the paragraph, with the preceding one, should be made clear, and also the connection between the paragraphs themselves.
This connection or explicit reference is secured in the following ways:—
| 1. | By conjunctions and adverbs. | |
| 2. | By demonstrative words and phrases. | |
| 3. | By a clear and unmistakable connection in sense. |
EXERCISE.
He kept his course westward taking advantage of the trade wind which blows steadily from west to east between the tropics. (Topic sentence). With this favorable breeze (Explicit reference) they were wafted gently but speedily over a tranquil sea, so that for many days they did not shift a sail.
Nevertheless the situation of Columbus was daily becoming critical; his crews began to grow extremely uneasy at the length of the voyage; they were already beyond the reach of succor, and beheld themselves still borne onward over the boundless wastes of what appeared to them a mere watery desert. They were full of vague terrors, and harassed their commander by incessant murmurs, or fed each other’s discontents, gathering together in little knots, and stirring up a spirit of mutiny. There was great danger of their breaking forth into open rebellion, and compelling Columbus to turn back. In their secret conferences they exclaimed against him as a mad desperado, and even talked of throwing him into the sea.—Irving.
1. What is the topic sentence of the second paragraph?
2. How does the author make connection or attain explicit reference between the two paragraphs?
3. Show that the sentences of the second paragraph follow one another in a natural and logical order.
4. In the second paragraph, point out the means by which the author relates each sentence to the preceding one.
5. Is there any statement in this paragraph that does not bear on the topic?