Paragraph Analysis - Prof Slaoui - ACIR

‘Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah University Department of English Faculty of Letters Dhar Mehraz , Fez Sem. 4, ACIR F.Mouaid, S.Slaoui &K. Belghiti PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS. 4. Definition Paragraph analysis is the process of examining the way in which a paragraph is organised and recognising the technique(s) used by the author to achieve the purpose for which the piece of writing has been produced. Analysing a paragraph means understanding how its parts make up a whole. 2. Purpose The purpose behind analysing a paragraph is to become familiar with the different patterns of organisation and the language used In writing, as well as the purposes which can be achieved using these patterns. For example, a writer whose purpose is to discuss an idea will organise his/her paragraph in a way that s/he thinks is the most convincing for the reader. S/he will also use language that s/he thinks is appropriate for achieving his/her purpose. (In our case, the purpose is also to recognise the characteristics of a well written paragraph so that it may be used as a model.) 3. Stages of paragraph analysis 3.1. Purpose In the first stage of paragraph analysis, we try to state what the purpose of a paragraph is and how this purpose is achieved. For example, the purpose of a writer may be to convince the reader of the dangers of careless driving through describing an accident, discussing the causes and effects of such driving or comparing the way drivers behave in two different countries, Thus, the same purpose may be achieved through the use of various techniques of writing (narration, description, argumentation, etc.) 3.2. Organisation i In discussing the organisation of a paragraph, we consider how its different parts (clauses, sentences, etc.) are related and whether they make up a coherent whole. In this stage of the analysis, we also try to understand the functions of different sentences in the paragraph. For example, a sentence whose function is to introduce the theme of the paragraph is its ‘topic sentence’ and a sentence that summarises it Is its ‘reworded topic sentence’. 3.3. Coherence and Unity 3.3.1. Coherence Coherence refers to the relationships that link the meanings of parts of sentences (e.g. clauses) and sentences in a piece of writing. Thus, a coherent paragraph is one in which these relationships are logical and clearly expressed and in which the supporting sentences develop the main topic of the paragraph. This main topic (idea) is stated in the topic sentence. Coherence may be realised through the use of : Scanned with CamScannera) intersentential (between sentences) or intrasentential (within sentences) linking devices such as ‘therefore’, ‘however, ‘so’, ‘because’, finally’, etc. ; 2 ifs fe b) pronoun reference : anapnde (referring backward) or cataphoric (referring forward), using pronouns (‘he’, ‘it, etc.) ©) reminders of the topic (i.e. words and groups of words which repeat, or are related to, the main topic); ) sentences which clarify: supports in the paragraph by elaborating on, explaining, or illustrating the support sentences. 3.3.2. Unity Unity in a piece of writing is closely related to coherence, so that a coherent paragraph is a unified one. This characteristic of a paragraph is achieved through the use of reminders of the topic and unity of theme (.. when all sentences in the paragraph deal with one and the same theme): 3.4, Language ‘The language used in a piece of writing contributes to achieving the purpose of the writer. Diction (words and expressions) and the type of sentences (long, short, simple or complex) may help to strengthen the coherence and unity of a paragraph when used effectively. Note : Paragraph analysis is NOT a comprehension exercise meant to check your understanding of a paragraph. Rather, its a test of your ability to see how a paragraph is organised and how its different parts relate to each other. It is also meant to get you to recognise the different purposes of writing and how they may be effectively achieved. < Scanned with CamScanner

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