A paragraph can be short, or it can be long. This depends on the length of each story and its segments.

Expository Paragraph

An expository paragraph is a connected series of sentences that presents and develops a narrow topic by material that is orderly in plan and specific in detail.

Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is an abstract statement of the unity of the paragraph. It always presents the subject of the paragraph and an attitude toward the subject. Usually though, not always the topic sentence come at the beginning of the paragraph.

Simple (a sapling with no branches).
Complex (a sapling with at least one branch).
Compound (two or more things or saplings with no branches).

Simple (the dogs bark).
Complex (the dogs bark when the birds sing).
Compound (the dogs bark and the birds sing).

Use of Commas  (,)

Use a comma between main clauses joined by “and,” “but,” “for,” “or,” “nor,” and some of the time, “yet,” and “so.”

However, beware of the compound predicate, “The dogs bark and run around in circles.” Use a comma after a dependent clause that preceeds a main clause. Use a comma after a dependent element that preceeds a main clause.

Use a comma or commas to separate members of a series.

a) A, B, and C.
b) A, B. C, D, E, and F.

Use a comma to set off parenthical elements. But, beware of the restrictive element, which is not parenthical.

a) The children, who are playing, hardly hear the dogs.

Note – Use a comma to separate coordinates for adjectives modifying the same noun.

Caution - Be sure adjectives are coordinate tested. They are if you could replace the comma with “end.”

Use of Semicolon  (

Use a semicolon between main clauses NOT joined by “and,” “but,” “for,” “or,” and “nor.”

a) The dogs bark; the birds sing.

Use a semicolon between main clauses joined by “and,” “but,” “for,” “or,” and “nor.” if the clause contains many commas.

Use a colon to introduce a short development of a generation.

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