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1.8 ArticLes
An article is a word used to modify a noun, which is a person, place, object or idea. Articles are used before nouns to
show whether the nouns are general or specific.
‘A/an’ and ‘The’ are the three types of English articles. There are rules to help you decide which one to use, but first
you need to know what type of noun you are using.
When you have a single, countable English noun, you must always have an article before it. We cannot say “please pass
me pen”, we must say “please pass me the pen” or “please pass me a pen”.
Uncountable nouns don’t use ‘a’ or ‘an’. This is because you can’t count them. For example, advice is an uncountable
noun. You can’t say “he gave me an advice”, but you can say “he gave me some advice” or “he gave me a piece of
advice”.
You can use ‘the’ to make general things specific. You can use ‘the’ with any type of noun be it plural or singular,
countable or uncountable. “Please pass me the pen”, Here ‘the’ is used to make that pen specific.
1.9 constrUction of A pArAgrApH
Paragraphs are comprised of sentences but not random sentences. A paragraph is a group of sentences organised around
a central topic.
Basic paragraph structure usually consists of five sentences: the topic sentence, three supporting sentences, and a
concluding sentence. But the secrets to paragraph writing lie in four essential elements, which when used correctly,
can make a not-so-good paragraph into a great paragraph.
1.9.1 Elements of Paragraph
There are many elements of a paragraph which are given below:
Unity
Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence. Every paragraph has one single, controlling idea that is expressed
in its topic sentence, which is typically the first sentence of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea,
with the supporting sentences providing detail and discussion.
Order
Order refers to the way you organise your supporting sentences. Whether you choose chronological order, order
of importance, or another logical presentation of details, a solid paragraph always has a definite organisation. In a
well-ordered paragraph, the reader follows along easily, aided by the pattern you’ve established. Order helps the
reader grasp your meaning and avoid confusion.
Coherence
Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to
each other and work together as a whole.
Completeness
Completeness means a paragraph is well developed. If all the sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea,
then your paragraph is complete. If there are not enough sentences or information to prove your thesis, then the
paragraph is incomplete. Usually three supporting sentences, in addition to a topic sentence and concluding sentence,
are needed for a paragraph to be complete.
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