📝 Writing: Paragraph vs Essay
1ère Bac Sciences et Technologies Mécaniques STM
📌 Introduction
Understanding the difference between a paragraph and an essay is essential for writing exams, reports, and academic work.
Quick Tip: A paragraph develops one idea. An essay develops one main topic using multiple paragraphs.
📘 Paragraph: One Main Idea
Example: “Recycling is important for the environment. It reduces pollution and saves natural resources. Therefore, everyone should recycle paper and plastic.”
- 5–8 sentences
- One clear topic
- No sections or headings
📕 Essay: Multiple Paragraphs
Example: “Pollution is a serious problem. In conclusion, we must act now to protect our planet.”
- 300–500 words
- Clear structure with paragraphs
- Topic sentence in each paragraph
🔍 Key Differences
| Feature | Paragraph | Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5–8 sentences | 300–500 words |
| Structure | One idea | Intro, Body, Conclusion |
| Paragraphs | 1 | 3–5 |
| Purpose | Explain one point | Discuss a topic in depth |
✅ Exercise 1: Identify Paragraph or Essay
1. A 5-sentence text about recycling →
2. A 400-word text with introduction and conclusion →
3. One idea: “Exercise is good for health.” →
4. Three sections: intro, body, conclusion →
5. A short explanation of photosynthesis →
✅ Exercise 2: Match the Feature
1. One main idea →
2. Multiple paragraphs →
3. 5–8 sentences →
4. Introduction and conclusion →
5. Topic sentence only →
✅ Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Structure
1. Writing about “Why students should recycle” in 6 sentences →
2. Writing about “Environmental Problems” with 3 paragraphs →
3. Explaining one benefit of exercise →
4. Discussing causes, effects, and solutions of pollution →
5. A short opinion on homework →
✅ Exercise 4: Order the Essay Parts
Put in correct order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
✅ Exercise 5: Identify the Topic Sentence
1. “Exercise is good for health. It strengthens the heart and reduces stress. Doctors recommend 30 minutes daily.” →
2. “Pollution harms animals. It also affects human health. Many cities are taking action.” →
3. “Students should recycle. It saves trees and reduces waste. Schools can help by providing bins.” →
4. “Science is important. It helps us understand nature and develop technology. Many jobs require scientific knowledge.” →
5. “Sleep is essential. It helps the brain function and the body recover. Teenagers need 8–10 hours.” →
✅ Exercise 6: Fill in the Blank
1. A ___ is shorter and has only one main idea.
2. An ___ has an introduction, body, and conclusion.
3. The ___ sentence states the main idea of a paragraph.
4. In an essay, the ___ comes at the end.
5. A paragraph usually has ___ sentences.
✅ Exercise 7: Correct the Mistake
1. “An essay is shorter than a paragraph.” →
2. “An essay has only one sentence.” →
3. “The last sentence is always the topic sentence.” →
4. “An essay doesn’t need a conclusion.” →
5. “A paragraph can have no main idea.” →
✅ Exercise 8: Science Context
1. Writing one paragraph about photosynthesis →
2. Writing an essay on “Climate Change: Causes and Solutions” →
3. Explaining one lab safety rule →
4. Discussing 3 environmental problems in 3 paragraphs →
5. A short explanation of gravity →
✅ Exercise 9: Real-Life Writing
1. Writing a short message about homework →
2. Writing a full report on pollution →
3. Explaining why you like science →
4. Writing an exam answer with intro, body, conclusion →
5. A quick note on lab rules →
✅ Exercise 10: Write a Response
Write a short answer:
1. What is a paragraph?
2. What is an essay?
3. How are they different?
4. When to write a paragraph?
5. When to write an essay?
