📝 Writing: The Paragraph vs The Essay
1ère Bac Sciences Mathématiques SM
📌 Introduction
Understanding the difference between a paragraph and an essay is essential for success in writing tasks, exams, and science reports.
Science Tip: “In exams: A paragraph explains one idea. An essay compares topics like ‘Renewable vs Non-renewable Energy’.”
📄 What is a Paragraph?
Structure of a Paragraph
- Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea
- Supporting Sentences: Explain with details, examples, reasons
- Concluding Sentence: Summarizes or links to next idea
Example (Science): “Climate change is a serious global issue. Scientists have observed rising temperatures and melting glaciers. These changes affect ecosystems and weather patterns. Therefore, urgent action is needed to reduce pollution.”
📚 What is an Essay?
Structure of an Essay
- Introduction: Presents the topic and thesis statement
- Body: 2–3 paragraphs, each with one main idea and support
- Conclusion: Summarizes and gives final thoughts
Example (Science Essay Topic): “Discuss the importance of renewable energy.” → The essay would have paragraphs on solar, wind, and environmental benefits.
🆚 Paragraph vs Essay: Side by Side
- Length: 5–8 sentences
- Purpose: Explain one idea
- Parts: Topic → Support → Conclusion
- Use in exams: Short answer, opinion
- Length: 300–500 words
- Purpose: Develop a full argument
- Parts: Intro → Body → Conclusion
- Use in exams: Long writing task
Key Insight: An essay is made of multiple paragraphs — each one focused on a different point.
🔬 Science Example: Climate Change
A Paragraph (One Idea)
“One effect of climate change is the melting of polar ice. Scientists have observed that Arctic ice is shrinking each year. This leads to rising sea levels, which can flood coastal cities. Therefore, reducing greenhouse gases is essential.”
An Essay (Multiple Ideas)
Introduction: Climate change is a major threat to our planet.
Body 1: Melting ice and rising sea levels.
Body 2: Extreme weather events like hurricanes.
Body 3: Impact on animals and ecosystems.
Conclusion: We must act now through renewable energy and conservation.
✅ Exercise 1: Paragraph or Essay?
Decide if the task requires a paragraph or an essay:
1. “Write about the importance of clean water.” (150 words)
2. “Describe one experiment you did in class.” (80 words)
3. “Discuss the causes and effects of pollution.” (300 words)
✍️ Exercise 2: Write a Paragraph
Write a paragraph (6–8 sentences) about one science topic:
- The importance of recycling
- Why we should protect forests
- How technology helps science
📌 Summary
- Paragraph: One focused idea (Topic → Support → Conclusion)
- Essay: Multiple paragraphs (Intro → Body → Conclusion)
- An essay is built from paragraphs — each with its own topic.
- In science: Use paragraphs for short answers, essays for full discussions.
- Always plan before writing: Decide if it’s a paragraph or essay!
