Creative and Essay Writing: Paragraphs and Composition

<h3>Planning Before You Write</h3><p>Strong compositions are <strong>planned</strong>, not rushed. Before writing, brainstorm your ideas, select the best, and arrange them in order. A short plan saves time and prevents a muddled essay.</p><h3>The Shape of a Composition</h3><ul><li><strong>Introduction</strong> &ndash; catches interest and introduces the topic.</li><li><strong>Body</strong> &ndash; several paragraphs, each developing one idea.</li><li><strong>Conclusion</strong> &ndash; sums up and gives a final thought.</li></ul><h3>Building a Paragraph</h3><p>Every paragraph should cover <strong>one main idea</strong>. Start with a <strong>topic sentence</strong> that states that idea, then add <strong>supporting sentences</strong> with details, reasons or examples. Use <strong>linking words</strong> &ndash; such as <code>firstly</code>, <code>however</code>, <code>because</code> and <code>therefore</code> &ndash; to connect ideas smoothly.</p><div class="callout"><strong>Kenyan context:</strong> Suppose your composition title is &ldquo;The day the rains finally came to our village&rdquo;. Plan it first: the dry, dusty waiting; the first dark clouds; the children dancing in the downpour; the relief on the farmers' faces. With a plan, each paragraph carries one clear picture, and your story flows like a well-told tale around the evening fire.</div>