By definition, a paragraph is the “development of a single idea.” Topic sentences in
paragraphs announce the main idea that will be developed in the body of the paragraph.
Writers use various patterns in their responses to main ideas—argument, classification,
comparison/contrast, cause/effect explanation, process explanation, description,
interpretation, etc. The development of the body can also be characterized as a combination of
“primary” and “secondary” development.
“Primary” development is any word, phrase, or sentence that responds to or comments
about the main idea in the topic sentence. In other words, it is the “explanation of the main
idea.”
“Secondary” development is any word, phrase, or sentence that responds to or
comments about some idea in primary development. In other words, secondary development
is the “explanation of the explanation of the main idea.”
An Example of an Expository Paragraph
The following paragraph is an example of a combination of both primary and secondary
development.
Marketing exhibitions to shopping centers is becoming difficult.
Marketing directors are shifting their emphasis from "dog and pony
shows" to strictly high-profile advertising. This shift is due, in
great part, to merchants who find it difficult to relate displays to
merchandizing. Recent research suggests also that shoppers don't come
to the mall primarily to see the “soap” stars or ceramics displays by
local artists. In addition to shifts in marketing strategies, the
recession has had its impact on the “salability” of exhibitions. The
budgets of many merchants associations have collapsed, sometimes
almost overnight. Budgets for promotions are dependent upon merchant
contributions each month. When sales are down, merchants can't keep
their commitments to the marketing budgets. If it comes to a choice
between a contract for an exhibit and the salary of the marketing
director, the exhibition will be cancelled, contract or no contract.
Exhibitors dependent primarily on shopping centers are facing some
hard times.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller naevathompson. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
