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Often a paragraph can best be developed by numerous repetitions, in different forms, of the topic sentence. This method is particularly valuable in trying to impress them with a vivid picture of a situation.

E.g. “Well, I liked the king, and as king I respected him - respected the office; at least respected it as much as I was capable of respecting any unearned supremacy; but as man I looked down upon him and his nobles - privately. And he and they liked me, and respected my office; but as an animal, without birth or sham title, they looked down upon me - and were not particularly private about it, either. I didn't change for my opinion about me: the account was square, the books balanced, everybody was satisfied.

(M.Twain. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court)

Writing a Paragraph

A. What points does the author make in the preceding paragraph? In how many ways does he express the idea?

B. For what purpose does the author use repetition?

There are other possible ways of developing a paragraph: illustrations or examples, a combination of two or more methods.