- Definitions of terms or concepts
- Examples of a general statement or idea
- Details about a topic
- Steps in a process or procedure
- Arguments in support of a thesis statement
- Reasons for a particular decision or action
- Consequences of a particular event or situation
- Similarities or differences between two or more items
- Advantages or disadvantages of a particular option
- Trends or patterns in data
- Recommendations for action
When using enumeration in paragraph development, it is important to:
- Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the list.
- Use parallel structure for the items in the list. This means using the same grammatical form (e.g., noun phrases, verb phrases, etc.) for each item.
- Use appropriate transitional words and phrases to connect the items in the list and to signal the relationship between them.
- Conclude the paragraph with a summary statement or closing thought.
Here are some examples of enumeration in paragraph development:
1. Definition of a term:
> Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other organisms use the energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. The process of photosynthesis can be divided into two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
2. Examples of a general statement:
> Dogs are known for their loyalty, but there are many other reasons why people love them. For example, dogs are:
- Friendly and affectionate
- Playful and fun-loving
- Intelligent and trainable
- Protective and loyal
3. Details about a topic:
> The human brain is a complex organ, and it is responsible for many different functions, including:
- Processing information
- Learning and remembering
- Controlling movement
- Regulating emotions
- Producing thoughts and feelings
4. Steps in a process:
> To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- Two slices of bread
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
Instructions:
1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
2. Spread jelly on the other slice of bread.
3. Put the two slices of bread together, with the peanut butter and jelly facing each other.
4. Enjoy your sandwich!
5. Arguments in support of a thesis statement:
> The United States should not have entered World War II. There were several reasons for this, including:
- The United States was not directly threatened by the Axis Powers.
- The United States was not prepared for war.
- The United States could have helped the Allies in other ways, such as by providing food and supplies.
6. Reasons for a particular decision or action:
> I decided to quit my job for several reasons, including:
- I was unhappy with the work.
- I was not being paid enough.
- I did not have any opportunities for advancement.
7. Consequences of a particular event or situation:
> The stock market crash of 1929 had several consequences, including:
- The Great Depression, a period of economic decline that lasted for over a decade
- The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany
- World War II
8. Similarities or differences between two or more items:
> Dogs and cats are both popular pets, but there are also some key differences between them. For example, dogs are:
- More social than cats
- More trainable than cats
- More likely to bark than cats
9. Advantages or disadvantages of a particular option:
> There are several advantages and disadvantages to buying a used car, including:
Advantages:
- Used cars are cheaper than new cars.
- Used cars have lower insurance rates than new cars.
- Used cars are more reliable than new cars.
Disadvantages:
- Used cars may not have a warranty.
- Used cars may have hidden problems.
- Used cars may not be as fuel-efficient as new cars.
10. Trends or patterns in data:
> The following trends have been observed in the data:
- The average temperature of the Earth has been increasing steadily over the past century.
- The number of hurricanes has been increasing in recent decades.
- The sea level has been rising steadily over the past century.
11. Recommendations for action:
> The following recommendations are made:
- The government should invest in renewable energy sources.
- The government should regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
- The government should educate the public about climate change.