1. Meet a very POWERFUL tool.
The Paragraph
Meet a very POWERFUL tool.

2. Think Value Act Communicate
What am I trying to say?
Balance
Think Value Act Communicate

3. Think: Types of Paragraphs
The narrative paragraph
tells a story
The persuasive paragraph
tries to convince the audience
The descriptive paragraph
Uses detail to paint a picture of something
The expository or explanatory paragraph
gives information or explains something

4. Think: So, What do we know about …Paragraphing?
The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

5. Value: The Topic Sentence
The topic of a paragraph is stated in one sentence.
This is called the topic sentence.
The topic sentence is also known as the main idea.
Eureka!
That one topic is aka the…
Thesis Statement
in a multi paragraph paper!
A thesis is a value judgment about a specific topic.
For example, your topic may be “health care”.
Your views, biases, and opinions on this topic help you choose a position or a value judgment!

6. Act: What about the rest of the paragraph?
The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the main idea.
Through the centuries rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests.
Main idea/Topic sentence
Concluding sentence

7. Act: How do these pieces fit together?

8. Communicate: Developing the Topic Sentence

9. Unity in the Paragraph Main Idea
Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. Details, examples etc.
Main Idea
Sentence
Sentence
Sentence
Sentence

10. Unity provides balance
Main idea/Topic sentence
Through the centuries rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests.
Supporting details
What efforts?
Traps
Fumigation
Flood
Fire
Germ warfare
Blah blah Point…Blah point blah point blah blah blah blah blah point transition. So what?
Concluding sentence
The point is:
The rats survived our efforts;
we conclude they are indestructible

11. The concluding or clincher sentence
Restate the topic sentence in different words.
A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph.
It summarizes the paragraph.

12. Conclusion -- The Big Finale
Your conclusion should reemphasize the main points made in your paper.
You may choose to reiterate a call to action or speculate on the future of your topic, when appropriate.
Avoid raising new claims in your conclusion.

13. Coherence in a Paragraph
Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other.
Put details or examples or incidents in logical order.
chronological
in relation to each other
in order of importance

14. Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph
Transition Words
Chronological Order
Objects in relation to one another
In order of importance
first
meanwhile
later
afterwards
finally
next to
in front of
beside
between
behind
however
furthermore
as a result
in fact
yet

15. Body Paragraphs and Topic Sentences
Body paragraphs build upon the claims made in the introductory paragraph(s)
Organize with the use of topic. sentences that illustrate the main idea of each paragraph.
Offering a brief explanation of the history or recent developments in your topic within the early body paragraphs can help the audience to become familiarized with your topic and the complexity of the issue.

16. Paragraph Tips for Timed Writings

17. Proofreading tips Stop writing and…take a break!
Come back fresh and slowly…
read your paper aloud.
Read your paper backwards.
Ask a friend to read the paper aloud.
Remember! Spell check and Grammar check can make mistakes.