1. The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

2. The Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is usually stated in one sentence and is the first sentence in a paragraph.
The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the topic sentence.

3. Developing a Paragraph
Can be
developed
by giving
examples about
the topic
sentence.
Can
be developed
by giving an
explanation of
the topic.
Can be developed by giving details on the topic sentence.

4. Organizing the Paragraph
Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea stated in the topic sentence. STAY ON TOPIC!
main idea
sentence
sentence
sentence
sentence

5. Put details and examples in logical order.

6. Transitional Words to begin with first however furthermore meanwhile
later
afterwards
finally
at last
eventually
in the end
however
furthermore
in fact
yet
as a result
although
for example
therefore
in conclusion

7. Types of Paragraphs The narrative paragraph The persuasive paragraph.
tells a story
The persuasive paragraph.
tries to convince the audience
The descriptive paragraph
describes something
The expository or explanatory paragraph
gives information or explains something