Get To The Point! Writing Paragraphs

What is the point of a paragraph? What is a paragraph? A paragraph is a group of sentences that tell you about a topic. They are the building blocks for longer pieces of writing. What is the point of a paragraph? To expand upon a thesis statement and give the reader more information. What should be in a paragraph? A paragraph should include facts, examples, etc. that help to prove the thesis statement. What’s In A Paragraph?

Types of Paragraphs Narrative Descriptive Narrative paragraphs tell a story. They should answer the question “who, what, when, where, and why.” You could use this type of paragraph to begin a book report or an essay that will analyze a book or story. Descriptive paragraphs collect sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Descriptive paragraphs should answer the question “what was it LIKE?” You could write a descriptive paragraph to discuss an experience, or to describe a historical event. Types of Paragraphs

Choose your paragraph based on the type of essay you are writing! Expository Persuasive Expository paragraphs are factual paragraphs. They should gather and explain important facts and examples. This type of paragraph is most commonly used in social studies and literary analysis. A persuasive paragraph lists reasons and examples that support your position. This type of paragraph goes with a persuasive essay where you are seeking to convince your reader of a truth. You should always include facts to support your position! Choose your paragraph based on the type of essay you are writing!

Topic Sentences The first step in writing a paragraph is to compose the topic sentence. A topic sentence is the main point of your paragraph, i.e. what your paragraph is about! Make sure to indent your first sentence! “Picnics are a great way to spend time with your family.” “The French Revolution was partially caused by the state of the economy in France. “An author can express mood through the use of descriptive language.” These topic sentence not only tell us what the paragraph will be about, but also have a clear direction and focus.

How To Construct A Paragraph 1. Begin with your topic sentence. This sentence outlines your point. 2. Construct 2 sentences that prove or explain your topic sentence. Make sure you have at least 2 facts/quotes in these sentences. 3. Restate your topic sentence differently! 4. Proof read to catch errors. How To Construct A Paragraph

2. Writing the Body The body of the paragraph should include the facts/examples that support your topic sentence. Stay on task! Continually refer to your topic sentence for direction. These are your DETAILS. Reasons- Answers the question “why.” Facts- Adds information that supports your main point. Examples- shows or illustrates the topic sentence. Explanations- makes an idea clearer. “Picnics are a great way to spend time with your family. While on a picnic, a family takes time to eat with one another. A picnic also encourages a family to play with one another after they are done eating because there are no other distractions.”

“The revolutionary war was fought because both sides could not agree “The revolutionary war was fought because both sides could not agree. George Washington was a General in the war. The British and the Colonists were fighting over taxes.” Why is this a BAD body paragraph? Because the body does not prove or support the topic sentence. How could we improve this paragraph? By adding facts and explanations in the body of the paragraph that support the topic. A BAD BODY PARAGRAPH

“The Revolutionary War was fought because Britain and the Colonists could not agree over taxes. The British wanted to tax the colonists in order to pay for the French and Indian War. The colonists did not believe they should pay taxes without a direct representative in Parliament. This disagreement is one of the foundational causes of the war.” What makes this a GOOD body paragraph? The points in the body of the paragraph make sense, support the topic, and are factual. A GOOD Body Paragraph

Do’s and Don’ts in Paragraphs Stick to one idea.. If you transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. Be single minded! The entire paragraph should have one single focus, proving the topic sentence. Include an introductory and closing sentence. Use quotes as references to your analysis/explanation/main topic. Vary your word choice. Don’t begin each sentence with “I think..” Put more than 1 main idea into your paragraph. Make a quote your entire paragraph. Your paragraph should have 3 sentences of your creation! Use other’s work without citation! Include facts and evidence that do not directly relate to or prove your point. Forget to write a conclusion that sums up your paragraph! Do’s and Don’ts in Paragraphs