The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.
The Topic Sentence The main idea of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence.
The rest of the paragraph consists of supporting sentences that develop 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. concluding sentence
Supporting Sentences Sensory details, with our senses, can provide or what we experience with our senses, can provide support. Facts and Examples are excellent supporting sentences. Supporting sentences contain details that elaborate, explain, or prove a paragraph’s main idea.
Unity in the Paragraph main idea Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. This is called unity. main idea sentence sentence sentence sentence
The concluding sentence Restates the topic sentence in different words. Emphasizes the point made in the paragraph.
Coherence The reader can tell how and why supporting ideas are organized; ideas flow nicely from one to the next. Organizational structure and transition create coherence.
Organizational Structures Chronological: in order in which they happened. Spatial: in order of location (often in descriptive writing) Order of Importance: least to most important or most to least important (often in persuasive writing)
Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph Full List of Transition Words on Page 688 chronological order first meanwhile later afterwards finally objects in relation to one another next to in front of beside between behind in order of importance however furthermore as a result in fact yet
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