Understanding Paragraph and Essay Form

paragraph Definition: A group of connected sentences that develop a topic. Structure: Well focused topic sentence (Main point of paragraph) The body has unified specific supporting details (definitions, examples, explanations, or other evidence) Transitions and repetitions that show ideas are related The concluding sentence that reminds reader of main point

What do paragraphs look like? Short paragraphs=skimpy/ underdeveloped (okay sometimes- if you know the intention) Long paragraphs=difficult to follow

Paragraph vs. Essay A topic sentence is to a __________________ what a thesis statement is to an ____________. A topic sentence is to a paragraph what a thesis statement is to an essay.

Paragraph vs. Essay Paragraph Essay Topic Sentence Thesis Statement Support Sentence Support Paragraphs Concluding Sentence Conclusion