The Paragraph
What is a paragraph? Definition: A collection of related sentences dealing with one topic. To the right is the symbol for paragraph. Who knew?
A Paragraph Definition A paragraph is a central idea with 'supporting information.' ————————————————————— The supporting sentences don't bring up anything completely new, they just add more detail to what the paragraph's topic is about.
What is a Topic Sentence? The topic sentence: Expresses the main idea of a paragraph. Is usually the first sentence of a paragraph. Is also the most general sentence in the paragraph.
Example of a 'Topic Sentence' Canada is one of the best countries in the world. A topic sentence clearly says exactly what you're trying to say.
What is a 'supporting sentence'? The supporting sentence: Develops, explains, and supports the main idea of a paragraph. Contains facts, examples and details. Explains why the main idea is true.
An example of 'supporting sentences' Canada has an excellent health-care system which Canadians cherish. Canada has a high standard of education which ranks among the best in the world. Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.
Supporting Sub-detail This is a sentence that adds even more detail to the supporting sentence. It doesn't stand on its own. Canada has an excellent health-care system which Canadians cherish. For 13 years in a row, Canada's healthcare system has ranked in the top five of the world. This is a supporting sub-detail, because it supports the sentence about health care.
What is a 'concluding sentence'? The concluding sentence: Restates the main idea. Is usually the last sentence of the paragraph. Is used to finish the paragraph or to prepare the reader for the following paragraph.
Examples of 'concluding sentences' As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live. or For those reasons, Canada attracts a lot of immigrants. Canada is a great model for other countries to follow.
Put them all together Complete paragraph: Canada is one of the best countries in the world. Canada has an excellent health care system which the people enjoy. It has a high standard of education with ranks among the best in the world. Canada's cities are clear and efficiently managed. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
The paragraph burger
You can always make a better burger
Analyze... Which of the following examples cannot be used as a topic sentence? My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. Clouds are white. There are three reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmission.
Let's look at a complete paragraph.
Example: 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. Some rats have even survived atomic bomb tests conducted after WWII. In spite of all our efforts, these little enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructable of pets.
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. Some rats have even survived atomic bomb tests conducted after WWII. In spite of all our efforts, these little enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructable of pets.
Three Supporting sentences 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. Some rats have even survived atomic bomb tests conducted after WWII. In spite of all our efforts, these little enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructable of pets.
Concluding 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. Some rats have even survived atomic bomb tests conducted after WWII. In spite of all our efforts, these little enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructable of pets.
Troubleshooting Remember to only focus on one main idea. Elaborate and develop your topic sentence. Every other sentence in the paragraph needs to relate back to the topic sentence.
Check your paragraphs Make sure your paragraph has: One topic sentence. A many supporting sentences as you need. A concluding sentence. Indented one space at the start.