The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic. Adapted for instructional purposes from grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar

The Topic Sentence The topic of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence “TS” The TS introduces one main idea or position on the topic. -For this reason, never begin a paragraph with a quote from an outside source (use quotes as an example that will develop the topic later in the paragraph)

The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the topic main idea Through the centuries, rats have managed to survive all human efforts to destroy them. Although homeowners have poisoned them and trapped them, rats persist in gardens and garbage cans. Environmental agencies have fumigated, flooded, and burned them, yet they permeate rural and urban communities. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok Atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of human efforts, these enemies continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. concluding sentence

A topic sentence may be developed by giving details. Developing a Paragraph A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples. A topic sentence may be developed by telling of an incident. A topic sentence may be developed by giving details.

Unity in the Paragraph main idea Every sentence in the paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. main idea sentence sentence sentence sentence

The concluding or clincher sentence Restate the topic sentence in different words. A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph. It summarizes the paragraph. It transitions the reader to the next main point.

Coherence in a Paragraph Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other. Put details or examples or incidents in logical order. 1 2 3 Chronological 4 Comparative: in relation to each other (compare/contrast) Order of importance

Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph Transition Words compare/contrast similarly likewise meanwhile although on the other hand to show examples for instance namely in addition for example as a case in point in order of importance most importantly furthermore as a result in fact above all

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

The Introductory Paragraph Anecdote Bit of dialog Vivid image Example Quotation Interesting statement or fact Genre, historical context, author info Introduce topic BROADLY and with INTEREST

Introduce topic broadly The Thesis Statement Overall position or controlling idea Arguable, controversial, not obvious Always place as LAST sentence of the introduction Introduce topic broadly Thesis

Conclusion Summary of main ideas from paragraphs on the topic of the essay Comments on importance of whole topic Thought-provoking question Quotation Call to action Prediction about the future Restate thesis

Get ready for the Big Picture

I. Introduction II. Body Paragraphs III. Conclusion Topic of Essay Introduce topic, author, title of work, genre, historical relevance I. Introduction Anecdote Vivid image Quote Interesting fact Topic of essay Thesis Facts, Examples, Statistics, Observations, Quotes Main Idea in Topic Sentence II. Body Paragraphs Restate Thesis III. Conclusion Restate points Call to action Importance of topic in the world Prediction about future

______________________________ Introduction Anecdote, vivid image Interesting fact Bridge/introduce topic of essay Last sentence: Your thesis with brief snapshot of the 2-3 main points Expository Or Persuasive Map 1st Main Point Example from literature, history, film, OR personal experience (family, current events, pop culture) Analysis/relate to thesis Last: Transition to next point ______________________________ 2nd Main Point Example from literature, history, film, OR personal experience (family, current events, pop culture) Analysis/relate to thesis Last: Transition to next point ______________________________ ______________________________ 3rd Body Paragraph Counterargument Persuasive Essay Only Acknowledge the opposition Refute or squash with your strongest point Analysis/relate to thesis Last: Transition to next point Conclusion First - Restate your thesis/main points Call to action (persuasive only) Importance of topic in the world Prediction about future

Works Cited “Powerpoint Presentation.” The Guide to Grammar and Writing. Capital Community College Foundation. 2009. Web. 11 May 2011.