Topic Sentences and Paragraph Development Hillary Wentworth, Writing Specialist Walden University Writing Center

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Session Overview Central Question: What makes a successful paragraph? Paragraph structure Examples Techniques and resources Q&A

Paragraph Structure

The Paragraph As a unit of a longer paper, a paragraph is typically: Indented At least 3 sentences long Not so long that it spans multiple pages An investigation of 1 idea

A Visual to Remember A paragraph is like a house for an idea. Foundation = Topic sentence Roof = Wrap-up Roof = Wrap-up Walls = Detail 1 Windows = Detail 2 Furnishings = Detail 3

Let’s Build Establishes the focus of the paragraph (that 1 main idea) Is clear and concise Is typically the first sentence of the paragraph Should be your own voice Should directly relate to thesis statement 1. Topic Sentence (the foundation)

Let’s Build Ask yourself: Is the topic sentence too narrow that I cannot spend three sentences illustrating, explaining, or analyzing? Is the topic sentence so broad that I need whole pages to fully develop the idea? 1. Topic Sentence (the foundation)

Let’s Build Topic Sentence Example: Emotional intelligence helps students cope with the stress of learning, interacting with others, and resolving conflict. The rest of the paragraph should (a) convince the reader that emotional intelligence helps in this way and (b) cover all three areas— learning, interaction, and conflict.

Poll #1: Topic Sentence I will telephone, , and/or fax principals and teachers requesting third-grade archival data. Appointments will be made to interview the 10 third-grade teachers and retrieve the aforementioned archival data from the treatment group classrooms. Next, I shall contact the Minneapolis research board to retrieve archival copies of the standardized test reports from the corresponding third-grade group of inquiry.

Let’s Build Come in the form of evidence and analysis Evidence: Paraphrased or quoted material from scholarly sources – Statistics and data – Study findings 2. Supporting Details (walls, windows, etc.)

Let’s Build Evidence Example: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the invisible wound that affects over 100,000 veterans and their families (Hall, 2009). Hmm…Is 100,000 a high number or a low number? What does this statistic mean?

Let’s Build Analysis: Your interpretation or explanation of the evidence. How the evidence relates to the overall point or claim you are making.

Let’s Build Evidence-Analysis Example: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the invisible wound that affects over 100,000 veterans and their families (Hall, 2009). Because of this high number—as well as the many thousands of cases that could remain undiagnosed—psychiatric nurses should receive additional training in identifying symptoms.

Let’s Build Concludes the central idea Prepares reader to move on to another connected idea (next paragraph) Steps back and gives big-picture perspective Is in your own voice 3. Wrap-Up or Closing (Roof)

Let’s Build Ask yourself: What do I want my readers to think about the idea I’ve presented here? Have I offered closure? 3. Wrap-Up or Closing (Roof)

Paragraph Examples

Remember the House Foundation = Topic sentence Roof = Wrap-up Roof = Wrap-up Walls = Detail 1 Windows = Detail 2 Furnishings = Detail 3

Poll #2: Paragraph Accommodation and avoidance are two short-term strategies for conflict. Vicar (2005) noted that such solutions give immediate relief but ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. Further research indicates that accommodation tactics may end in resentment and disharmony in the work environment (Manion, 2005, p. 197). More so than accommodation, avoidance can hinder worker productivity (Peterson & Owens, 2010). The stereotypical nurse persona of caregiver and nurturer puts nurses at a disadvantage for conflict resolution. Different idea

Revision Accommodation and avoidance are two short-term strategies for conflict. Vicar (2005) noted that such solutions give immediate relief but ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. Further research indicates that accommodation tactics may end in resentment and disharmony in the work environment (Manion, 2005, p. 197). More so than accommodation, avoidance can hinder worker productivity (Peterson & Owens, 2010). In order to resolve conflict then, employees should investigate other more successful strategies.

Poll #3: Paragraph “Transformational leaders respond to individual followers’ needs by empowering them.” (Bass & Riggio, 2006, p. 3). Transformational leaders have multifaceted and multidirectional roles in organizations indicative of the many challenges they face. First, they must design human resources to be consistent with the organization’s goals. They have to match followers with roles, determine the best way to measure performance, and allow followers room to grow. Organization of info and relationship

Revision Transformational leaders have multifaceted and multidirectional roles in organizations indicative of the many challenges they face. First, they must design human resources to be consistent with the organization’s goals. To do so, they match followers with roles, determine the best way to measure performance, and allow followers room to grow. At the same time, “transformational leaders respond to individual followers’ needs by empowering them” (Bass & Riggio, 2006, p. 3). In this way, transformational leaders serve both the organization and the individual.

Techniques and Resources

Memory Device M=Main idea E =Evidence A =Analysis L =Lead-out or Link Highlight each element in a different color, to see a visual.

Outline To form a rough guide for the paper’s overall structure: Jot down main ideas or points you want to make Order those points logically and naturally – What does the reader need to know first, then second? – Is each point related to the point before and after? Expand those points to become your paragraphs.

Length Fixes Long: Read through and mark the spot(s) where you see a shift in topic or focus Start your next paragraph there Short: Combine two short paragraphs with similar ideas Write a new topic sentence that covers both

Additional Tips Paragraphs: Topic Sentences: Evidence and Analysis: Read Aloud

Questions Now: Use the Q&A box on your screen Later: the tutors at