1. Writing a Paragraph The Topic Sentence Supporting Details
Concluding Sentence
Transition Words

2. The Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph.
It tells the reader what the paragraph is about or its main idea.
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.
The topic sentence has two parts:
the topic
the controlling idea.

3. The Topic Sentence
The topic part names the topic. It is what you are writing about.
Example:
My roommate Akiko is a very organized person.
Topic: My roommate Akiko
The controlling idea part tells what the paragraph will say about the topic. It tells the reader: This paragraph will discuss these things—and only these things—about this topic .
Controlling Idea: a very organized person
Weaving It Together 2 and First Steps in Academic Writing

4. Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas
David Ferreira is a good father.
topic controlling idea
There are several reasons why I like my room.
controlling idea topic
I like my room for several reasons.
topic controlling idea
Bread is an important part of our everyday food.
topic controlling idea
Rice plays an important part in some ceremonies.
Topic controlling idea
Rice is a nutritious part of our diet.
topic controlling idea

5. Supporting Details Supporting details talk about how she is organized.
Supporting details (or supporting sentences) tell you more about the topic sentence. Supporting details give the reader more facts about or examples of the topic sentence.
Example:
Topic sentence: My roommate Akiko is a very organized person.
Supporting details talk about how she is organized.
In a paragraph, supporting details talk about how or why about the topic sentence.

6. The Concluding Sentence
The last sentence in your paragraph is called the concluding sentence. This sentence tells the reader it is the end of the paragraph.
The concluding sentence and the topic sentence are similar. They are both general sentences. You can write the concluding sentence like the topic sentence, but use different words.
There are two ways you can write a concluding sentence.
Say the topic sentence in different words.
Summarize the main points in the paragraph.
You can begin a concluding sentence with one of these phrases.
In conclusion,… or In summary,…

7. Transition Words
A transition word or phrase is a word or phrase that connects or ties two ideas together smoothly. A good way to support a topic sentence is to use transition words in your paragraphs.
Some transition words are…
For example,/For instance, Moreover,
First, In addition,
First of all, However,
Next, Likewise,
Then… Similarly,
Finally,/Lastly, In contrast,
After that, Both…and…
Before… (in dependent clauses) Meanwhile,
After… (in dependent clauses) Therefore,
When… (in dependent clauses) So…
Suddenly, Because…
A few minutes later,
Shortly after that,

8. Transition Words cont’d
Describing a process: Showing addition:
First, In addition,
Next, Moreover,
Then… Showing contrast:
Finally,/Lastly, However,
Giving examples: In contrast,
For example,/For instance, Showing similarity:
Showing time order: Similarly,
Suddenly, Likewise,
After that, Both…and…
Shortly after that,
A few minutes later,
Finally,
Giving reason:
Because… (in dependent clauses)

9. Paragraph Pointer: Examples
Remember that all paragraphs need sentences that support the topic sentence. A good way to support a topic sentence is to give examples. Use For instance or For example when you give an example.

10. Describing a Person’s Character
An Organized Roommate
My roommate Akiko is a very organized person. First of all,
she keeps her closet very neat. For example, all of her clothes are
arranged by color, and her shoes are neatly arranged on the shelf.
She also organizes her bookcase. Her books are arranged by topic.
She keeps her CDs in her bookcase in alphabetical order, so they
are always easy to find. Finally, her desk is very organized. She
puts all of her important papers in a file in the top drawer, so
nothing ever gets lost. The top of her desk is always neat, too.
Sometimes I laugh at her because she is so organized. However,
she never loses anything, and I am always looking for
something.
Get Ready to Write, p. 6

11. Adjectives That Describe Character
ambitious jealous social
artistic kind studious
boring lazy talkative
brave messy thrifty
competitive neat
creative optimistic
dependable organized
energetic patient
friendly quiet
funny responsible
generous selfish
hardworking sensitive
helpful serious
honest shy

12. Paragraph Outline I. (Topic Sentence) a. (Supporting Detail)
b. (Supporting Detail)
c. (Supporting Detail)
d. (Supporting Detail)
e. (Concluding sentence)