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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Get ready for the Big Picture

14. 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

15. ______________________________
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

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