2. In the strictest sense, the paragraph is a series of closely related sentences.

3.  Topic sentence: States the main idea of the paragraph in one sentence.

4. Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. main idea sentence

5. A topic sentence may be developed by telling an Anecdote (short story). A topic sentence may be developed by telling an Anecdote (short story). Developing a Paragraph  A topic sentence may be developed by giving details. A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples. A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples.

6.  It summarizes the paragraph by restating the topic sentence in different words.  *Don’t just repeat topic sentence!

7. © Capital Community College  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. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. main idea concluding sentence Example:

8.  Put details or examples or anecdotes in logical order. Make it FLOW… 4 3 2 1 chronological in relation to each other in order of importance

9. Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph chronological order first meanwhile later afterwards finally objects in relation to one another next to in front of beside between behind in order of importance however furthermore as a result in fact yet Transition words

10.  The cause/effect paragraph  Cause and resulting effects  The compare/contrast paragraph  How two or more things are alike or differ  The sequence paragraph  Items or events in order (chronological/importance)  The problem/solution paragraph  Identified problem with one or more solutions  The description paragraph  Lists characteristics, features, or examples