3 Parts

Topic Sentence with Transition

Supporting Details

Clincher Sentence

Topic Sentences

Also known as the main idea sentence

Purpose To tell your read what the following

paragraph is going to be about What is its topic

Practice

Another difficulty that is unique to outer space is the presence of meteors and micrometeors. These are pieces of rock and metal that are left over from the formation of the solar system. Many of these objects travel at very high speeds. Under the Earth's blanket of air, people are usually protected from metor impacts. However, in space, people and spaceships are vulnerable to collisions with meteors. It is true that the chance of metor impacts is relatively small, but if even a small micrometeor happens to collide with a spacecraft, it could cause serious damage.

Transitions

Words or phrases that show relationships between ideas

Purpose Give the reader a clue about what

comes next in a passage Make your ideas flow from one to

another

7 Types of Transitions

1. Time or Sequence Words such as: first, second, finally, last,

next, afterward, after, earlier, during, while, before, then, previously, now, until, etc

Example: Previously, I studied Spanish, but now

I'm taking French.

7 Types of Transitions

2. Signal Additional Information Words and phrases such as: in

addition, furthermore, moreover, and, also, another, etc.

Example: My teacher Mrs. Jenkins is doing an

excellent job. Furthermore, she deserves to get a raise.

7 Types of Transitions

3. Signal Examples or Illustrations Words such as: for example, for

instance, to illustrate, such as, including, etc

Example:There are many kinds of snacks to eat

that are healthy for you. For example, an orange would be a healthy snack because it has vitamins and fiber.

7 Types of Transitions

4. Signal Comparison Words and phrases such as: likewise,

similarly, in the same manner, just as, as well, etc

Example: Jerry plays the electric guitar in his

friend's band. Similarly, his sister Gina plays the keyboard in her friend's band.

7 Types of Transitions

5. Signal Contrast Words and phrases such as: however,

although, but, yet, nevertheless, whereas, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, instead, etc

Example: Our town had severe weather this

week, including thunderstorms and tornado watches. However, we have clear sunny skies in our forecast for next week.

7 Types of Transitions

6. Signal Cause and Effect Words and phrases such as: as a

result, consequently, thus, therefore, because, accordingly, since, so, etc.

Example: Mrs. Kelly was bitten by a dog when

she was a little girl. Therefore, as an adult, she's afraid of dogs.

7 Types of Transitions

7. Signal Endings or Closings Words and phrases such as: in

conclusion, all in all, in brief, in summary, as indicated above, etc.

Example: In conclusion, every student in our

school could greatly benefit from our new arts program.

Practice

1. What would be the best transition word or phrase to connect the ideas in this sentence?

I have an English paper that is due next week; _______ , I need to do some research at the library.

whereas therefore for example previously

Practice2. In the following sentence, what does

the transition phrase "in the same manner" signal?

Katrina studied hard in college and later became a lawyer; in the same manner, her cousin Martin made excellent grades in school and became a doctor. closing illustration comparison time

Supporting Details

Supporting sentences support the main idea of the paragraph Explains the purpose of the main idea Gives us details about the main idea

Supporting sentences should contain relevant details that develop and explain the main idea

Practice

 Mexico offers visitors a world of contrasts. Its pyramids and ancient ruins are part of ancient history, while its modern cities provide us with the best of today's technology. Its mountains offer cool weather and rocky peaks, while only a few miles away, its beaches tempt us with warm sun and white sand. Its fancy restaurants serve the most sophisticated continental cuisine, while sidewalk vendors sell the simplest of native foods.

Clincher Sentences

The last sentence in your body paragraph

Purpose is to remind your reader what the paragraph was all about Basically, you are restating the topic

sentence Saying the same thing just using different

words

Practice

 Mexico offers visitors a world of contrasts. Its pyramids and ancient ruins are part of ancient history, while its modern cities provide us with the best of today's technology. Its mountains offer cool weather and rocky peaks, while only a few miles away, its beaches tempt us with warm sun and white sand. Its fancy restaurants serve the most sophisticated continental cuisine, while sidewalk vendors sell the simplest of native foods.