Basics of a good paragraph

Topic SentencesExamples with Details

TransitionsConcluding Sentences

Expository/Analytical Writing

• Writing in history class is about making an argument. It starts with making a claim and then supporting it with evidence.

• It is NOT just describing something. Your writing must make a point.

• Good expository writing begins with great paragraphs!

1. TOPIC SENTENCE

A good topic sentence is:• Usually the first or second sentence in the

paragraph• Required—otherwise talk about too much• Broad and general—not specific

Examples: Broad Topic Sentences

• Mesopotamians invented a lot of things that improved their lives.

• Everyone in Mesopotamia believed in some sort of religion.

• The geographic location of each of these regions is very similar.

• The Mesopotamians all had their own styles of speech and writing.

Possible Topic Sentence

Why was expansion good for Rome?

Expansion was very good for Rome because it gave the Romans many new things.

It is general—allows you to explain the new things in your examples.

What is the topic sentence?Does the author stay focused on one topic?

In Egypt the pharaoh is the highest and slaves were often used in the army. There was a lot of justice in Egypt. The Nile River was the best resources for food, transportation, and fertile land. They invented iron tools which helped them build the Pyramids and they used alphabetical math and science. Their cities were near the Nile River. Egypt had a lot of myths about how they were created and also about how the world was made. They wrote in hieroglyphs. Girls were not allowed to go to school and only some boys were allowed if they had enough money.

This is a better example. What is the topic sentence? Does the author stay focused?

TO DO:

• Write a topic sentence for a paragraph that answers this question:

Why was expansion good for Rome?

Examples and Details

• Once you have a topic sentence, EVERYTHING in your paragraph must match the topic.

Pick out the sentence that does not belong in the paragraph because it does

not match the topic sentence.

Each paragraph should only talk about 1 main idea. Pick out the 2 different ideas and 2 different topic

sentences in this one paragraph.

How many examples?

• Your examples prove your claim in your topic sentence

• 3 examples to prove your topic. • You need to explain them.• You don’t need to include EVERYTHING you

know. Pick the best 3 examples that will help you make your point.

Find the 3 examples that prove the topic sentence.

What is wrong with the examples in this paragraph?

• Religion was an important part of Mesopotamian culture. It helped unify the people living there. The Mesopotamians believed in many gods. The gods look like normal people with some parts of animals.

TO DO:

• On your graphic organizer, write out your three examples with details that support your topic sentence that expansion was good for Rome.

Transition Words

• If you have 3 examples that prove your topic sentence, you should use a transition word when you move to the next example. This keeps your writing from sounding like a list.

• What are some transition words?– First, Second, Third, Finally– Next, Also, Another, In addition– Therefore, Furthermore, On the other hand,

However, In conclusion

Sample Paragraph

• Expansion was good for Rome for many reasons. The people Rome conquered had to pay taxes and regular Romans did not. This meant Romans could spend their money on other things like food, entertainment or education. Also, rich Romans got more things. They could buy more than one house and get paintings, sculptures, and exotic foods. Finally, Romans had new economic opportunities. Brave Romans could move to the new territories and get land or start a new business.

What are the transition words in this paragraph?

TO DO:

• On your graphic organizer, choose good transition words to use between your examples.

Concluding Sentence(s)

• At the end of each paragraph you need a concluding sentence. You don’t just want to stop writing after your third example because your reader will be confused.

• There should be a connection between your topic sentence and your concluding sentence.

• Summarize your argument—use synonyms

Sample Conclusion Sentences• Expansion was good for Rome for many reasons. The

people Rome conquered had to pay taxes and regular Romans did not. This meant Romans could spend their money on other things like food, entertainment or education. Also, rich Romans got more things. They could buy more than one house and get paintings, sculptures, and exotic foods. Finally, Romans had new economic opportunities. Brave Romans could move to the new territories and get land or start a new business. Expansion brought Romans more money, more possessions, and more opportunities.

To Do

• Write a conclusion sentence where you finish your paragraph.

Now try it on your own

• Now, you have a good example paragraph with the proper form. You also have a list of notes from last class about the good and bad points of Roman expansion.

• Write 1 proper paragraph that answers the question:Why was expansion bad for Rome?

(Advanced: What were the unintentional effects of Roman expansion?)

RECAP

• Topic Sentences– Broad– One topic per paragraph– Your paragraph must

match and stay focused• Examples/Details– 3 is the standard– Explain them– Don’t wander

• Transitions– Used between examples

in the paragraph• Concluding Sentences– Linked to your topic

sentence– Not just a repeat of the

topic sentence– Makes your point--

explains the significance of what you said.