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What is a Paragraph and how do I properly write one?

aka “Awe, fiddle sticks, an essay question!”

A Paragraph is…

A collection of related sentences dealing with one topic

Has a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence

Topic Sentence

Expresses main idea of a paragraph Usually the first sentence Contains one/the central idea Most general sentence in the paragraph

Topic Sentence Example

There are three reasons why America is the one of the best countries in the world.

Which of the following sentences can NOT be used as a topic sentence and why?

1. My hometown is famous for several amazing amusement parks and attractions.

2. Chicken tastes good.

3. There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with scissor doors and two reasons why others do not like to buy cars with scissor doors.

Supporting Sentences

Develops, explains and supports the main idea of the paragraph

Has facts, examples and details Explains why the main idea is true

Supporting Sentences Example

First, America has a living Constitution which adapts to the needs of the country. Second, America has many economic opportunities that many other countries do not have. Finally, America is a country that has been established by the people and for the people.

Concluding Sentence

Usually the last sentence of the paragraph Restates the main idea Is used to finish the paragraph or prepare the

reader for the next paragraph

Concluding Sentence Examples

As a result, America is a desirable place to live.

For those reasons, America attracts a lot of immigrants. Wouldn’t you like to live there?

America is a great model for other countries to follow.

Paragraph that describes why America is one of the greatest countries in the world

There are three reasons why America is the one of the best countries in the world. First, America has a living Constitution which adapts to the needs of the country. Second, America has many economic opportunities that many other countries do not have. Finally, America is a country that has been established by the people and for the people. As a result, America is a desirable place to live.

Check the structure of this paragraph

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. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Eniwetok 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.

Can you find the TS, SS & CS?

TS, SS & CS

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. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Eniwetok 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.

When writing a paragraph remember

Content Structure Form

Content

Develop only one idea Be coherent. This makes your paragraph easy to

understand Focus on the main idea Develop your topic sentence so the topic is

explained in detail Add explanations, details and examples to the

supporting sentences Restate the main idea in your concluding sentence

Structure

Make sure your paragraph has:

1. One topic sentence

2. As many supporting sentences as you need

3. A concluding sentence

Form

Indent at the start of your paragraph Write clear and simple sentences Check your spelling, punctuation & grammar There should be a noticeable difference between

your capital and lower case letters Do not add phrases such as “I’m not sure, but…” Be professional, your work is not a text or casual

conversation with your homie Relax and remain confident in your abilities, cuz I am Don’t write “cuz”