Paragraph

How to write a

What is a paragraph?Several sentences that are grouped

together

Discusses one main subject.

Has three parts:Topic SentenceBody SentenceConcluding Sentence

Topic SentenceThe first sentence in a paragraph

The most general sentence in a paragraphGeneral - There aren’t many details in

the sentence

It introduces an overall idea you’ll discuss

Example:Suppose you want to write a paragraph about your

favorite sport. The first part of your paragraph might look like this:

Football is my favorite sport. First, it requires the players to be physically fit and strong. Also, the players have to have quick reflexes in order to block and catch plays.

The first sentence (highlighted) is the general statement.

It is different from the two sentences that follow it, since they mention specific details.

IndentationNotice that the topic sentence begins a few

spaces to the right of the paragraph edge.

This is an indentation.

All paragraphs MUST begin with an indentation.

Examples of BAD Topic SentencesFootball is my favorite sport because I have played

it all my life, starting when I was six, and it is very fun.

Too many details

There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmission and two reasons why others like cars with manual transmission.

Mentions two topics, not just one

Clouds are white.Too general and too boring

Better Topic SentencesThere are many reasons why some people

like to buy cars with automatic transmission.

There are many reasons why some people like to buy cars with manual transmission.

The shapes of clouds are determined by various factors.

Body SentencesExplain or prove the topic sentence.Support the idea expressed in the topic

sentence.

Should include a minimum of seven body sentences in a paragraph!

Body SentencesSample:

Football is my favorite sport. First, it requires the players to be physically fit and strong. Also, the players have to have quick reflexes in order to block and catch plays.

You should include enough details in your paragraphs to help your reader understand exactly what you are writing about.

Consider this revision:Foot ball is my favorite sport. First, it requires the players

to be physically fit and strong. Each team member works out and lifts weights at least five times a week. The average football is able to bench 300 – 500 lbs depending on their position. Also, the players have to have quick reflexes in order to block and catch plays. A receiver has to be able to quickly run down the field, out running their opponents, to make a catch. The linemen have to have quick reflex to block their opponents on the line. The quarterback has to be able to out maneuver the oncoming defensive line in order to complete the play.

Importance of detailsBread are the topic and concluding

sentences.Meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato are the

supporting details.

Without the stuff between the bread, your sandwich would not be delicious!

Without supporting details, your paragraph would not be very interesting!

or

Concluding SentenceLast sentence of a paragraphSummarizes the information presented in the

paragraphFoot ball is my favorite sport. First, it requires the

players to be physically fit and strong. Each team member works out and lifts weights at least five times a week. The average football is able to bench 300 – 500 lbs depending on their position. Also, the players have to have quick reflexes in order to block and catch plays. A receiver has to be able to quickly run down the field, out running their opponents, to make a catch. The linemen have to have quick reflex to block their opponents on the line. The quarterback has to be able to out maneuver the oncoming defensive line in order to complete the play. Football being a physically demanding sport that requires speed and agility makes football my favorite sport.

Paragraph SummaryTopic Sentence

- General/one idea- First sentence

Body Sentences- Details/support- 7 sentence minimum

Concluding Sentence- last sentence- summarizes information