Presented by the Writing Center

This workshop includes: What a paragraph is Major elements found in a paragraph How to write a paragraph

A group of sentences that develop a main idea.

The main idea is found in the topic sentence, usually the first sentence in a paragraph.

Details need to support topic sentence. Concluding sentence sums up main

idea.

Focus on the subject – make sure the subject is narrow enough to discuss adequately in a paragraph.

Write the topic sentence – a complete sentence that is limited to one clearly stated main idea.

Generate supporting details – these details must directly relate to and support the main idea in the topic sentence.

Types of supporting details:Facts and StatisticsExamplesReasonsAnecdotesDefinitionsComparison/Contrast

Arrange the supporting details- place them in order from most important to least important.

Make sure all the sentences show unity- all the sentences must clearly relate to the main point.

Develop the concluding sentence

Shopping malls are becoming popular gathering places for many

citizens. The convenience of finding many kinds of shops under one roof is in itself

enough to draw crowds. Department stores, drug stores, boutiques, book shops,

tobacco shops, bakeries, and many more try to entice shoppers. Shops that provide

services such as pet grooming, hair styling, and optical services add to the

convenience. Entertainment has not been overlooked, either. Movie theaters and

amusement arcades can be found in almost any mall worthy of its name. For hungry

shoppers, there are restaurants and ice cream parlors, fast-food booths and candy

counters. Last, but certainly not least, shopping malls provide a place for people of all

ages to go, whether they are interested in buying or not. Even if they have no money

to spend, they are welcome to stroll, look at window displays, or just sit on the benches

that are conveniently placed throughout the malls. They can relax and feel that they

are part of the bustling world around them. When considering all of these

advantages, it is easy to understand why people are flocking to the

shopping malls.

The paragraph must fully develop one topic.

The topic sentence needs to introduce the paragraph’s subject.

Topic sentence should have support throughout the paragraph.

End the paragraph with a concluding sentence.

Paragraph Structure Analysis Handout Paragraph Development Topic Sentences & Paragraph Unity