Understanding Paragraphs and Topic Sentences

Worth Weller

The Paragraph…

• Stephen King maintains that the paragraph is the basic unit of writing

The Paragraph…

• “I would argue that the paragraph, not the sentence, is the basic unit of writing—

• the place where coherence begins and words stand a chance of becoming more than mere words.”

What is a paragraph?

• A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic.

Effective paragraphs

• To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following:

• Unity

• a Topic Sentence,

• and Adequate Development.

Unity

• The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus.

• If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/taylorse

The Topic Sentence

• A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with.

• It comes at the beginning of the paragraph.

coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/ibc.html

The Topic Sentence…

• Needs to be:

• Clear

• Specific

• Well focused

http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/oaa/act/ACTtransformreasons.htm

Formula

• A topic sentence = a limited topic + a specific feeling or thought or assertion about that topic

• Example: • The fear that

Americans feel (limited topic) comes partly from the uncertainty related to this attack (a specific thought about the topic)

Paragraph Development

• Use examples and illustrations

• Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details)

• Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)

• Use an anecdote or story

• Define terms in the paragraph

http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/taylorse

Paragraph Development

• Compare and contrast…

• or evaluate causes and reasons…

• or examine effects and consequences…

• or analyze the topic…• or describe the topic..• or offer a chronology of

an event.

www.emporia.edu/writinglab/paragraphs.html

Maintaining Your Own Voice

• Make sure all the topic sentences are your own words and your own thoughts

• Do NOT quote your sources to make your points

• Use your sources ONLY to support your points (not to make them)

• Make sure all paragraphs begin with your own words, thoughts and feelings

Summary

• Put only one main idea per paragraph.

• Aim for three to five sentences per paragraph.

• Make sure each paragraph starts with the point you want to make in that paragraph (the topic sentence)

• Develop each topic thoroughly, with transitional elements and a sentence that “rounds off” the paragraph.

• Include on each page about three paragraphs.

• Look at your paper to check for “balanced” paragraphs