PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT Structure Topic Sentence Elaboration andor supporting
PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT
Structure ■ Topic Sentence ■ Elaboration and/or supporting information ■ Details or evidence ■ Concluding ■ Generally 5 -7 sentences in length for readability
Topic Sentence ■ General statement of paragraph’s content. ■ Usually opening sentence. My hometown is famous for several spectacular natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is quite wide and picturesque. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because of its tremendously steep slope.
Evaluate these as topic sentences ■ My hometown is famous because it is located by Wheaton River, which is quite wide, and because it is built near an unusually steep hill called Wheaton Hill. ■ There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmission and two reasons why others like cars with manual transmission. ■ Clouds are white.
Improved Versions ■ There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmission. – AND (in a different paragraph): ■ There are two reasons why some people like cars with manual transmission. ■ The shapes of clouds are determined by various factors.
Developing the Topic Sentence My hometown is famous for several spectacular natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is quite wide and picturesque. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because of its tremendously steep slope. ■ Readers likely think, What natural features make Wheaton famous? ■ Sentences that follow elaborate or support/explain the topic sentence. ■ What else is needed here?
The Devil is in the Details My hometown is famous for several spectacular natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is quite wide and picturesque. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because of its tremendously steep slope. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old. ■ Now the reader knows a number of natural features that make Wheaton famous. *The paragraph contains 5 sentences.
Concluding Sentence ■ Summary statement. ■ Topic sentence “in reverse. ” ■ Helps to tie paragraph to next idea or point.
Concluding Sentence My hometown is famous for several spectacular natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is quite wide and picturesque. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because of its tremendously steep slope. The third feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old. These three landmarks are awe-inspiring, thus making my hometown the famous place that it is. *Now contains 6 sentences.
Transition to Next Paragraph The Wheaton River, which is quite wide and picturesque, is probably the best feature. Its wide banks feature beautiful hard wood trees nestled among statuesque pines. In some areas natural beaches have formed that swimmers take advantage of every summer. Oftentimes, people can be seen hiking along the shoreline enjoying the serenity as they achieve their exercise goals in breathtaking beauty. Finally, the sun setting over the west side is every bit as beautiful as any sea horizon sunset. Hence the river is the favorite of many who come to visit. People also come to see Wheaton Hill, unusual because of its tremendously steep slope. Wheaton’s terrain consists of broad, rolling hills, making Wheaton Hill stand out like an apparition in the desert…….
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