Understanding Paragraphs and Topic Sentences Worth Weller The

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. k 12. 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) http: //www. greenville. k 12. sc. us/taylorse • Use an anecdote or story • Define terms in the paragraph

Paragraph Development www. emporia. edu/writinglab/paragraphs. html • 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.

Maintaining Your Own Voice • Make sure all the topic sentences are your own words and your own thoughts • Do NOT quote your sources to make your points • Use your sources ONLY to support your points (not to make them) • Make sure all paragraphs begin with your own words,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