Topic Sentence

What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one?

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be
about.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada
has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-
trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities
are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people
to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Supporting Details

What are supporting sentences?

They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.

What do they do?

They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them?

You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has
an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by
well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally,
Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and
lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
Closing Sentence

What is the closing sentence?

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one?

Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has
an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable
price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained
teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean
and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As
a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Definition Paragraph

When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and explain what it is.
Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.

The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:

1. "is defined as"

Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.

2. "is a kind of"

Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property

Writing Paragraphs
What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.

Five Writing Steps:

1. Open your notebook and word processor.

2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your ideas.

http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/tips/paragrap/write.htm

Many people need help writing a paragraph. If you don't know how to write a paragraph, it can
be a difficult thing to do. Here is a way to make it easier.

Getting started on your paragraph

Before you start writing a paragraph, you need to decide two things. What are you writing about?
What do you want to say? The purpose of any paragraph is to express an idea. Most paragraphs
consist of a few related sentences.

You can write a successful paragraph by starting off with a plan. The key to doing a successful
paragraph is to break down the writing into short, simple steps.

• Subject of your paragraph

Write down the subject of your paragraph. To express your subject, write only a word or phrase.
Who or what are you writing about?

• Pre-writing for your paragraph

Begin by brainstorming. Brainstorming doesn't involve writing complete sentences or paragraphs.
Brainstorming involves coming up with ideas using words or short phrases.

• One popular way to to create pre-writing ideas is to ask yourself questions about your subject.

Here are some questions you might ask yourself:

What do I know about this subject? How does this subject relate to me? What do I like or
dislike about this subject? What words best describe it?

Write only a word or phrase in response to each question

http://howtowriteaparagraph.com/
Writing Paragraphs
Contents
WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
WHY USE PARAGRAPHS?
HOW IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED?
HOW DO YOU WRITE A PARAGRAPH?
HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS FLOW?

Writing a paragraph is not a natural skill, but learned skill. Anyone

can learn! Simply follow the structure below.

WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
A paragraph usually contains a general idea in one sentence, and 4 - 5
supporting sentences which expand this idea by giving explanation, details
and/or examples to support the main idea. Length can vary.

On the page, the paragraph is a solid block of writing (like this!) To start a
new paragraph, you should leave a whole line and start at the beginning of
the line after. You can indent - if handwriting (start about 2 cm from the left),
but this is not necessary if you have left a line.

WHY USE PARAGRAPHS?

Paragraphs are used to separate main ideas. A new paragraph signals to the
reader that a new idea is about to be discussed. The break between
paragraphs gives the reader time to take in each idea.

HOW IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED?

There is no one correct structure. However, a useful structure is:

1. Topic Sentence
This is the first sentence and it expresses the main idea.
2. Supporting Sentences
details that expand your main idea.
3. Concluding Sentence
a rounding off, possibly by summarizing what has been said or
drawing a logical conclusion from it.
(Note that in a piece of writing which is longer than one
 paragraph you should leave your conclusion to the very end!)

Another way of explaining the 3 parts of a paragraph is to describe these

parts like this:

1. Say what you are going to say.

2. Say it.

3. Say what you've said!

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING of paragraph structure.

Choose which of the following sentences is the topic sentence for

a planned paragraph about Australian Government.
(Click on A, B, C or D)

The Commonwealth Government looks after

areas of national importance.

There are three levels of government in

Australia.

Local concerns, such as suburban streets

and garbage services are looked after by
Local Government.

The State Government's responsibilities

include hospitals, schools and state
police forces.

HOW DO YOU WRITE A PARAGRAPH?

Planning is essential. Even in situations where time is limited, you should
plan by briefly noting your points.
A plan can look like this:
When you are planning, Jot down Just enough to remind you of your points.
Number your points so that when you write you know what order you are
going to write them in.
WRITING...
For an assessment task, you will probably need to

Write one draft from your plan,

then make corrections (edit your

draft)

then rewrite it.

Even professional writers do this!

Sample of the finished paragraph:

There are three levels of government in
Australia. The Commonwealth looks after areas
of national importance such as postal
services, foreign affairs, and collecting and
distributing taxes. It also supervises the
armed forces. The State Governments'
responsibilities include hospitals, schools
and the state police forces. Local concerns,
 such as suburban streets and garbage
services, are looked after by Local
Government. So, in general, the
responsibilities of each level of government
are appropriate to the geographical area it
serves.

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS FLOW?

Sometimes writing sounds jerky when read. You can make your paragraph
more flowing by:

Using linking words and phrases such as: also, as well as,
firstly, next, then, finally, so thus, as a result, because,
1.
therefore, for example, for instance, in contrast, on the other
hand.
Using pronouns: Once mentioned, Jack Smith can become he,
2. Dr. Susan Brown can be she, and the community can be called
it, - as long as the meaning is clear.
3. Starting sentences in different ways. For example:
Draft sentence:
"In Australia, there are three levels of
government"

Instead, you could write...

"Government in Australia is on three
different levels"

or...
"There are three different levels of
government in Australia."

Warning! Of course, the focus of the sentence may change if you start a
different wall - be sure it is what you want!
FINALLY...
The paragraph is basic to most writing styles. It is worth spending some time
getting it right.
http://www.ncistudent.net/studyskills/writingskills/WritingParagraphs.htm

Tips for Writing a Paragraph

Characteristics of a good paragraph:
 • Topic sentence, which includes the topic and a controlling idea.
• Supporting ideas (usually 3 - 6), which support the topic sentence
• RENNS (reasons, examples, names, numbers, senses), which give details for and
further explain the supporting ideas.
• Optional concluding sentence, which leaves the reading with something to think about
and may summarize the supporting ideas if the paragraph is long.
• Unity, which means that all sentences in the paragraph directly support the topic
sentence.
• Coherenence, which means that all the information of the paragraph is well-organized,
logically ordered and easy to follow. This is accomplished by:
o Repetition of key words and phrases (often from the topic sentence)
o Parallel grammatical structure
o Transition words and phrases. Click here for a web site with many of these
expressions.

Process of Writing a Paragraph:

1. Compose your topic sentence. Think of a topic and a controlling idea that will narrow the
topic enough to support it well in one paragraph.
2. Brainstorm supporting ideas. Choose 2 - 6 supporting ideas that do a good job
supporting your topic sentence.
3. Write your paragraph in topic outline form as follows. Don't actually write sentences in
the outline, except for the topic sentence.

Topic sentence:

A. Supporting idea 1.

1.
2.
3.

B. Supporting idea 2.

1.
2.
3.

C. Supporting idea 3.

1.
2.
3.

Concluding sentence:
 4. Put your supporting ideas in a logical order.
5. For each supporting idea, think of RENNS that further explain the idea. For balance,
each supporting idea should have about the same amount of RENNS.
6. Think of a concluding sentence.
7. Write your paragraph using sentences. Use the coherence strategies to make your
paragraph easy to follow.

Here is an example we did in class.

We came up with a good topic sentence and supporting ideas:

Topic sentence: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.

Supporting ideas: 1. Good Location, 2. Affordable, 3. Good preparation for major

We decided to order these supporting ideas according to importance as shown in the

outline below.

Now we put this information iinto outline form and added some RENNS for each
supporting idea.

Topic sentence: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.

A. Good preparation for your major

1. thorough, solid curriculum

2. qualified professors

B. Affordable

1. must be able to pay tuition and living expenses

2. possibility of scholarships

C. Good Location

1. study environment
2. possibilities of parttime job in your major

Concluding sentence: You should consider these points carefully so you can choose the
most appropriate college or university for you.

Finally, we wrote the paragraph using sentences and trying to make the paragraph coherent
using different coherence strategies.

Choosing a college or university can be difficult. The most difficult part is finding a university
that prepares you well for your future career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is
taught must be thorough and up-to-date. In addition, the professors must be highly qualified and
respected in their fields. Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. You
need to be able to pay the tuition fees and living expenses. Some institutions might be able to
offer you scholarships if you cannot afford the fees. A good location is also very important when
choosing a school. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying. Moreover,
there should be possibilities near the school for parttime or summer jobs in your major, so you
can get some practical work experience. You should consider all of these points carefully so you
can choose the most appropriate college or university for you.

http://homepage.usask.ca/~dul381/common/paragraph.html
How to write Paragraph of your term papers
Writing a Paragraph may be the most difficult task for some but it surely is not impossible.
With proper guidance and knowledgeable tips, anyone can write a paragraph that has a
perfect introduction, captivating details in the middle and a remarkable closing sentence
that would leave a lasting impression on the reader. Your custom term papers and college
term papers will contain properly organized paragraphs that will surely impress your
teacher.

At Paragraph Organizer, we teach kids like you ways of drafting an average paragraph into
an excellent one with the help of carefully researched and compiled guide, tips and
techniques. If you know how to write a good paragraph, nothing can stop you from writing a
great paper. The basis should be strong and that is where we come in.

A paragraph is a unit of text that develops one idea or topic in specific detail. A paragraph
has a beginning, a middle and an end. The beginning, or the topic sentence, forecasts what
the paragraph is going to be about. The middle develops the idea in detail by giving specific
How
support fordo I write
it, and a paragraph?
the conclusion How
emphasizes the can
insight youIhave
begin?
arrived at .
It is important to know how to write a paragraph. There are certain rules you should
follow in order to write a paragraph and to know how to write term papers. Your first
sentence should be a topic sentence and should contain the topic and an opinion on the
topic. It should strictly not contain any supporting ideas which MUST feature in the next
sentence. You should write at least three sentences supporting your ideas, with facts,
reasons, examples, statistics, comparison, or an anecdote. Last, you should have a
concluding sentence which reasserts your opinion, but does not have the same wording.
Going by these helpful rules will lead to good paragraph writing.

There are also four stages in which we have categorized paragraph writing so as to make
it a lot easier for you to learn the art. The four stages are:
Prewriting Paragraphs
Writing Paragraphs
Editing Paragraphs
Publishing Paragraphs

What is the prewriting stage?

The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas for your
paragraph before you begin writing.

Six Prewriting Steps:

1. Think carefully about what you are going to write:
Ask yourself: What question am I going to answer in this paragraph? How can
I best answer this question? What is the most important part of my answer?
How can I make an introductory sentence from the most important part of my
answer? What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence?
How can I make this paragraph interesting? Do I need more facts on this topic?
Where can I find more facts on this topic?
 2. Open your notebook:
Write out your answers to the above questions. You do not need to spend a
lot of time doing this. Just write enough to help you remember why and how
you are going to write your paragraph.

3. Collect facts related to your paragraph topic:

http://www.paragraphorganizer.com/inner/how_to_write_paragraph.htm
Look for and write down facts that will help you to answer your question.

4. Write down your own ideas:

Ask yourself: What else do I want to say about this topic? Why should people
be interested in this topic? Why is this topic important?
http://www.paragraphorganizer.com/inner/how_to_write_paragraph.htm

5. Find the main idea of your paragraph:

Writing a Good Paragraph
Choose the most important point you are going to present. If you cannot
decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick
What is a paragraph?
to it throughout your paragraph.
A paragraph can be defined as a basic unit of organization in writing. In a paragraph, a group of
related sentences will develop into one main idea. It can be as short as one sentence or as long as ten
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea:
sentences. In this case, the number of sentence is unimportant; nevertheless, basically a paragraph
Once you
should be long enough have chosen
to express the idea
the main mostclearly.
important point of your paragraph, you must
find the best way to tell your reader about it. Look at the facts you have
written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas
Three Parts of a Paragraph
will best support the main idea of your paragraph. Once you have chosen the facts
and ideas
In writing a paragraph, you plan
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be beared ask yourself
mind that awhich order has
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structural parts,
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The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph.Not only determining the topic of the
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paragraph.
scopes the topic will be discussed in the space of one paragraph.

Example:

Blogging activity is very famous in the world because of its advantages.

Whatactivity
the phrase Blogging is the writing
in the examplestage?
acts as the topic, while the phrase its advantages acts as
the controllingThe
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in the paragraph.

Five Writing Steps:

P. S: To be a reminder; it is necessary to consider the characteristic of topic sentence, namely: not
1. not
too general and Opentooyour notebook and word processor.
specific.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences and closing sentence.
Second is the 3.
supporting sentences.
Write clear These
and simple sentences
sentences developyour
to express the topic sentence in which they explain
meaning.
the sentence by giving reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and quotations.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
The last part a5.ofUse the dictionary
a paragraph to help you
is concluding find additional
sentence. This partwords to express
signals your
the end of theideas.
paragraph and
gives the reader such important point to remember. Practically, this part usually refers back to the
topic sentence.

Two Additional Elements

What
Beside those three is the
structural editing
parts, a good stage?
paragraph also has the elements of unity and coherence.
Unity means that the paragraph discusses only one main idea. The main idea is stated in the topic
The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them.
sentence and the supporting sentences develop about that idea. For example, if you want to write
about the advantages of blogging, discuss only about it. Do not discuss anything else, such as the
disadvantages.Grammar and Spelling
Furthermore, Coherence means that the paragraph is easy to read and understand because of two
1. (1)
things, namely: Check
theyour spelling.
supporting sentences is in some kind of logical order, in which every
supporting sentences
2. Checkisyour
discussed one after another , (2) every ideas in the paragraph is connected
grammar.
3. Read your assignment again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
 Style and Organization
1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
3. Make sure you have a closing sentence.
4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
using appropriate transition
5. See signals which
if your paragraph means that the relationship between the ideas is clearly
is interesting.
shown to the readers. For example: "first of all", "furthermore", "for example", "in conclusion", etc.
For the explanation about this transition signals, will be discussed later, in the next article.

In summary, whether or not those elements consists in a paragraph, will determine the paragraph is a
well-written paragraph or not. Therefore, practice to add all of those elements to your writing.

Good luck! What is the publishing stage?

The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your assignment to
http://www.qondio.com/writing-a-good-paragraph
hand in. The three most vital publishing steps are: 1. Make a paper copy of your
paragraph.
2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor or parents.
3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your writing.