What is a Paragraph?
• A paragraph is a group of sentences that
tells about one subject or area.
• Each sentence in a paragraph must give
information about the topic
Reasons to Write a Paragraph
• 1. Describe something
• 2. Tell a story
• 3. Explain something
• 4. To Persuade
Elements of Paragraph
• Unity
• Coherence
• Topic Sentence
• 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.
Coherence
•making the paragraph easily understandable
to a reader.
•Coherency in paragraphs by creating logical
bridges and verbal bridges.
Coherence (Cont.)
Logical bridges
• The same idea of a topic is carried over
from sentence to sentence
• Successive sentences can be constructed
in parallel form
Coherence (Cont.)
Verbal bridges
•Key words can be repeated in several sentences
•Synonymous words can be repeated in several
sentences
•Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences
•Transition words can be used to link ideas from
different sentences
Topic Sentence
• A Topic Sentence is a statement that
indicates a what idea or thesis the paragraph
is going to deal with.
• Topic Sentences can occur anywhere in the
paragraph but ideal way to use it at the
beginning of the paragraph.
• Topic Sentence summarizes the whole idea
of a paragraph.
Adequate development
• The “topic” or “thesis” should be discussed
fully and adequately.
• Wary of the paragraph, not to deviate from
the main agenda.
• Some methods to make sure your
paragraph is well-developed:
Adequate development (Cont.)
• Use examples and illustrations
• Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence,
details, and others)
• Examine testimony (what other people
say such as quotes and paraphrases)
• Use an anecdote or story
• Define terms in the paragraph
• Compare and contrast
Adequate development (Cont.)
• Evaluate causes and reasons
• Examine effects and consequences
• Analyze the topic
• Describe the topic
• Offer a chronology of an event (time
segments)
Parts of a Paragraph
• Topic :
Sentence: States the main idea of the paragraph. It tells
Topic sentence
the reader what the paragraph will be about. A good topic sentence
does two things: 1. It names a subject 2.) It give the focus or main
point
Ex: Subject: Egypt Main Focus: Religion
Ex: Subject: Egyptian Religion Main Focus: Gods
• Supporting :
Supporting DetailsDetails: Sentences that are connected to
the main idea. They include information or details the reader needs in
order to understand the topic. Sentences should be ordered in the best
possible order. 3 main ways to do this is either by time, location or
importance.
• Closing
Closing: Statement: Sums up the paragraph’s message. It
reminds the readers of the topic.
Topic Sentence
The ancient Egyptians believed in many different
gods and goddesses and each one had their own role to
D play in maintaining peace and harmony across the land.
E Some gods and goddesses took part in creation. Other gods
T and goddesses brought the flood every year. Some offered
A protection, and some took care of people after they died.
Egyptians had local gods who represented towns, and minor
I gods who represented plants or animals. The ancient
L Egyptians believed that it was important to recognize and
S worship these gods and goddesses so that life continued
smoothly.
Closing Statement
