Writing a Paragraph The Topic Sentence Supporting Details Concluding Sentence Transition Words

The Topic Sentence The topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about or its main idea. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. The topic sentence has two parts: the topic the controlling idea.

The Topic Sentence The topic part names the topic. It is what you are writing about. Example: My roommate Akiko is a very organized person. Topic: My roommate Akiko The controlling idea part tells what the paragraph will say about the topic. It tells the reader: This paragraph will discuss these things—and only these things—about this topic . Controlling Idea: a very organized person Weaving It Together 2 and First Steps in Academic Writing

Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas David Ferreira is a good father. topic controlling idea There are several reasons why I like my room. controlling idea topic I like my room for several reasons. topic controlling idea Bread is an important part of our everyday food. topic controlling idea Rice plays an important part in some ceremonies. Topic controlling idea Rice is a nutritious part of our diet. topic controlling idea

Supporting Details Supporting details talk about how she is organized. Supporting details (or supporting sentences) tell you more about the topic sentence. Supporting details give the reader more facts about or examples of the topic sentence. Example: Topic sentence: My roommate Akiko is a very organized person. Supporting details talk about how she is organized. In a paragraph, supporting details talk about how or why about the topic sentence.

The Concluding Sentence The last sentence in your paragraph is called the concluding sentence. This sentence tells the reader it is the end of the paragraph. The concluding sentence and the topic sentence are similar. They are both general sentences. You can write the concluding sentence like the topic sentence, but use different words. There are two ways you can write a concluding sentence. Say the topic sentence in different words. Summarize the main points in the paragraph. You can begin a concluding sentence with one of these phrases. In conclusion,… or In summary,…

Transition Words A transition word or phrase is a word or phrase that connects or ties two ideas together smoothly. A good way to support a topic sentence is to use transition words in your paragraphs. Some transition words are… For example,/For instance, Moreover, First, In addition, First of all, However, Next, Likewise, Then… Similarly, Finally,/Lastly, In contrast, After that, Both…and… Before… (in dependent clauses) Meanwhile, After… (in dependent clauses) Therefore, When… (in dependent clauses) So… Suddenly, Because… A few minutes later, Shortly after that,

Transition Words cont’d Describing a process: Showing addition: First, In addition, Next, Moreover, Then… Showing contrast: Finally,/Lastly, However, Giving examples: In contrast, For example,/For instance, Showing similarity: Showing time order: Similarly, Suddenly, Likewise, After that, Both…and… Shortly after that, A few minutes later, Finally, Giving reason: Because… (in dependent clauses)

Paragraph Pointer: Examples Remember that all paragraphs need sentences that support the topic sentence. A good way to support a topic sentence is to give examples. Use For instance or For example when you give an example.

Describing a Person’s Character An Organized Roommate My roommate Akiko is a very organized person. First of all, she keeps her closet very neat. For example, all of her clothes are arranged by color, and her shoes are neatly arranged on the shelf. She also organizes her bookcase. Her books are arranged by topic. She keeps her CDs in her bookcase in alphabetical order, so they are always easy to find. Finally, her desk is very organized. She puts all of her important papers in a file in the top drawer, so nothing ever gets lost. The top of her desk is always neat, too. Sometimes I laugh at her because she is so organized. However, she never loses anything, and I am always looking for something. Get Ready to Write, p. 6

Adjectives That Describe Character ambitious jealous social artistic kind studious boring lazy talkative brave messy thrifty competitive neat creative optimistic dependable organized energetic patient friendly quiet funny responsible generous selfish hardworking sensitive helpful serious honest shy

Paragraph Outline I. (Topic Sentence) a. (Supporting Detail) b. (Supporting Detail) c. (Supporting Detail) d. (Supporting Detail) e. (Concluding sentence)