The three parts of a paragraph Paragraph writing The three parts of a paragraph Topic Sentences Supporting sentences Conclusions

A paragraph is like a sandwich (It has three parts) A Topic sentence Tells the reader what is going to be said Supporting sentences Say what is going to be said A Conclusion Says what has been said and ties everything together

The Topic Sentence Tells the reader the main idea; Has two parts: (therefore it usually comes first) Has two parts: 1) The Topic tells what the paragraph is about 2) The Controlling Idea limits the topic

Supporting Sentences Develop the topic Explain or prove the topic/writer’s position

Conclusion Some paragraphs (but not all) have a concluding sentence, especially if a new topic is being introduced in the next paragraph The concluding sentence summarizes the paragraph and makes a final comment

Sample Paragraph Goldfish make the best pets for three reasons. First of all, goldfish are quiet. They don’t bark, howl, meow, or race around the house when you are trying to sleep. Secondly, they are economical. You can buy a goldfish at your local pet shop for about $1, and a small bowl costs less than $5. Water is practically free. Also, they only eat a pinch of dried fish food daily. Thirdly, goldfish are very well behaved. They don’t have teeth so they can’t chew your furniture or bite your guests. They don’t go outside so they can’t dig holes in your garden. If you want an economical pet that doesn’t cause any trouble, visit your nearest goldfish store.

“Goldfish make the best pets for three reasons” Topic: Goldfish Controlling idea: make the best pets for three reasons What is this paragraph about? Goldfish What will this paragraph tell us? Why they make the best pets. It will not talk about other pets, the history of goldfish, how to breed them or different kinds of goldfish.

“….make the best pets for three reasons.” Supporting sentences ‘Prove’ the idea Each point is discussed in order First, the writer says goldfish are quiet Next, she says they are economical Finally, she says they are well behaved (Notice the use of signal language) Follow the ‘rule of unity’ All sentences are about one main idea (The writer does not write about types of goldfish or other pets in this paragraph)

“If you want a quiet economical pet….” Paragraphs that stand alone or do not continue often have concluding sentences Concluding sentences summarize and close the paragraph. They tell the reader that this topic is finished