Writing the Paragraph

Topic Sentence The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. It also helps you keep your writing under control. This is why a topic sentence is sometimes called the "controlling idea" of a paragraph.

Topic Sentence Topic sentence: Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in class. Formula: A specific subject (Students require) + a specific feeling or attitude (more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in class.) = a good topic sentence.

Supporting Sentences The body (supporting sentences) is the main part of the paragraph. This is where you tell the reader about your topic by including specific details. All of the sentences in the body must relate to the specific topic of the paragraph and help it come alive for the reader.

Supporting Sentences All of the sentences in the body should contain details that make the topic more interesting or help explain it more clearly. These sentences should be organized in the best possible order. Supporting sentences provide the evidence for your topic sentence.

Concluding Sentence The concluding sentence comes after all the details have been included in the body of the paragraph. It reminds the reader what the topic of the paragraph is about—what it means. For example, if the topic sentence is Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in class.

Concluding Sentence A concluding sentence for this paragraph could be something like . . . Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best possible chances of success in their studies. Concluding sentences repeat the main idea of your paragraph in different words.

Sample Paragraph Romeo My Dog Romeo is fun to play with. One reason he is fun is because he loves to play catch. What is also fun is that he follows me around the house with a toy and drops it on my foot so I will kick it. Additionally, he can catch just about anything, but his favorite thing to catch is a Frisbee. Finally, he loves it when I pretend like I’m falling dead, and he runs over to lick me. I really have a great time playing with Romeo.

Colors Green is the Topic. Purple is the controlling idea. Red is the body. Brown is the conclusion.

SUPPORTING DETAILS What is the dog’s main idea, or point? See page 275 in textbook. The next slide gives the answers. Cartoon copyright 2006 by Randy Glasbergen. www.glasbergen.com What is the dog’s main idea, or point? What is his support for his point? He has had a horrible day and is stressed out. He gives three examples: lost ball, warm water dish, and broken squeaker toy.

Practice Determine which detail does NOT support the topic sentence in each of the following examples.

Practice The hospitality industry is an exciting and challenging field in which to work. Some hotels feature luxurious working environments. Managers often work 10 hours a day. Many travelers enjoy vacation cruises. Large hotel and airline companies offer employees free travel and discounts.

Practice The most famous railway transportation system in Europe is the TVG train system in France. The TVG serves more than 150 cities in France and Europe. The United States does not have a national unified rail system. The trains in the TVG travel at about 186 mph. The ride on the TVG is amazingly smooth.

Practice The rental car business is a large part of the travel industry in the United States. Some agencies charge more than others for daily rentals. More than 5,000 car rental companies operate in the United States. About 75 percent of the car rental business is situated around airports. The top four rental agencies maintain about 625,000 rental cars.

Practice Air travel has become an important factor in the tourism industry. Many airlines offer vacation packages that include hotel and rental cars. During any time of the day, about 4,500 airplanes are flying over the United States. Jet aircraft have made it possible to visit places that were not accessible in the past. Low airfares help to boost hotel occupancy and increase tourism.

Practice Cruise ships have become a popular vacation choice. Many ships feature nonstop entertainment for their passengers. Some ships offer casinos and live entertainment. The Diamond Princess is longer than two football fields and carries up to 2,670 passengers. The market for cruise ship vacations has increased dramatically in recent years.