Writing A Well-Developed Paragraph An exercise in topic & supporting sentences THE CRITERIA: TOPIC SENTENCE, SUPPORTING SENTENCES, DETAILS, and CONCLUDING SENTENCE

What is a paragraph The basic fundamental unit of composition. A paragraph contains several sentences grouped together to discuss ONE main subject or idea. There are 3 components: Topic Sentence Body Sentences (Supporting Sentences) Concluding Sentence

Paragraph Sample My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. What do you notice about the TOPIC SENTENCE? How would you describe it? What does it do for you, as the reader?

Correct these TOPIC SENTENCES My hometown is famous because it is located by Wheaton River, which is very wide, and because it is built near an unusually steep cliff called Wheaton Hill. There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmission and two reasons why others like cars with manual transmission. Clouds are white.

Supporting Sentences: What’s the Point? My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of town is Wheaton Hill, which is a very steep cliff overlooking a lake. What do the supporting sentences do for you, the Reader?

Now for the mustard, ketchup, pickles, and onions…THE DETAILS Include sufficient details to help your reader understand exactly what you are writing about. Add a sentence or two about each supporting point to add richness and to ELABORATE! Answer the HOW and WHY! My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. On either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide, are many willow trees which have long branches that move gracefully in the wind. In autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like golden snow. Also, on the other side of town is Wheaton Hill, which is a very steep cliff overlooking a lake. Even though it is steep, climbing this hill is not dangerous, because there are some rocks along the side that are stacked like staircase. There are no trees around the hill, so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from miles away. A third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands one hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old.

Concluding Sentences A summary of the information that has been presented – a topic sentence, in reverse. My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. On either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide, are many willow trees which have long branches that move gracefully in the wind. In autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like golden snow. Also, on the other side of town is Wheaton Hill, which is a very steep cliff overlooking a lake. Even though it is steep, climbing this hill is not dangerous, because there are some rocks along the side that are stacked like staircase. There are no trees around the hill, so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from miles away. A third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands one hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.

YOUR TASK: CLASSWORK Write a well-developed paragraph (similar to the example shown today) to explain the significance of Jerusalem to the Jewish faith. CRITERIA: Topic sentence (general sentence related to prompt and which presents a question to be answered or topic to be explained) Supporting Sentences (3) Supporting Details (1-2 sentences following each Supporting Sentence) Concluding Sentence (restatement of topic sentence)