Basic Elements of a Paragraph

The Topic Sentence A paragraph needs a good topic sentence. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about. It also tells the reader what you are going to say about it.

The Topic Sentence Think of the topic sentence like the North Star. It is the focus point of all your information. It is often the first sentence of a paragraph, but it doesn’t have to be! Nevertheless, a paragraph needs a clear topic sentence.

The Topic Sentence This is the topic sentence from our example – My hometown—Burdens Landing—is famous for several amazing natural features. What is the paragraph about? What is the writer going to say about it?

The Body In a one-paragraph essay, the topic sentence is followed by the “body”. These are your points.

The Body The body consists of three “mini” topic sentences. Each one starts with a transition. -First, it is noted for the Stark River, which is very wide and beautiful. -Also, on the other side of the town is Sugar Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. -The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree, which is noteworthy for its age and great size.

The Body Notice how each “mini” acts. It tells the reader two pieces of information. What the point is about (the topic) What you are going to say about it (the idea)

The Body First, it is noted for the Stark River, which is very wide and beautiful. What is it about? What about it?

The Body Also, on the other side of the town is Sugar Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. What is it about? What about it?

The Body The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree, which is noteworthy for its age and great size. What is it about? What about it?

The Conclusion The conclusion makes the paragraph feel finished. It signals to the reader that we’ve reached the end of the idea. It does this by sounding a certain way.

The Conclusion Compare the topic sentence and the conclusion— My hometown—Burdens Landing—is famous for several amazing natural features. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make Burdens Landing a famous place.

The Conclusion The topic and the conclusion use similar words. This creates an “echo”. The “echo” signals that we’ve reached the end of the idea!

Overview Topic Sentence First Point – Second Point – Third Point a) support b) support c) support 3. Conclusion