HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH

Paragraphs need 3 parts: A beginning A middle An end

THINK OF A STOPLIGHT . . . an upside down stoplight

Topic Sentence Supporting details Conclusion

Topic Sentence

Topic Sentences The FIRST sentence in a paragraph The Topic Sentence does 2 things: It GRABS the reader’s attention It introduces the topic Here are 2 common ways to write a topic sentence Give an opinion Could Introduce a list

Supporting details

Supporting Details SUPPORTING DETAILS give more information about the topic (from the TOPIC SENTENCE) Just like the YELLOW LIGHT, the supporting details are the EXCITING part to a paragraph Here are some examples of SUPPORTING DETAILS Give reasons Give details Give facts Give a list

Conclusion

Conclusion The CONCLUSION closes the paragraph The CONCLUSION restates the topic sentence- you remind the reader of your topic and why it’s important The CONCLUSION says “I’m DONE with the paragraph” Remember, this is the last thing the audience will read- FINISH STRONG!

Now let’s write a paragraph We have to start with a topic Hmmmm . . . let me think . . . How about . . .

Dogs make great pets. Here is a general statement that gives an OPINION: “I think dogs are great pets.”

Now you need some details: Give some reasons dogs are good pets. This is called BRAINSTORMING!!!

Supporting details 1. They are smart, friendly, and loyal. 2. These animals also make good companions. 3. They can also be trained to do many things.

Now FINISH it! Write your CONCLUSION Restate your topic sentence in a different way Remind your reader of why dogs make great pets

To write a conclusion, rephrase your TOPIC SENTENCE Dogs make great pets. To write a conclusion, rephrase your TOPIC SENTENCE Conclusion Dogs really are the perfect pet.

Now put it all together: Dogs make great pets. They are smart, friendly, and loyal. These animals also make good companions. They can also be trained to do many things. Dogs are really the perfect pet.

Let’s PRACTICE! Here’s another topic Let’s get excited!

Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.

Think of some DETAILS, REASONS, FACTS about why you have to go to school

1 2 3 4 The law says that you must attend school until you are 16. Most jobs require a high school diploma. Colleges only admit high school graduates. The military won’t take drop outs.

Now restate the topic (CONCLUSION) Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school. REMIX It seems that school is a necessity.

Now put it all together: Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school. The law says that you must attend school until you are 16. Most jobs require a high school diploma. Colleges only admit high school graduates. The military won’t take drop outs. It seems that school is a necessity.

Let’s try one more Here’s another topic:

There are several steps in learning to snowboard. First, you have to learn to balance on a board. Next, you have to get used to going down slopes. Last, you need to learn to turn and stop. These are just a few of the beginning steps in snowboarding.

You are now Zen masters of the paragraph. Let’s write some on our own . . .