Writing Paragraphs

Paragraphs What is a paragraph? A paragraph is a group of sentences that develops an idea. The first sentence of a paragraph should be indented. The sentences in the paragraph support and give examples of the main idea.

Paragraph Structure A paragraph should have a logical structure that is easy to put into an outline: I. Topic Sentence II. Reason III. Clarifying Statement IV. Evidence (Quote) IV. Reason V. Clarifying Statement VI. Evidence (Quote) VIII. Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentences A topic sentence is the sentence that tells the reader the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence should contain only one main idea. It should be specific and detailed.

Topic Sentences: Good Examples There is a canyon in Northern Arizona that is the most beautiful place on Earth. The main theme found in The Pearl is that greed is the root of all evil.  Maya’s family faces many struggles, but the language barrier is the main issue described in Okimoto’s short story “My Favorite Chaperone).

Topic Sentences: Bad Examples I went to the Grand Canyon this winter and to Mexico in the spring of 1994. My friend is nice. I like my bedroom.

Practice with Topic Sentences Write a topic sentence for each of the following topics: an interesting person you know a beautiful place

Reasons The reason states a fact from the text. Begin with a transition The first reason… Initially… To begin with… Throughout the story, Maya has to translate to her father what the people are saying.

Clarifying Statements This is your thought or information you are adding to support your reason. This should explain how the reason relates to the topic of the paragraph. On one instance, she has to make the decision to translate exactly what the principal is saying or help her brother out.

Evidence A direct quote or fact from a source that relates directly to the topic of the paragraph. Punctuate and cite properly Lead into the quote Okimoto describes Maya and her brother being “huddled together like a tiny Kazakh island in the middle of the great American sea…” in which they must stick together (Okimoto 19).

Concluding Sentence This sentence should summarize the whole concept or topic of the paragraph. It should wrap up the thoughts in this paragraph. You can also use this sentence to transition into the next paragraph. Maya’s family faced a language barrier which caused the family dynamics to shift after they immigrated to America.

Paragraph Set up Reason (R) + Clarifying Statement (C) + Evidence (E) = 1 Chunk Paragraphs need a minimum of 2 chunks

Concluding Sentence (CS) Paragraph Formula Concluding Sentence (CS) E C R Topic Sentence (TS)

Maya’s family faces many struggles, but the language barrier is the main issue described in Okimoto’s short story “My Favorite Chaperone”. Throughout the story, Maya has to translate to her father what the people are saying. On one instance, she has to make the decision to translate exactly what the principal is saying or help her brother out. Okimoto describes Maya and her brother being “huddled together like a tiny Kazakh island in the middle of the great American sea…” in which they must stick together (Okimoto 19). Maya’s family faced a language barrier which caused the family dynamics to shift after they immigrated to America.