3 Parts  Topic Sentence with Transition  Supporting Details  Clincher Sentence

Topic Sentences  Also known as the main idea sentence  Purpose  To tell your read what the following paragraph is going to be about  What is its topic

Practice Another difficulty that is unique to outer space is the presence of meteors and micrometeors. These are pieces of rock and metal that are left over from the formation of the solar system. Many of these objects travel at very high speeds. Under the Earth's blanket of air, people are usually protected from metor impacts. However, in space, people and spaceships are vulnerable to collisions with meteors. It is true that the chance of metor impacts is relatively small, but if even a small micrometeor happens to collide with a spacecraft, it could cause serious damage.

Transitions  Words or phrases that show relationships between ideas  Purpose  Give the reader a clue about what comes next in a passage  Make your ideas flow from one to another

7 Types of Transitions 1. Time or Sequence  Words such as: first, second, finally, last, next, afterward, after, earlier, during, while, before, then, previously, now, until, etc  Example: Previously, I studied Spanish, but now I'm taking French.

7 Types of Transitions 2. Signal Additional Information  Words and phrases such as: in addition, furthermore, moreover, and, also, another, etc.  Example: My teacher Mrs. Jenkins is doing an excellent job. Furthermore, she deserves to get a raise.

7 Types of Transitions 3. Signal Examples or Illustrations  Words such as: for example, for instance, to illustrate, such as, including, etc  Example: There are many kinds of snacks to eat that are healthy for you. For example, an orange would be a healthy snack because it has vitamins and fiber.

7 Types of Transitions 4. Signal Comparison  Words and phrases such as: likewise, similarly, in the same manner, just as, as well, etc  Example: Jerry plays the electric guitar in his friend's band. Similarly, his sister Gina plays the keyboard in her friend's band.

7 Types of Transitions 5. Signal Contrast  Words and phrases such as: however, although, but, yet, nevertheless, whereas, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, instead, etc  Example: Our town had severe weather this week, including thunderstorms and tornado watches. However, we have clear sunny skies in our forecast for next week.

7 Types of Transitions 6. Signal Cause and Effect  Words and phrases such as: as a result, consequently, thus, therefore, because, accordingly, since, so, etc.  Example: Mrs. Kelly was bitten by a dog when she was a little girl. Therefore, as an adult, she's afraid of dogs.

7 Types of Transitions 7. Signal Endings or Closings  Words and phrases such as: in conclusion, all in all, in brief, in summary, as indicated above, etc.  Example: In conclusion, every student in our school could greatly benefit from our new arts program.

Practice 1. What would be the best transition word or phrase to connect the ideas in this sentence?  I have an English paper that is due next week; _______, I need to do some research at the library.  whereas  therefore  for example  previously

Practice 2. In the following sentence, what does the transition phrase "in the same manner" signal? Katrina studied hard in college and later became a lawyer; in the same manner, her cousin Martin made excellent grades in school and became a doctor.  closing  illustration  comparison  time

Supporting Details  Supporting sentences support the main idea of the paragraph  Explains the purpose of the main idea  Gives us details about the main idea  Supporting sentences should contain relevant details that develop and explain the main idea

Practice Mexico offers visitors a world of contrasts. Its pyramids and ancient ruins are part of ancient history, while its modern cities provide us with the best of today's technology. Its mountains offer cool weather and rocky peaks, while only a few miles away, its beaches tempt us with warm sun and white sand. Its fancy restaurants serve the most sophisticated continental cuisine, while sidewalk vendors sell the simplest of native foods.

Clincher Sentences  The last sentence in your body paragraph  Purpose is to remind your reader what the paragraph was all about  Basically, you are restating the topic sentence  Saying the same thing just using different words

Practice Mexico offers visitors a world of contrasts. Its pyramids and ancient ruins are part of ancient history, while its modern cities provide us with the best of today's technology. Its mountains offer cool weather and rocky peaks, while only a few miles away, its beaches tempt us with warm sun and white sand. Its fancy restaurants serve the most sophisticated continental cuisine, while sidewalk vendors sell the simplest of native foods.