S.Bamford

 There are four types of sentences that make up a paragraph…  1) Topic Sentence  2) Supporting Sentence  3) Limiting Sentence  4) Transitional Sentence

 The topic sentence states one main idea.  Everything in your paragraph must be subordinate to the topic sentence.  It often appears to be the first sentence in a paragraph, however, it can appear anywhere in the paragraph.

1) It introduces the topic of a paragraph without announcing it. 2) It hooks the reader. 3) It plants questions in the readers' mind. 4) It uses thought-provoking words. 5) It is usually the first sentence; however, it can occur anywhere in the paragraph or it can be implied. 6) It provides a transition from the previous paragraph. **Not all topic sentences will contain every single characteristic.

 A supporting sentence supports the statement made in the topic sentence.  Include: concrete details, commentaries, facts, examples, opinions, interpretations, and analyses.  Include as many supporting sentences as necessary, but not more than you need.

 We had a wonderful vacation! We visited my grand parents' home for the holiday. There we met all my cousins, aunts, and uncles. We ate good food and played a lot. We went shopping and sightseeing. I didn't feel like coming back! Topic Sentence: “ We had a wonderful vacation!” Supporting Sentence: “We visited my grandparents’ home for the holiday.”

 A limiting sentence limits the scope of the topic sentence.  Used mainly in lab reports and others of that sort.  You can only have ONE per paragraph.  A limiting sentence usually starts with.. The goal of this report…

 A transitional sentence provides a link to the next paragraph.  Transitional sentences may start with…  to show time - one day later...  to clarify cause and effect - as a result...  to show location - to the right...  to introduce examples - for example...  to add more information - in addition...  to contrast information - otherwise...  to conclude - in conclusion...  to compare - much like...

 Paragraphs can be labeled and categorized into three types of paragraphs…  1) Direct Paragraph  2) Pivotal Paragraph  3) Suspended Paragraph

 A topic sentence followed by a limiting sentence (optional), supporting sentences, and a transitional sentence is the most common type of paragraph in an essay, article, or research paper.

 The first sentence of a pivotal paragraph is a limiting sentence, followed by a supporting sentence and a pivotal sentence  A pivotal sentence turns the paragraph in a new direction. Although, but, yet, however, nevertheless, etc. are found in pivotal sentences. The pivotal sentence is followed by supporting sentences and a transitional sentence.

 In a suspended sentence, the topic sentence goes last.  Limiting and/or supporting sentences lead up to the topic sentence. Introductions/thesis paragraphs and conclusions are usually considered suspended paragraphs.

 Getting paragraphing down P-A-T Start a new paragraph when… P- the PLACE changes A- the ACTION changes T- the TIME changes