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