Writing a Five Sentence Paragraph

A good paragraph is like a Big Mac. The top and bottom bun hold the stuff inside together.

Begin with a topic sentence: State what the paragraph is about, the topic. Make it interesting. Be sure to indent!!!!!!

is the topic of this paragraph. Example: Last summer my family went on an amazing picnic in a park. is the topic of this paragraph. Picnic

Write three detail sentences. Each sentence should tell about the topic. Use good describing words and interesting action words.

Example: Last summer my family went on an amazing picnic in a park. We brought freshly made ham sandwiches, apple pie and ice cold lemonade. While we enjoyed our picnic lunch under a tree, a small gray squirrel crawled close to us. Suddenly this squirrel grabbed my delicious piece of pie off my plate and scurried off.

Ending sentence: Restate the topic of the paragraph. Keep it interesting. Make it a closing sentence so your reader knows this is the end of the paragraph.

Example: Last summer my family went on an amazing picnic in a park. We brought freshly made ham sandwiches, apple pie and ice cold lemonade. While we enjoyed our picnic lunch under a tree, a small gray squirrel crawled close to us. Suddenly this small squirrel grabbed my delicious piece of pie off my plate and scurried off. We couldn’t believe this hungry squirrel had invited himself to our family picnic!

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.

Topic Sentences: Good Examples When I was a child, I lived in a house that had a strange atmosphere. There is a canyon in Northern Arizona that is the most beautiful place on Earth. My favorite item of clothing is a comfortable, worn pair of jeans that I have had for many years.

A. Don’t you just love spring? Which of the following topic sentences is the best one for the above paragraph? The most beautiful flower is the rose because it comes in so many different colors. Another beautiful flower is the daisy which sometimes grows wild. Spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are also very pretty. A. Don’t you just love spring? B. The rose is the most loved flower the world over. C. There are many lovely flowers to consider for your garden.

B. Books are my father’s hobby. Which of the following topic sentences is the best one for the above paragraph? He collects books that were written over a hundred years ago. But he is also interested in the best sellers of today. If I ever need to get him a present, I know I can always please him by buying him a book. A. Reading is fun. B. Books are my father’s hobby. C. My father was a main influence in my life.

A. Canada is our friendly neighbor to the north. Which of the following topic sentences is the best one for the above paragraph? First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Finally, Canada’s cities are clean and efficiently managed. A. Canada is our friendly neighbor to the north. B. There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries of the world. C. Choose Canada as a great place to vacation.

Practice with Topic Sentences Write a topic sentence for each of the following topics: A) your favorite possession B) an interesting person you know C) a beautiful place

Paragraphs: A Bad Example I live in a house in west Provo. I like the view from our house. We have lived there since November. We also have a car that I like very much. We were in an accident a few months ago. We hit a deer that was crossing the street at night. I felt sorry for the deer, but it cost a lot of money to repair the car.

Paragraphs: A Good Example My husband and I bought our first house last November, and we love it. It is located in west Provo near Utah Lake. Although we cannot see the lake from our house, we do have a beautiful view of Mount Timpanogos. Our house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a family room, and a large kitchen and dining area. We also have a large backyard and a small garden. We are very happy to own our own home, and I hope that we will live there for several years.

Now you are ready to write an incredible five sentence paragraph! Let’s Review: Write an interesting topic sentence that is indented. Write three detail sentences that are about the topic. Write a closing sentence that restates the topic. Now you are ready to write an incredible five sentence paragraph!

Writing Prompts for Paragraphs   A good parent provides discipline as well as affection.
(Explain why or give examples.)   People who value their privacy probably shouldn't be on Facebook.
(Use specific examples to explain why.)   With a tambourine in one hand, Merdine clambered onto the roof of her trailer during the thunderstorm.
(What did she do there?)   To discourage burglars from entering your house or apartment, you need to take a number of precautions.
(Recommend some specific precautions.)   Certain movies and TV programs reflect the violent times we live in.
(Offer some examples.)   I'll never forget how I felt on my first day in this classroom.
(Describe your feelings.)   As my friend and I crept down the dark hallway of the old abandoned house, we heard the floorboards creak and the wind whistle through the cracked glass in the window frames.
(What happened next?)   In many small ways we can all help to protect the environment.
(Offer some specific examples.)