The Paragraph By: Prof. D. Torres English

2 What is a Paragraph?  It is a group of sentences that tells about one subject or idea.  Each sentence in a paragraph must give information about the topic.  The sentences must be in the right order, so your readers can understand the information.

What is a Paragraph?  A good paragraph presents a complete and interesting picture.

What is a Paragraph?  The specific subject is stated in one sentence – usually the topic sentence.  All of the facts and details in the rest of the sentences add to the readers’ understanding of the subject.  All the parts of the paragraph work together.

The Basic Parts of a Paragraph  The Topic Sentence: A paragraph begins with the topic sentence: a sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about. It has two parts - The subject: It has to be specific enough to explain in one paragraph. - The Focus: A focus is a feeling or an attitude about the subject. It lets the reader know what you are going to say about the subject.

The Basic Parts of a Paragraph Sample Topic Sentence: In yesterday's softball game (specific subject), the Tigers pounded the Bears (focus).

The Basic Parts of a Paragraph  The Body: The middle of the paragraph is called the Body. -It includes sentences between the topic sentence and the closing sentence -These sentences must give the reader all the information needed to understand the topic.

The Basic Parts of a Paragraph Sample of the Body: When the Tigers batted, Tim started off with a double. Jaime batted the next hit a home run. The Bears scored two runs in the third inning to tie the score. After Jose hit a grand slam for the Tigers in the next inning, the Bears never scored again.

The Basic Parts of a Paragraph  The Closing Sentence: This sentence may sum up the information in the paragraph, or tell what it means.

The Basic Parts of a Paragraph Sample of a Closing Sentence: Thanks to Jose’s grand slam, the Tigers won by four runs.

The Paragraph In yesterday's softball game, the Tigers pounded the Bears. When the Tigers batted, Tim started off with a double. Jaime batted the next hit a home run. The Bears scored two runs in the third inning to tie the score. After Jose hit a grand slam for the Tigers in the next inning, the Bears never scored again. Thanks to Jose’s grand slam, the Tigers won by four runs.

Types of Paragraphs There are four types of paragraphs you can write.  Descriptive Paragraph: You describe a person, place, thing or idea.  Narrative Paragraph: You tell a story by sharing the details of an experience.  Persuasive Paragraph: Gives a writer’s opinion on the topic and tries to get the reader to agree with it.  Expository Paragraph: The main purpose is to give information about a topic. It may explain ideas, give directions, or show how to do something.