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The Paragraph The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic. One and only One topic.

The Topic Sentence The topic (or main idea) of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence.

The concluding or clincher sentence Restate the topic sentence in different words. A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph. It summarizes the paragraph.

The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the main idea. Through the centuries rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. main idea concluding sentence

A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples. A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples. A topic sentence may be developed by telling an incident A topic sentence may be developed by telling an incident A topic sentence may be developed by giving details. Developing a Paragraph

Unity in the Paragraph Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. main idea sentence

Coherence in a Paragraph Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other. Put details or examples or incidents in logical order.  Chronological  Spatial  Order of Importance

Logical Order in a Paragraph Chronological order deals with time. Spatial order deals with objects in relation to each other (physical location). Order of Importance deals with most important to least or least important to most.

chronological order first meanwhile later afterwards finally objects in relation to one another (spatial) next to in front of beside between behind in order of importance however furthermore as a result in fact yet Transition words Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph

Types of Paragraphs The example (expository or explanatory) paragraph  Gives information or explains something The narrative paragraph  Tells a story

Types of Paragraphs The compare/contrast paragraph  Shows how two items are similar and/or different The observation (descriptive) paragraph  Describes something

Types of Paragraphs The persuasive paragraph  Tries to convince the audience The cause/effect paragraph  Shows the causes and/or effects of a situation The process paragraph  Provides the steps taken in a process

Work Cited The information in this presentation was taken from the Capital Community Foundation Guide to Grammar and Writing website. oint.htm

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