WRITING A PERFECT PARAGRAPH From brainstorming to publishing

C HOOSE A T OPIC A paragraph is a group of sentences that develop or explain a single topic. That means that for one paragraph, your topic should be limited.

C RAFT A TOPIC SENTENCE The topic sentence expresses the main idea of your paragraph. A TOPIC SENTENCE should be interesting and make a statement.

YOU CHOOSE: This is my paragraph about Labrador Retrievers and hunting. OR Labrador Retrievers have several qualities which make them perfect hunting companions. BOOO!

TOPIC SENTENCES ARE LIKE UMBRELLAS Every detail has to fit the topic sentence

WHICH WON’T FIT? If the topic sentence is: Labrador retrievers have many qualities that make them ideal hunting companions. Which sentence would NOT belong in the paragraph? Labrador retrievers often compete at famous dog shows. OR Labrador retrievers can carry objects in their mouths with great gentleness, which allows them to retrieve ducks that have been shot. BOO

USE DETAILS TO COMPOSE Labrador retrievers have many qualities that make them ideal hunting companions. 1) These dogs have an even temperament, and can be trained not to bark and disturb game birds. 2) Labs were bred for swimming to retrieve ducks and therefore have webbing on their paws. This breed is noted for excellent swimming ability which ensures their safety when hunting waterfowl. 3) Labrador retrievers can carry objects in their mouths with great gentleness, which allows them to retrieve ducks that have been shot. 4) Labs are also loyal and loving, and not likely to run away when in the field.

T HIS IS THE END, MY FRIEND FINALLY, write a concluding sentence. The concluding sentence sums up your ideas or restates the main idea from the topic sentence.

WHICH IS BETTER? I hope you like my ideas about Labs. OR All of these traits enable the Labrador Retriever to accompany its owner on a hunting excursion. OR To conclude, Labs are good dogs for families. NONO

F INAL P RODUCT Labrador retrievers have many qualities that make them ideal hunting companions. 1) These dogs have an even temperament, and can be trained not to bark and disturb game birds. 2) Labs were bred for swimming to retrieve ducks and therefore have webbing on their paws. This breed is noted for excellent swimming ability which ensures their safety when hunting waterfowl. 3) Labrador retrievers can carry objects in their mouths with great gentleness, which allows them to retrieve ducks that have been shot. 4) Labs are also loyal and loving, and not likely to run away when in the field. All of these traits enable the Labrador Retriever to accompany its owner on a hunting excursion.

Let’s Review—What elements do we need? Topic Sentence Supporting Sentences (minimum of 3) Concluding sentence

Now let’s try it! Topic: Why Harry Potter is better than Edward Cullen.

E XAMPLE #1 Harry Potter is a better character than Edward Cullen. 1) First, while Edward spent his time protecting Bella, Harry was fighting to protect the entire wizarding world. 2) Second, Edward’s excuse to leave Bella pails in comparison to Harry’s necessity to leave Ginny. 3) Third, Harry’s appeal to logic and bravery throughout all seven books is much more powerful than Edward’s appeal to emotion in his four. Harry Potter’s qualities and abilities far outrank those of Edward Cullen.

Let’s Practice Round 2--Let’s Do it Together! Why Halloween is the best holiday.

Round three—Your Turn Topic: Why _____________ is your favorite free time activity.