How to use example slides: Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. Examples are shown on separate slides. To show these slides, click on the symbol in the bottom right corner of the current slide. The example slide will be shown. Click again to return to the main slide.

PowerPoint Presentations for The Canadian Writer’s Workplace Seventh Edition Adapted by Gary Lipschutz, Centennial College Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Unit II: The Writing Process Chapter 15: The Paragraph Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Paragraph A paragraph is a group of sentences that develops one main idea. A paragraph is a complete piece of writing that can stand on its own. A paragraph is a piece of writing that can be part of a longer piece of writing, such as an essay. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Healthy Paragraph A paragraph is no more than twelve sentences. A paragraph is always long enough to develop the main idea of the paragraph. A paragraph is at least five sentences long. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Topic Sentence The topic sentence announces the main idea of a paragraph. The topic sentence contains the topic of the paragraph and a controlling idea. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Topic Sentence The topic sentence is usually the most general sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentence is explained, described, extended or supported by all other sentences in the paragraph. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Controlling Idea The controlling idea is part of every topic sentence. The controlling idea tells us the position the writer has taken on the topic. The controlling idea lets us know the writer’s attitude towards the topic. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Supporting Detail A supporting detail is a piece of evidence used to make the controlling idea of the topic sentence convincing to the reader. Two types of supporting details are: Main supporting sentence Example sentence Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Main Supporting Sentence A main supporting sentence contains a main point that directly supports the topic sentence of the paragraph. A paragraph may have one or several supporting sentences. Transitions for these include “first,” “one reason,” “finally,” and so on. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Example Sentence An example sentence supports a main supporting sentence. It is a specific illustration or piece of evidence. Transitions for these include “for example” and “for instance.” Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Extended Example Sentence An extended example sentence includes lengthy descriptions or stories that are usually several sentences long. It may even be an entire paragraph long. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Supporting Detail A piece of evidence might include: a reason a descriptive image an example from history or personal experience a fact (such as a statistic) a quotation from an expert an anecdote to illustrate a point Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Concluding Sentence A concluding sentence does not contain new evidence is more general than supporting detail is the last sentence in the paragraph restates the controlling idea gives closure to paragraph may offer final commentary Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Examples Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Topic Sentence Example: Remodelling an old house can be frustrating. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Controlling Idea Example: Vigorous exercise (topic) is a good way to reduce the effect of stress (controlling idea) on the body. Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Supporting Detail Example of a poor supporting detail: Many people died of the flu at the end of the first world war. Example of an effective supporting detail: The Spanish Influenza killed about fifty thousand Canadians between Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.