Organization of Paragraphs

Basic Organization : The Topic Sentence States the main idea of the paragraph A good topic sentence has two parts : the topic and the controlling idea. Examples: Driving on freeways (Topic) requires skill and alertness. (controlling idea) Cats are also called felines. (not a Topic Sentence because it is fact and notion about the cat)

The body sentences (supporting sentences) Develops the topic sentence by giving reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and quotations. Two parts : Major supporting sentences – tells about the topic sentence Minor supporting sentences – tells about the major supporting sentences. Example : We need to have several skills that can help us to focus on freeways. (major) One of the skills is wheel-controlled. (minor)

The concluding sentence Is generally a restatement of the topic sentence. It may not be possible to restate the topic itself, but it is always to restate the controlling idea. Signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important points to remember.

Unity & Coherence Unity Coherence Cohesion discusses one and only one main idea from beginning to end of the same paragraph. Coherence Shows the connection between the sentences in the paragraph. Paragraph is easy to read and understand. Cohesion The methods of connecting sentences by several devices such as : Linking words – however, therefore, but, then, etc. Personal pronouns – he, she, it, they, etc. Definite articles – the Demonstrative pronouns – this, that, these, and those Synonyms

4 ways to achieve coherence Repeat key nouns Use consistent pronouns Use transition signals to link ideas Arrange your ideas in logical order.