1. Writing Them Perfectly
Paragraphs
Writing Them Perfectly

2. Objectives
Students will gain an enduring understanding of a simple procedure for constructing well-written paragraphs; Students will apply this understanding across the curriculum and in any class where substantial written products are required.

3. Vocabulary
Bubble Map Indent Thesis “Because Statement” Transition Statement Supporting Sentences/Statements Formatting Conclusion Statement

4. Step #1:
Choose a fun topic that students can easily discuss: Examples What is your favorite color? What is your favorite television show? What is your favorite animal?

5. Step #2:
Draw a concept / bubble map
Choose simple answer to question

6. Step #2 EXAMPLE
Pink

7. Step #3
Give REASONS to SUPPORT your answer

8. Step #3 EXAMPLE Pink Pink lemonade tastes great. It is a happy color.
It reminds me of spring.
Roses can be pink.
It reminds me of my daughters.

9. Step #4
write thesis statement by using the answer given in the middle of the bubble.
the first sentence of a paragraph is generally indented.

10. Step #4 EXAMPLE My favorite color is pink.
*Notice that the sentence does not include a “Because” statement. The sentence ends with a period exactly after the simple answer from the middle of the bubble map is given. There is no detail added to the sentence. Also notice that the sentence is indented.

11. Step #5 Look back at your bubble map.
Put a * next to the 3 ideas you choose

12. Step #5 EXAMPLE Pink Pink lemonade tastes great. It is a happy color.
It reminds me of spring.
Roses can be pink.
It reminds me of my daughters.

13. Step #6
Write each of the ideas into a sentence, beginning with a transition phrase for each.
Each starred idea will become one (1) sentence.

14. Step #6 EXAMPLE
First, pink is a bright and happy color. Second, pink reminds me of my two daughters. Third, pink is the color of the most beautiful roses growing in my garden. *Notice that the transition phrases in each sentence are in bold and are underlined, and that each of these sentences came directly from the bubble map. These are sentences two (2) through four (4) of your paragraph. They are also know as supporting sentences.

15. Step #7 Write the conclusion sentence for the paragraph.
Start the sentence with a transition phrase such as “Therefore.”
Your conclusion statement is generally similar to your thesis statement.
This becomes sentence number five (5) of your paragraph.

16. Step #7 EXAMPLE
Therefore, my favorite color is pink. Notice that the sentence begins with a transition phrase and restates the thesis statement given at the beginning of the paragraph.

17. Formatting the Paragraph
“Line Up” each sentence into a paragraph. Make sure it is indented and that there are no spaces or skipped lines between sentences! _______Thesis________. _____Support #1________. _____Support #2 ____________. ________Support #3 ___________. ___Conclusion _________________________.

18. Finalized/Formatted Paragraph
My favorite color is pink. First, pink is a bright and happy color. Second, pink reminds me of my two daughters. Third, pink is the color of the most beautiful roses growing in my garden. Therefore, pink is my favorite color. Notice that the paragraph is indented, that it uses four (4) transition phrases, that the thesis is a simple answer and not a “Because statement” and that the conclusion restates the thesis.