1. Creating Strong Paragraphs ELA 9 November, 2006

2. What is a paragraph? a paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information all paragraphs share certain characteristics

3. Characteristics of a paragraph Unity: it is focused on one main idea Structure: it has an introduction, body and conclusion Coherence: each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence

4. The topic sentence a well-organized paragraph supports or develops a main idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. it is often the first sentence of the paragraph all other sentences in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence

5. Structure Introduction: the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph that give background information Body: follows the introduction; discusses the main idea, using facts, arguments, examples, and other information. Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the paragraph’s main idea.

6. Some tips for structure! Create a strong intro – to attract your reader’s attention, arouse curiosity – to specify what you will discuss, what your attitude is Create a strong conclusion – do not add any new info – avoid coming to a sudden stop – revisit the thesis statement – include a closing thought or statement

7. Coherence coherence is the orderly presentation of ideas one sentence should logically, sensibly, grow out of the preceding sentence there are many ways to help make a paragraph coherent:

8. Some ways to make a paragraph coherent Arrange sentences by: – Order of Importance – Order of Generality – Comparison and Contrast – Cause and Effect Repeat key words or phrases. Be consistent in point of view and verb tense

9. So why are paragraphs important? They provide an essential way for writers to guide their readers’ understanding They are an effective way to communicate your thoughts, which is an essential component of success

10. Is this a good paragraph? The Inventor was an amazing sight. His coat was dusty and dirty, and smeared with green down the sleeves; his hair disordered, and it seemed to me grayer--either with dust and dirt or because its color had actually faded. His face was ghastly pale; his chin had a brown cut on it--a cut half healed; his expression was haggard and drawn, as by intense suffering. He looked like a mad scientist from another planet! http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/topic21.html