Power Writing for Paragraphs

(P1) Main Idea SentenceThe main idea sentence is a general sentence that introduces the main idea (most important) of the paragraph.

(P2) Supporting Detail SentencesNext add two or three supporting detail sentences which explain, prove or support the main idea sentence.

(P3) Elaborating Detail SentencesAfter each supporting detail sentence, add elaborating detail sentences. These should give examples and details of the supporting details.

Power sentences

P1 Main IdeaP2 Supporting IdeaP3 Elaborating DetailsP3 Elaborating DetailsP2 Supporting IdeaP3 Elaborating DetailsP3 Elaborating DetailsClosing Sentence

Power Paragraphs follow this format:

Use several Transition Words.Remember periods, capital letters, and commas.Use *Terminal Words in the closing.

 

Often a writer will begin a Power (2) - supporting idea sentence- with a transition word.

Power 2 Transition WordsOne is First Moreover

Another is Second Furthermore

The other is

Third Above all

Also Besides In addition

Next Then To begin with

Secondly

Specifically For example To explain

For instance In other words To describe

Restated Translated Actually

By the way For instance However

In the first place Meanwhile On the other hand

Yet Afterward For example

Furthermore In the meantime Nevertheless

Similarly Consequently As a matter of fact

Better yet

Power 3 Transition Words

You can also use the Power 2 transition words in a Power 3 sentence.

Terminal Words

In conclusion

To sum up in summary

To conclude As a result For these reasons

As one can see

In short I conclude that

Don’t forget the comma after the transition word/phrase!!!!

(P1) Family ◦ (P2) Mother

Kindergarten teacher - Bonny Kate School ◦ (P2) Father

Mailman - United States Post Office ◦ (P2) Susie

Sixth Grade Student - South Doyle Middle School

Example of ideas

I am Susie and I have a very busy family. First, there is my mother. She is a kindergarten teacher at Bonny Kate School. Then, there is my father. He works for the United States Post Office. He is a mailman. Lastly, there is me. I am a sixth grade student at South Doyle Middle School. Everyone in my family is always very busy working or going to school.

The ideas become a paragraph.

Closing

Adjectives

Transitions

Sensory Images

Remember this helpful hint:

Read the main idea sentence. Write a paragraph. Be sure to add at least two supporting detail sentences and two elaborating detail sentences. Finally add the closing sentence. In your closing sentence, retell the main idea. Feel free to change the word "baseball" to your favorite activity.

(1) Main Idea Sentence: Baseball is an exciting game to play!◦ (2) Supporting Detail Sentence

(3) Elaborating Details (3) Elaborating Details

◦ (2) Supporting Detail Sentence (3) Elaborating Details (3) Elaborating Details

◦ Closing Sentence: Now you can see why I love baseball.

Try it!

Did I spell words correctly? Did I indent my paragraph? Did I use capital letters correctly? Did I use correct marks at the end of the

sentences? Did I use words that describe? Did I use a main idea sentence? Did I write supporting detail sentences that

relate to the main idea? Did I write a closing sentence? Did I use my best handwriting?

Proofreading Checklist