Understanding Paragraphs and Topic Sentences
Worth Weller
The Paragraph…
• Stephen King maintains that the paragraph is the basic unit of writing
The Paragraph…
• “I would argue that the paragraph, not the sentence, is the basic unit of writing—
• the place where coherence begins and words stand a chance of becoming more than mere words.”
What is a paragraph?
• A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic.
Effective paragraphs
• To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following:
• Unity
• a Topic Sentence,
• and Adequate Development.
Unity
• The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus.
• If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.
http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/taylorse
The Topic Sentence
• A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with.
• It comes at the beginning of the paragraph.
coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/ibc.html
The Topic Sentence…
• Needs to be:
• Clear
• Specific
• Well focused
http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/oaa/act/ACTtransformreasons.htm
Formula
• A topic sentence = a limited topic + a specific feeling or thought or assertion about that topic
• Example: • The fear that
Americans feel (limited topic) comes partly from the uncertainty related to this attack (a specific thought about the topic)
Paragraph Development
• Use examples and illustrations
• Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details)
• Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
• Use an anecdote or story
• Define terms in the paragraph
http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/taylorse
Paragraph Development
• Compare and contrast…
• or evaluate causes and reasons…
• or examine effects and consequences…
• or analyze the topic…• or describe the topic..• or offer a chronology of
an event.
www.emporia.edu/writinglab/paragraphs.html
Maintaining Your Own Voice
• Make sure all the topic sentences are your own words and your own thoughts
• Do NOT quote your sources to make your points
• Use your sources ONLY to support your points (not to make them)
• Make sure all paragraphs begin with your own words, thoughts and feelings
Summary
• Put only one main idea per paragraph.
• Aim for three to five sentences per paragraph.
• Make sure each paragraph starts with the point you want to make in that paragraph (the topic sentence)
• Develop each topic thoroughly, with transitional elements and a sentence that “rounds off” the paragraph.
• Include on each page about three paragraphs.
• Look at your paper to check for “balanced” paragraphs