There are only 5 key elements to remember 1 One Main Idea 2 Topic Sentence 3 57 Supporting Sentences 4 ClosingTransition Sentence 5 Mechanics 1 One Main Idea Identify a specific topic to write about ID: 465246
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "How to Write an Effective Paragraph" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
How to Write an Effective ParagraphSlide2
There are only 5 key elements to remember:
1
. One Main Idea
2.
Topic
Sentence
3. 5-7
Supporting Sentences
4.
Closing/Transition
Sentence
5
. MechanicsSlide3
1. One Main Idea
Identify a specific topic to write about
If the topic is not specific, it is too broad for a single paragraph.
Movies is a general topic; the characterization of Joy in the movie
Inside Out
is a specific topic.
If the topic is too specific, there will not be enough details to provide adequate supporting sentences.
The whiny nature of Joy’s voice in the movie
Inside Out
is too specific for a full paragraph; the characterization of Joy in the movie
Inside Out
provides options for development in paragraph.Slide4
1. One Main Idea
Once a main idea is identified, do not stray from it.
If the topic is
the
characterization of Joy in the movie
Inside
Out,
the writer must only discuss Joy’s characterization.
If you find you cannot construct the minimum 5-7 supporting sentences without repetition, revise the topic.Slide5
One Main Idea - Practice
Is rap music a valid topic for a body paragraph?
If yes, what will be covered in this paragraph?
If no, how should the topic be modified?Slide6
2. Topic Sentence
What
is it? A
sentence
that
states
the main idea or focus of the paragraph.
Where is it? While it may vary in location, it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph.
Traits of an effective topic sentence:
It’s focused (specific, not general)
It’s concise (avoids unnecessary words)
It’s clear and strong (no confusion about what the writer means)Slide7
Topic Sentence - Practice
Are these
valid topic sentences?
The most spectacular range of fall foliage occurs in the northeastern United States and in eastern China, where the leaves are robustly colored, thanks in part to a rich climate
.
The
Bull Market was dead.
Dying in a fire is often less a process of burning than of asphyxiation. Slide8
These are all professionally written topic sentences..
The most spectacular range of fall foliage occurs in the northeastern United States and in eastern China, where the leaves are robustly colored, thanks in part to a rich climate
.
From “Why Leaves Turn Color in the Fall” by Diane Ackerman
The Bull Market was dead.
From
Only Yesterday
by Frederick Lewis Allen
Dying
in a fire is often less a process of burning than of asphyxiation
.
From “Blow Up: What Went Wrong at Storm King Mountain” by Sebastian
JungerSlide9
3. 5-7 Supporting Sentences
What are they? They are sentences with details that “support” or back up the topic sentence
Where are they located? They follow the topic sentence.
Are 5-7 sentences always necessary? This is a minimal number. More supporting sentences are acceptable as long as they do not stray from topic sentence.Slide10
3. 5-7 Supporting Sentences
If the subject of a sentence strays from the topic stated in topic sentence, it is not a valid supporting sentence.
Each supporting sentence must be unique in content; avoid repetition.
Arrange the sentences in a logical order so that ideas flow together.Slide11
Supporting Sentences Practice – What is an appropriate topic sentence?
There is a plethora of Broadway shows from which to choose on any given day. While attendance at some of the more popular ones, such as
Wicked
and
The Lion King
, requires advance planning, tickets may be acquired minutes before curtain call for others. If live theatre is not appealing, New York City’s Times Square offers a wide array of options. The multi-leveled Hershey’s M&M store is brimming with novelties, including eccentrically flavored candies, photo opportunities with life-sized M&M characters, and funky clothing. For free entertainment, walk up and down the Square and people watch as the neon billboards blaze all around. Hungry? There is usually a long line, but the decadent treats at the world-renowned Cake Boss shop are sure to please any sweet tooth. Of course, there are always the infamous landmarks of the city: the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, and Grand Central Station. Jump on the subway with a minimal fare, and arrive at the location of choice in mere minutes. Slide12
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There is a plethora of Broadway shows from which to choose on any given day. While attendance at some of the more popular ones, such as
Wicked
and
The Lion King
, requires advance planning, tickets may be acquired minutes before curtain call for others. If live theatre is not appealing, New York City’s Times Square offers a wide array of options. The multi-leveled Hershey’s M&M store is brimming with novelties, including eccentrically flavored candies, photo opportunities with life-sized M&M characters, and funky clothing. For free entertainment, walk up and down the Square and people watch as the neon billboards blaze all around. Hungry? There is usually a long line, but the decadent treats at the world-renowned Cake Boss shop are sure to please any sweet tooth. Of course, there are always the infamous landmarks of the city: the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, and Grand Central Station. Jump on the subway with a minimal fare, and arrive at the location of choice in mere minutes. Slide13
4. Closing/Transition Sentence
For a final or stand-alone paragraph, end with a closing sentence.
What is its purpose? It restates the main idea of the paragraph, but does not repeat it.
Where is it located? It is the final sentence of the paragraph.
What is the writer’s goal? Try to create a clincher, leaving the reader thinkingSlide14
4. Closing/Transition Sentence
For a paragraph followed by another, conclude the current paragraph while connecting (transitioning) to the main idea of the next paragraph.
Think of the transition sentence as having two parts: wrap-up of current paragraph and introduction to following paragraph. Slide15
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________There
is a plethora of Broadway shows from which to choose on any given day. While attendance at some of the more popular ones, such as
Wicked
and
The Lion King
, requires advance planning, tickets may be acquired minutes before curtain call for others. If live theatre is not appealing, New York City’s Times Square offers a wide array of options. The multi-leveled Hershey’s M&M store is brimming with novelties, including eccentrically flavored candies, photo opportunities with life-sized M&M characters, and funky clothing. For free entertainment, walk up and down the Square and people watch as the neon billboards blaze all around. Hungry? There is usually a long line, but the decadent treats at the world-renowned Cake Boss shop are sure to please any sweet tooth. Of course, there are always the infamous landmarks of the city: the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, the 911 Memorial, and Grand Central Station. Jump on the subway with a minimal fare, and arrive at the location of choice in mere
minutes
.Slide16
4. Closing/Transition Sentence Practice
Closing Sentence
Transition SentenceSlide17
5. Mechanics
Indent the first line of every paragraph (one tab/ 5 spaces)
Capitalize the first word of each sentence along with proper nouns
Provide end punctuation after each properly-structured sentence
Pay attention to spelling (run Spell Check if using word processor)
Include appropriate internal punctuation - commas, quotation marks, & apostrophes
Use standard English grammar Slide18
What are the 5 key elements of
an effective body paragraph?
1. One main idea
2. Topic Sentence
3. 5-7 Supporting Sentences
4. Closing/Transition Sentence
5. Mechanics