Understanding Paragraph Structure Finding the main idea of a paragraph,as implied or stated in a topic sentence,is not a skill that

is easily acquired,yet textbook publishers and classroom teachers tend to minimize instruction in this area. yet, organized presentation is the hallmark of each author as concepts are developed,and it is therefore the teachers responsibility to see that students are given the tools to recognize and make use pattern of writing. The expository writer generally supplies and introductory paragraph stating general content of the piece,a number of center paragraphs supplying details or examples to support the general idea,and a final paragraph generally summarizing the material.within each paragraph a specific structure is recognizablethat is,a main idea supported by details.bond and wayner (1966) contend that in order to understand a paragraph,children must be taught to see the interrelationship among sentences.identification of the topic sentence containing the key idea of the paragraph and interpretation of how the..