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Level 6 Writing Unit 2 Lesson 3: Supporting Paragraphs

Your teacher will look at your introduction paragraph from last week and let you
know if it’s okay.

Now that you know how to write a thesis statement and introduction, you need to
learn how to write the supporting paragraphs in an essay.

In a five-paragraph essay, after the introduction come three paragraphs that support
your argument. Each paragraph supports the thesis, yet each paragraph has its own
unique topic.

Topic Sentences

As you plan your essay, you should plan what the topic of each supporting
paragraph will be. The first sentence of each supporting paragraph is called a topic
sentence. It tells the reader the main idea or topic of that paragraph.

Below is an example of a thesis and three topic sentences (one for each paragraph).

For example:

Thesis: Parents should limit the amount of TV children watch to less than two
hours a day.

Topic Sentence 1 (Paragraph 1): When children watch less TV, they can spend
more time improving their health through outdoor play.

Topic Sentence 2 (Paragraph 2): Limiting TV time limits children’s exposure to

commercials that try to convince them to buy products they don’t need.

Topic Sentence 3 (Paragraph 3): Studies show that TV watching can lead to
violent behavior in children.

Do you see how each topic and paragraph is different, but how each topic and
paragraph relates to the thesis?

Level 6 Writing Unit 2 Lesson 3 pg. 1

 Name _____________________________________-

EXERCISE 1: Now it’s your turn! Choose one of your thesis statements from
Lesson 1 (pgs. 5 and 6). Write it below:

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Now, choose three topics, one for each body paragraph. Remember that each topic
should be unique, but each topic should also relate to the thesis. Write a topic
sentence to describe each topic.

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Level 6 Writing Unit 2 Lesson 3 pg. 2

 Name _____________________________________-

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Your teacher will check your topic sentences and make sure they’re okay.

Supporting Paragraphs

There should be about five sentences in each supporting paragraph. First comes the
topic sentence, and next come other details that support the topic.

Here is an example:

When children watch less TV, they can spend more time improving their
health through active play. Studies show that watching TV can lead to childhood
obesity because TV watching takes time away from active playtime. When parents
limit TV, they can encourage their children to spend that time playing, either
outdoors or indoors. By moving their bodies, children burn calories, helping them
avoid weight gain and obesity. Moving their bodies can also help children
strengthen their muscles and gain flexibility.

HOMEWORK: Choose one of your topic sentences from the previous page.
Rewrite it below. Then, add some supporting detail to write a complete paragraph
for this topic sentence. Your paragraph should be around five sentences long.

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Level 6 Writing Unit 2 Lesson 3 pg. 3

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Level 6 Writing Unit 2 Lesson 3 pg. 4

 Name _____________________________________-

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Level 6 Writing Unit 2 Lesson 3 pg. 5