Paragraphs

A paragraph is a series of related sentences developing a central idea, called the

topic. A paragraph is a sentence or a group of sentences that supports one
central idea. Paragraphs add one idea at a time to your broader argument.

1. The Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. It is introductory,
meaning it should not include details, rather, it should introduce the main idea
which will be supported by the rest of your paragraph.
2. The Supporting Sentences
This is where the detailed sentences go to support the main idea in the topic
sentence.
The Transition Sentence
This is where the writer relates the ideas in the current paragraph to what is
coming in the next. Transition words like "next," "however," "first," "second," and
"in addition" are useful.
Paragraph hooks - which are finding a keyword or phrase in the current
paragraph and "hooking" or linking it to a similar word or phrase in the next - can
also be useful.
Example: Bicycle accidents cause over 7300 deaths due a lack of helmets in
children.
( new paragraph) Studies have found this lack of helmets also leads to increased
risks of being in a bicycle accident when the child reaches adulthood.
3. Concluding Sentence
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. It restates the main idea
of your paragraph. Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.