HOW TO WRITE A

PARAGRAPH?
A PARAGRAPH is a group of related sentences that develop a main
thought, or idea, about a single topic. The structure of a paragraph is
not complex. There are usually three basic elements:
• (1) a topic,
• (2) a main idea, or topic sentence, and
• (3) supporting details.

The topic sentence states the main point or controlling idea. Often
it appears at (or near) the beginning of a paragraph.

What follows a topic sentence are a number of supporting

sentences that develop/explain the main idea with specific details.
• These details may be facts, reasons, or examples that provide
further information about the topic sentence.
Look at the highlighted TOPIC SENTENCE. It identifies
the topic as COLOR and states that COLOR AFFECT
PEOPLE PHYSIOLOGICALLY. The remaining sentences
provide further information about the effects of color.
You can think about and
visualize a paragraph like this
To summarize:
What is the TOPIC SENTENCE?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one?

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph
will be about.

Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world.
First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical
services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education.
Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged
to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently
managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a
result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
What are SUPPORTING SENTENCES /DETAILS?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.

What do they do?

They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them?

You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world.
First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have
access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high
standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and
are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities
are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and
lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
What is the CLOSING SENTENCE?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one?

Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world.
First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to
medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged
to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and
efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for
people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
TIPS
• Try to be creative. Choose a TOPIC you like and you are
interested in.
• Try to get some inspiration from a personal experience or
from talking to people
• Be organized from the very beginning (topic and
supporting ideas), so you don’t feel frustrated.
• Look information in reliable sources
• Use online dictionaries