Parts of Paragraph

Compiled By Annisa Dina Utami, M.Pd.

What is Paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. It can be short or long, depending on if the
topic or idea you have been covering has been fully explored in that paragraph. Although is recommen
ded that the paragraph is no longer than 10 lines.

Once you feel happy that you have nothing further to say on that particular subject, you should move
on to a new paragraph.
Structures of Paragraph

Topic sentence

Supporting sentences

Concluding sentence
Topic Sentence
A topic sentence is often, but not always, the first sentence in a paragraph
It tells the MAIN IDEA of the paragraph. It also tells what the author wants to SAY
ABOUT the topic.
 A topic sentence tells what the main idea of the paragraph will be.
. ◦ We will call this the “subject” of the paragraph.

 A topic sentence tells what the author is going to say about the subject.
◦ We will call this the “controlling idea” of the paragraph.
More about controlling ideas

A controlling idea limits the subject

It can express an opinion

It can provide focus by answering a question

It may suggest a list.

How to Formulate the Topic Sentence

o A complete sentence -> contains a subject, a verb, and a compliment.

o Containing a topic (general subject) and a controlling idea (specifics part)
Example:
- Metals are generally malleable that is, they can be hammered or pressed perma
nently out of shape without breaking or cracking—as well as fusible (able to be fu
sed or melted) and ductile (able to be drawn out into a thin wire).

- Aluminum is a special metal that does not rust.

- One common item that presents some interesting material property requirement
s is the container for carbonated beverages.
Example 1: controlling idea

“A beagle is different from other hounds because of three unique characteristics.”

 The subject is “beagles.”

 The controlling idea is “characteristics”

 The paragraph will talk about beagles, and it will list its three unique characte
ristics. The subject is controlled by its characteristics.
Example 2

“Beagles make good pets for several reasons.”

 The subject is “beagles make good pets.”

 The controlling idea is “reasons”

 The paragraph will talk about beagles making good pets, and it will list sever
al reasons. The subject is controlled by the reasons.
Supporting Sentence

What are supporting sentences?

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.

• SS -> the development of controlling idea (the limitation of the topic) that the writer wants to explor
e in the paragraph
• SS-> facts, examples, reasons, definition, and so on
• SS-> used to support or explain the topic sentence
Concluding Sentence
To signal the end of the paragraph and leave the reader with important
points to remember
The concluding or ending sentence closes or finishes the paragraph and should
be related to the topic sentence.

Ending sentences can:

a) Repeat the topic sentence in a different way
b) Summarize the information.

How to conclude the paragraph?

1. Sum up the important points
2. Restate (rephrase) the topic sentence
Example: “The Forget Sauce”

Many fast-food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called "forget sauce" to their
foods.
This is the topic sentence. If this sentence controls the paragraph that follows, then all sentenc
es in the paragraph must relate in some way to fast food, profit, and "forget sauce“

Made largely from edible oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu.
This sentence fits in with the topic sentence because it is a description of the composition of "f
orget sauce."
Cont…

"Forget sauce" has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in cons
umers.
This sentence also fits in with the TS, because it discusses the “secret” beh
ind the “forget sauce”

After spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional valu
e, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable experience.
Now the paragraph moves on to the short-term effect on consumers.
Cont…

Within a short period, however, the chemical in "forget sauce" takes effect, and th
ey can be depended upon to return and spend, older but no wiser.
This sentence describes its longer-term effects.

Returning customers mean more money to the fast-food chain and more money
means more profit. So, the addition of the “forget sauce” to their foods represent a
higher profit to these businesses.
Finally, the paragraph finishes by "proving" the claim contained in the topic
sentence, that many fast-food chains make their profits from adding a speci
al ingredient called "forget sauce" to their foods.
EXAMPLE

Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet.

First, fruits and vegetables are packed with the vitamins and mi
nerals you need to keep your body functioning smoothly.
In addition, they give you the carbohydrates you need for energ
y. Fruits and vegetables have lots of fiber to help your digestive
system work properly. Finally, many scientists believe that the n
utrients in fruits and vegetables can help fight diseases. If you
eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you’ll be on the road to b
etter health.
References

Callister, William. 2006. Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction. US

A. Department of Metallurgy Engineering the University of Utah.
TOPIC:
1. BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
2. FLOOD WARNING
3. EROSION PROTECTION (I.E BY IMPLEMENTING ENVIROMATE GEOMAT
, GEOCELL,)