Understanding Paragraphs

and Topic Sentences

Worth Weller
The Paragraph…
• Stephen
King
maintains
that the
paragraph
is the basic
unit of
writing
The Paragraph…
• “I would argue that the
paragraph, not the
sentence, is the basic
unit of writing—
• the place where
coherence begins and
words stand a chance
of becoming more than
mere words.”
What is a paragraph?
• A
paragraph
is a
collection
of related
sentences
dealing
with a
single
topic.
 Effective paragraphs
• To be as effective as possible, a
paragraph should contain each of the
following:
• Unity
• a Topic Sentence,
• and Adequate Development.
 Unity
• The entire paragraph
should concern itself
with a single focus.
• If it begins with one
focus or major point
of discussion, it
should not end with
another or wander http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/taylorse

within different ideas.

 The Topic Sentence
• A topic sentence is a
sentence that indicates
in a general way what
idea or thesis the
paragraph is going to
deal with.
• It comes at the
beginning of the
paragraph.
coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/ibc.html
 The Topic Sentence…
• Needs to be:
• Clear
• Specific
• Well focused

http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/oaa/act/ACTtransformreasons.htm
 Formula
• A topic sentence = a • Example:
limited topic + a • The fear that
specific feeling or Americans feel
thought or assertion (limited topic) comes
about that topic partly from the
uncertainty related
to this attack (a
specific thought about
the topic)
 Paragraph Development
• Use examples and
illustrations
• Cite data (facts,
statistics, evidence,
details)
http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/taylorse

• Examine testimony
(what other people • Use an anecdote or
say such as quotes story
and paraphrases) • Define terms in the
paragraph
 Paragraph Development
• Compare and
contrast…
• or evaluate causes and
reasons…
• or examine effects and
consequences…
• or analyze the topic…
www.emporia.edu/writinglab/paragraphs.html
• or describe the topic..
• or offer a chronology of
an event.
 Maintaining Your Own Voice
• Make sure all the • Use your sources
topic sentences are ONLY to support your
your own words and points (not to make
your own thoughts them)
• Do NOT quote your • Make sure all
sources to make your paragraphs begin with
points your own words,
thoughts and feelings
 Summary
• Put only one main idea • Develop each topic
per paragraph. thoroughly, with
• Aim for three to five transitional elements and
sentences per paragraph. a sentence that “rounds
• Make sure each off” the paragraph.
paragraph starts with the • Include on each page
point you want to make in
that paragraph (the topic about three paragraphs.
sentence) • Look at your paper to
check for “balanced”
paragraphs