The paragraph is a series of sentences

developing one topic.

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 The Topic Sentence
• The topic of a paragraph is
stated in one sentence. This is
called the topic sentence.

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 The rest of the paragraph consists
of sentences that develop or
explain the main idea. m a in
idea
• Through the centuries rats have
managed to survive all our efforts
to destroy them. We have
poisoned them and trapped them.
We have fumigated, flooded, and
burned them. We have tried germ
warfare. Some rats even survived
atomic bomb tests conducted on
Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after
World War II. In spite of all our
efforts, these enemies of ours
continue to prove that they are the
conclu most indestructible of pests.
di n
senten g
ce

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 Developing a Paragraph
A topic
sentence
may be
develop
ed
by givin
g t o p ic
example A a y
c e s. ce m
i c s e n t e n se nt en ed
• A t o p ve l o p
e v e l o p e d b e d e
ing
ma y b e d by t el l
d e t a i l s. an
by giving in c i d e nt

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 Unity in the Paragraph
Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main
idea expressed in the topic sentence.

main idea
sent
ence
t e nce
sen
senten
c e
nc e
t e
sen

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 The concluding or
clincher sentence
• Restate the topic sentence in different words.

• A clincher sentence or concluding sentence

clinches the point made in the paragraph.

• It summarizes the paragraph.

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 Coherence in a Paragraph
• Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and
logical relation to each other.

• Put details or examples or

incidents in logical order. 4
3
2
chronological
1
in relation to each other
in order of importance
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 Connecting Sentences
Within the Paragraph
Transition words
chronological objects in relation to in order of
order one another importance
first next to however
meanwhile in front of furthermore
later beside as a result
afterwards between in fact
finally behind yet
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 Types of Paragraphs
• The narrative paragraph
• tells a story
• The persuasive paragraph.
• tries to convince the audience
• The descriptive paragraph
• describes something
• The expository or explanatory paragraph
• gives information or explains something

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