The three parts of a

paragraph

The topic sentence

1. A topic sentence is a complete sentence; that is, it contains a subject, a verb, and
(usually) a complement.

The following sentence is not complete:

Driving on freeways

2. A topic sentence contains both a topic and a controlling idea. It names the topic
and then limits the topic to a specific area to be discussed in the space of a single
paragraph.

Gold is prized for two important characteristics.

3. A topic sentence is the most general statement in the paragraph because it gives
only the main idea. It does not give any specific details.
 The topic sentence

1. Is composed of two parts: the topic and the

controlling idea

Main topic: subject, main idea of the paragraph

Controlling idea: Specific comments about the topic. It

limits or controls the topic to a specific aspect of the
topic to be discussed in the paragraph.
”
 The topic
● Not too general, not too specific sentence
1. Too broad: Internet crime in the world today is increasing dramatically.

● Revised: Phishing scams are responsible for increases in identify theft

among senior citizens in our town.

2. Too broad: Influence of my parents.

● Revised: Influence of my parents on my choice of college.

 The three parts of a
paragraph
The topic sentence

1. States the main idea of the paragraph.

2. It not only names the topic of the paragraph, but
it also limits the topic to one or two areas that can
be discussed completely in the space of a single
paragraph.
3. The specific area is called the controlling idea Example:

Gold, a precious metal, is prized for

two important characteristics.
1. It is a fact. For example, “Libraries have books” is
The topic
not a good topic sentence. The information in this
sentence is true, but it is a fact and there is little to
sentence
say! about it.

● 2. It is specific. “Tea is delicious” is not a good topic sentence because

the information in the sentence is too general. If you want to write a
paragraph about tea, make your topic sentence more specific, such as
“Green tea has many health benefits.”

● 3. It is not too specific. “This dictionary contains more than 42,000

words” limits the topic too much. There is nothing else for the writer
to say, so the paragraph cannot continue.
 Topic sentence; composition and location
First
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R-9T9TgGnE
The supporting sentences
Develop the topic sentence
Explain the topic sentence by giving reasons, examples, facts,
statistics, and quotations.

Example:

First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion.

For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the
day it was minted twenty-three centuries ago. Another important
characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science. The
most recent use of gold is in astronauts' suits.

This is where citations are located!

 Not necessary for
every paragraph
The concluding sentences

Signals the end of the paragraph

Leaves the reader with important points
to remember

Example:
In conclusion, gold is treasured not only
for its beauty but also for its utility.
Structured paragraph= structured ideas
The paragraph,
characteristics
one paragraph= one main idea
 Characteristics of a paragraph; coherence

Coherence means that your paragraph is easy to read and understand

because
(1) your supporting sentences are in some kind of logical order
(2) your ideas are connected by the use of appropriate transition signals.

(3) For example, in the paragraph about gold, there are two supporting
ideas: Gold is beautiful, and gold is useful. Each of these supporting ideas
is discussed, one after the other, and an example is given for each one.

(4) This is one kind of logical order. Furthermore, the relationship between
the ideas is clearly shown by using appropriate transition words and
phrases such as first of all, for example, another important characteristic,
and in conclusion.

Remember- a great paragraph uses different sentence structures!

 Characteristics of a well-structured paragraph
Summary

1. A topic sentence
2. A supporting sentences
3. A concluding sentence
4. Unity. One main idea.
5. Coherence
https://www.teach-this.com/images/resources/paragraph-outlines-worksheet.pdf
MAIN IDEAS • The main idea is the central, or most important, idea in a
paragraph or passage. It states the purpose and sets the direction of the
paragraph or passage.

• The main idea may be stated or it may be implied.

• When the main idea of a paragraph is stated, it is most often found in the
first sentence of the paragraph. However, the main idea may be found in
any sentence of the paragraph.
• The main idea may be stated in the first sentence of a paragraph and then
be repeated or restated at the end of the paragraph.
• The main idea may be split. The first sentence of a paragraph may
present a point of view, while the last sentence presents a contrasting or
opposite view.
• To find the main idea of any paragraph or passage, ask these questions:
1. Who or what is the paragraph about?
2. What aspect or idea about the ‘who’ or ‘what’ is the author concerned
with?
 It is often said that lightning never strikes twice in
the same place, but this isn’t true. Go ask the forest
rangers. Rangers who spend their summers as fire-
fighters will tell you that every thundershower brings
several bolts of lightning to their lookout stations.

Costs were low that year and the output high.

There was a good person for each job and the market
remained firm. There were no losses from fire. All in all it
was the best years in the history of the company.

Advertising affects our lives everyday. Brand names are

common household words. We start each day using the
toothpaste, soap, and breakfast foods promoted by
advertisers. Ads have made the cars we drive signs of our
success. Our choices of food, dress, and entertainment
are swayed by ads. Not one aspect of American life is
untouched by advertising.
Please complete the handout on AV in
groups!