Creating Strong Paragraphs

ELA 9

November, 2006

What is a paragraph?

a paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic

paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information

all paragraphs share certain characteristics

Characteristics of a paragraph

Unity: it is focused on one main idea

Structure: it has an introduction, body and conclusion

Coherence: each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence

The topic sentence

a well-organized paragraph supports or develops a main idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence.

it is often the first sentence of the paragraph

all other sentences in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence

Structure

Introduction: the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph that give background information

Body: follows the introduction; discusses the main idea, using facts, arguments, examples, and other information.

Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the paragraph’s main idea.

Some tips for structure!

Create a strong intro– to attract your reader’s attention, arouse curiosity– to specify what you will discuss, what your attitude is

Create a strong conclusion– do not add any new info– avoid coming to a sudden stop– revisit the thesis statement– include a closing thought or statement

Coherence

coherence is the orderly presentation of ideas

one sentence should logically, sensibly, grow out of the preceding sentence

there are many ways to help make a paragraph coherent:

Some ways to make a paragraph coherent

Arrange sentences by:– Order of Importance– Order of Generality – Comparison and Contrast – Cause and Effect

Repeat key words or phrases. Be consistent in point of view and verb tense

So why are paragraphs important?

They provide an essential way for writers to guide their readers’ understanding

They are an effective way to communicate your thoughts, which is an essential component of success

Is this a good paragraph?

The Inventor was an amazing sight. His coat was dusty and dirty, and smeared with green down the sleeves; his hair disordered, and it seemed to me grayer--either with dust and dirt or because its color had actually faded. His face was ghastly pale; his chin had a brown cut on it--a cut half healed; his expression was haggard and drawn, as by intense suffering. He looked like a mad scientist from another planet!

http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/topic21.html