Writing the Paragraph

Before you begin; let’s consider the process

Step OnePrewriting: Select a topic and

details. Be sure it is specific to assignment. Collect information; brainstorm. Try different ways to brainstorm: list, web,

map, freewrite.

What you need!

Step TwoWriting: Create the first draft The topic sentence tells the reader what the

paragraph is about. The body consists of details that support

the main topic. The clincher comes after the details and

reminds readers of the topic or summarizes.

Now let’s check!

Step ThreeRevising means you read and improve what

you wrote. Add information Move sentences around Check for transitions. Rewrite when you need.

Time to fix it!

Step FourEditing means you check your mechanics

and usage and make corrections. Check the revised copy. Write a final copy.

You are finished!

Step FivePublishing: Let others read your work. Use author’s chair, a bulletin board, a

newspaper. Share with your class.

Parts of the Five Sentence Paragraph

Topic Sentence3 Detail SentencesClincher

Select your ideas!

I feel betterI like the ways I look betterI am more confident so I have made

more friends

Example Topic and Brainstorming:

Idea: The biggest change for me since beginning an exercise program

more healthful diet new friends new interests more stamina self-improvement

Pick the ideas you want to concentrate on

I feel betterI like the ways I look betterI am more confident so I have made

more friends

Turn your ideas into sentences

Sentence 1 – State your topic and introduce your reasons.

Sentence 2 – Use a transition, give your first reason and why it is important.

Sentence 3 – Use a transition, give your second reason and why it is important.

Sentence 4 – Use a transition, give your third reason and why it is important.

Sentence 5 – Write a conclusion sentence that either finalizes your thoughts on this topic.

Turn your sentences into a paragraph.

Sentence 1 – State your topic and introduce your reasons. Participating in an exercise program has produced

beneficial results. Sentence 2 – Use a transition, give your first reason and why it is

important. After exercising for only two weeks, I have more energy and feel

better. Sentence 3 – Explain more or give an example about why your first

reason is important.In fact, I feel so fantastic that I am trying out for the basketball team this season.

Sentence 4 – Use a transition, give your second reason and why it is important.

Not only do I feel better, but I also pay more attention to my appearance so I am more confident.

Sentence 5 – Write a conclusion sentence that finalizes or clarifies your thoughts on this topic. Clearly, adding exercise to my routine has changed my life.

Read and proof your paragraph

Participating in an exercise program has produced beneficial results. After exercising for only two weeks, I have more energy and feel better. Not only do I feel better, but I also pay more attention to my appearance so I am more confident. In addition to these positive outcomes, going to the gym allows me to make new friends who share the same interest. Clearly, adding exercise to my routine has changed my life.

Writing the Eight Sentence Paragraph

Follow the same steps as five sentence paragraph.

Enrich and extend your topic through more and better details.

Turn your ideas into sentences! Sentence 1 – State your topic and introduce your reasons. Sentence 2 – Use a transition; give your first reason and why it is

important. Sentence 3 – Explain more or give an example about why your

first reason is important. Sentence 4 – Use a transition; give your second reason and why it

is important. Sentence 5 – Explain more or give an example about why your

second reason is important. Sentence 6 – Use a transition; give your third reason and why it is

important. Sentence 7 – Explain more or give an example about why your

third reason is important. Sentence 8 – Write a conclusion sentence that finalizes your

thoughts on this topic.

Turn your sentences into a paragraph!

Sentence 1 – State your topic and introduce your reasons. Participating in an exercise program has produced

beneficial results. Sentence 2 – Use a transition, give your first reason and why it is

important. After exercising for only two weeks, I have more energy and

feel better. Sentence 3 – Explain more or give an example about why your first

reason is important.In fact, I feel so fantastic that I am trying out for the basketball team this season.

Sentence 4 – Use a transition, give your second reason and why it is important.

Not only do I feel better, but I also pay more attention to my appearance so I am more confident.

Extend your writing!

Sentence 5 and 6 – Explain more or give an example about why your second reason is important.

My friends and family have commented that, since I began working out, I seem more at ease and friendly in front of a group.

In addition to these positive outcomes, going to the gym allows me to make new friends who share the same interests.

Sentence 7 – Explain more or give an example about why your third reason is important.

The friends that I have made while working out have not only supported me in my health goals but have become friends that

I see all of the time in places other than just the gym.

Sentence 8 – Write a conclusion sentence that finalizes or clarifies your thoughts on this topic.

Clearly, adding exercise to my routine has changed my life.

Now read and edit; your final copy is almost here.

Participating in an exercise program has produced beneficial results. After exercising for only two weeks, I have more energy and feel better. In fact, I feel so fantastic that I am trying out for the basketball team this season. Not only do I feel better, but I also pay more attention to my appearance so I am more confident. My friends and family have commented that, since I began working out, I seem more at ease and friendly in front of a group. In addition to these positive outcomes, going to the gym allows me to make new friends who share the same interests. The friends that I have made while working out have not only supported me in my health goals but have become friends that I see all of the time in places other than just the gym. Clearly, adding exercise to my routine has changed my life.