Paragraph Writing

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Paragraph Writing
The Parts of a Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence 3
Detail Sentences 1 Clincher/ Concluding Sentence
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Paragraph Writing
Topic Sentences --Names the main idea of the
paragraph --Gets the reader thinking about the
topic or grabs the readers attention --Sometimes
introduces clues or names the details to be
covered in the rest of the paragraph.
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Paragraph Writing
3 Types of Topic Sentences -GENERAL Topic
Sentence Names the main idea of the
paragraph i.e. Democracy is thriving at Hillsboro
High School. --CLUEING Topic Sentence Names the
main idea of the paragraph AND gives a clue about
the details without naming them. i.e. There are
three ways democracy is thriving at Hillsboro
High School. --SPECIFIC Topic Sentence Names
the main idea of the paragraph and specifically
names which details will be covered in the
paragraph. i.e. Democracy is thriving at
Hillsboro High School in the student government,
faculty unions, and the parent-teacher
associations.
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Paragraph Writing
Detail Sentences --Discuss and introduce one of
the details or supporting evidence of the
paragraph --Sometimes show the relationship
between a detail and the rest of the
paragraph Transitions --Signal the introduction
of a new detail --Shows the relationship between
the detail and the rest of the paragraph Today
was a busy day at school. First, we went to
English class to learn about writing paragraphs.
Next, we went to math class to learn about
trigonometry. Finally, we went to history to
learn about ancient Greece. Our classes were
very informative but kept us busy throughout the
day.
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Paragraph Writing
Two Types of Detail Sentences LEAD OFF Detail
Sentences Introduces a new detail and contains a
transition. i.e. The first reason I enjoy
football is the violent nature of the
sport. FOLLOW UP Detail Sentences Provides more
information about the detail that preceded
it. i.e. There are typically five to ten injuries
per game, and I enjoy seeing two teams battle it
out on the field.
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Paragraph Writing

• Requirements for a Detail Sentence
• Each Detail Sentence MUST
• Contain related information
• Be in a logical sequence
• Include a transition if it introduces a new
  detail
• Be written from the same point of view as the
  other sentences
• Be written in the same tense as the other
  sentences

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Paragraph Writing
Types of Sequences for a Detail Sentence Size
Sequence --When the details are larger/smaller
than each other. Time Sequence --When some of the
details occur before others in time. Space
Sequence --When the details are arranged in space
relation to each other. Importance
Sequence --When some details are more important
than others. Chain-Link Sequence --When details
are related in pairs or not related in any of the
above sequences.
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Paragraph Writing
Clincher Sentences --Is the last sentence of the
paragraph --Names the main idea of the
paragraph --Sometimes summarizes or names the
details covered in the paragraph --Is phrased
different from the Topic Sentence
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Paragraph Writing
3 Types of Clincher Sentences -GENERAL Clincher
Sentence Summarizes the main idea of the
paragraph. i.e. It is easy to see that democracy
is thriving at Hillsboro High School. --CLUEING
Clincher Sentence Summarizes the main idea of the
paragraph AND ties the details of a paragraph
together with a clue word but does not name
them. i.e. Overall, these are the three three
ways democracy is thriving at Hillsboro High
School. --SPECIFIC Clincher Sentence Summarizes
the main idea of the paragraph and specifically
names which details covered in the paragraph in
the order they were presented. i.e. As discussed,
democracy is alive at Hillsboro High School
through the student government, faculty unions,
and the parent-teacher associations.
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Paragraph Writing
Topic Sentence
Detail 1
Lead Off Follow Up
Detail 2
Lead Off Follow Up
Detail 3
Lead Off Follow Up
Clincher