On the website ActDen, there is a great explanation that breaks a paragraph down into its three pieces. I have copied and pasted the information from the site for you here as a reference.
Example Paragraph:There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers, and they are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
(This is a very basic paragraph. Jessica and I will ask you to write more detailed and descriptive paragraphs than this for our class, but this is a good example of the structure.)
Topic Sentence
What is the topic sentence?
In this case, the topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about. Offer an opinion.
Topic Sentence: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world.
In this case, the TOPIC SENTENCE explains WHY Canada is one of the best countries in the world. This is the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence also tells the reader that he/she can expect to see three reasons in the paragraph. And, it offers an opinion: one of the best countries...
Supporting Sentences
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write them?
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.
Support in this paragraph:
First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live.
Conclusion Sentence
What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example: As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
I really like how all the main sources are color coordinated. Gives me a better visual of which is which.
ReplyDeleteGreat! I'm a very visual person too, and I like having someone thing to look at that is broken down also. Great point!
DeleteThe color coding helps break it down for and that helped a lot! This also helped me review the skills we learned in class.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I see that you and Harrieth agree on this point. :)
DeleteI sometimes use the color codeing usually after I type up my rough draft it helps to see what I have corrected, and also to highlight the different parts of the paragraph. -Nicholas C.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a very effective way to use this method!
DeleteSometimes, for me, I use coloring coding to see my steps in my paragraph. It helps me out a lot, I also highlight topic sentence, and my supporting details on my rough draft because it helps me out. It helps me stay organized. -Norma L.
ReplyDeleteGreat plan!
DeleteThis is a great example of the different sections of a paragraph. It breaks it down and its colored coordinated.
ReplyDelete