how to write a paragraph. paragraphs need 3 parts: a beginning a middle an end

HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH

Paragraphs need 3 parts:

•A beginning

•A middle

•An end

THINK OF A STOPLIGHT . . .an upside down stoplight

Topic Sentence

Supporting details

Conclusion

Topic Sentence

Topic Sentences• The FIRST sentence in a paragraph

• The Topic Sentence does 2 things:1. It GRABS the reader’s attention2. It introduces the topic

• Here are 2 common ways to write a topic sentence

1. Give an opinion2. Could Introduce a list

Supporting details

Supporting Details• SUPPORTING DETAILS give more information

about the topic (from the TOPIC SENTENCE)

• Just like the YELLOW LIGHT, the supporting details are the EXCITING part to a paragraph

• Here are some examples of SUPPORTING DETAILS– Give reasons– Give details– Give facts– Give a list

Conclusion

Conclusion• The CONCLUSION closes the paragraph

• The CONCLUSION restates the topic sentence- you remind the reader of your topic and why it’s important

• The CONCLUSION says “I’m DONE with the paragraph”

• Remember, this is the last thing the audience will read- FINISH STRONG!

Now let’s write a paragraph

• We have to start with a topic• Hmmmm . . . let me think . . .

How about . . .

Dogs make great pets.

Here is a general statement that gives

an OPINION:

“I think dogs are great pets.”

Now you need some details:Give some reasons dogs are good pets.

This is called BRAINSTORMING!!!

1. They are smart, friendly, and loyal.

2. These animals also make good companions.

3. They can also be trained to do many things.

Supporting details

Now FINISH it!

Write your CONCLUSION

Restate your topic sentence in a different way

Remind your reader of why dogs make great pets

Dogs really are the perfect pet.

Dogs make great pets.

Topic Sentence

Conclusion

To write a conclusion, rephrase your TOPIC SENTENCE

Now put it all together:

Dogs make great pets.

They are smart, friendly, and loyal.These animals also make good companions.They can also be trained to do many things.

Dogs are really the perfect pet.

Let’s PRACTICE!

• Here’s another topic• Let’s get excited!

Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.

Think of some DETAILS,REASONS, FACTS about

why you have to go to school

The law says that you must attend school until you are 16.

Most jobs require a high school diploma.

Colleges only admit high school graduates.

The military won’t take drop outs.

Now restate the topic (CONCLUSION)

It seems that school is a necessity.

Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.

Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.

The law says that you must attend school until you are 16.Most jobs require a high school diploma.Colleges only admit high school graduates.The military won’t take drop outs.

It seems that school is a necessity.

Now put it all together:

Let’s try one more

• Here’s another topic:

There are several steps in learning to snowboard.

First, you have to learn to balance on a board.Next, you have to get used to going down slopes.Last, you need to learn to turn and stop.

These are just a few of the beginning steps in snowboarding.

You are now Zen masters of the paragraph.

Let’s write some on our own . . .