Building ParagraphsBuilding Paragraphs

What is a paragraph?What is a paragraph?

A group of sentences that focus on one specific topic

Can be developed in the form of a story, a description, an explanation or an opinion

The Three Basic Parts of a The Three Basic Parts of a ParagraphParagraph Topic Sentence– Tells the reader what the paragraph is about

Supporting Details– The main part of the paragraph– Specific details that relate to the topic

sentence Clincher– Closes the paragraph– Reminds the reader that the paragraph is

about

Four Types of ParagraphsFour Types of Paragraphs

Descriptive– Gives a single, clear picture of a person,

place, thing or ideaNarrative– Gives the details of an event or

experience in STORY form

Types of Paragraphs ContinuedTypes of Paragraphs Continued

Expository– Gives facts or directions, explains

ideas, or defines termsPersuasive– Expresses an opinion and tries to

convince the reader that this opinion is correct

Arranging Details Arranging Details

1. Chronological (time) order

2. Spatial (location)

3. From simple to complex (teaching)

4. Problem-solution

5. Sequential order (step-by-step)

6. Key Points or questions

7. Alphabetical order

TransitionsTransitions

Word and phrases that link ideas together in writing– Show location

• Above, behind, into, under

– Show time• After, before, soon, next

– Compare two things• Similarly, also, likewise

– Contrast two things• But, on the other hand, although

Transitions continuedTransitions continued

– Emphasize a point• Again, to repeat, in fact

– Conclude or summarize• As a result, therefore, in conclusion

– Add information• Additionally, for example, also

– Clarify• In other words, for instance

Writing ProcessWriting Process

PrewritingFirst DraftEdit / ReviseFinal Copy