PARAGRAPH TOPIC SENTENCE BOby CONCLUDING SENTENCE

WRITING A
PARAGRAPH
TOPIC SENTENCE
BOby
CONCLUDING SENTENCE

A Closer Look at the Parts
The Topic Sentence:
A good topic sentence does three things:
1. It names the subject
2. It tells what part of the subject you will talk about (the
focus)
3. It catches the reader's attention
It snowed a lot yesterday (subject), so school let out
early (focus).
The sentences in the body explain or describe the subject by
using facts, details, and examples. All of the ideas in the
body should be stated in the best order. To help put things in
order, list the main ideas before you write your paragraph.
It started to snow...
big flakes came down...
came down harder and harder...
Snow piled up...
Principal closed school early...
The Closing Sentence;
The last sentence reminds readers of what the paragraph is
about. It also gives the reader one last idea to think about.
Thanks to the snowstorm, we had a free afternoon!

One of the sentences in a paragraph gives the main idea of the
paragraph. This sentence is called a topic sentence. The topic
sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. It shows the
reader (and the writer) what the paragraph is going to be about.
Circle the topic sentence in this paragraph.
Trees give us many things. They shade
us on hot days. Their wood helps to build
our homes. Their leaves give oxygen to the
air to help us breathe. They are beautiful to
look at, tool
Create a topic sentence for
each main idea below.
1. Dancing:
Dancing is a great way to exercise I
2. A dictionary:
3. Tennis shoes:
4. A zebra:
5. Buhhifl gum:
6. Wirtex:
7. Your grandmother or grandfather.
(
i

hat s Your Topic?
Vrite top/c sentences for each paragraph below, p
There are lions and tigers in outdoor pens. Wild birds are flying
in large, tree-filled cages. Also, a visitor at the zoo can see snakes
and reptiles of many different sizes. But my favorite thing to see
at the zoo is the monkey who swings on a trapeze in a cage by
the popcorn stand.
akpBBfcjfoi i jS
First, you must listen carefully in class. Next,
you must study for your tests and quizzes. Finally,
you must do all the homework the teacher
assigns. If you follow these steps, good grades
will be yours!
It starts slowly and then destroys everything in its way. It can
ruin homes and land. It can kill people and animals. So before
you strike a match, remember how dangerous fire can be.
—it i\ I \ it. it V\ ll I t_ l«t JifrL Ht 111 it lit !•< lit 111 Ml ni nl lit 1
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| Check your paragraphs. Do all of your topic sentences n
I make sense in the paragraph? Do all the sentences |
\ relate to each topic sentence?
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Add the Middle!
Last night, space invaders landed in my^
backyard j
I was lucky to survive with my lifel
(Writing Hint: What happened? Were you scared?)
The pet you have is the most adorable pet I have ever seen,
May I take her home?
(Writing Hint: What makes the pet adorable?)
The party at school on Friday was the best party this year.
The thing I liked most of all was when I danced with my English
teacher.
(Writing Hint: Describe the party. Why was it the best?)
18

If MA 11W** %*f m m
Sentences in paragraphs need to make
nse with each other. They need to be connected.
The words that help connect ideas
between sentences are called connectives or
transitions. These transitions make your
writing easier to understand.
Use the transitions in parentheses to
connect the scrambled sentences
below. Write the new sentences in
paragraph form. Be sure to make
sense with your sentences!
1. I'll eat a salad.
I feel like eating a hot, cheesy pizza.
I need to lose ten pounds. (however, so, today)
Today I feel like eating a hot, cheesy pizza.
However, ,
so
2. She made me do my homework.
My mother rushed in and unplugged my stereo.
I was enjoying music in my room. (suddenly, after that)
3. I sprinkle everything with nuts.
I pour fudge or strawberry sauce over the scoops.
I love to make ice-cream sundaes.
I scoop ice cream into bowls. (first, then, finally)
13

Writing:
Transitions
We need transitions to make our sentences "flow" from one to
another. Depending on the paragraph, we use different transitions.
To show
location
above, beneath, beyond, in front of
To compare or
contrast
but, even so, even though, otherwise
To show time first, next, later, soon, after a while
To conclude or
summarize
To add
information
finally, in conclusion, as a result
besides, for example, in addition
Your task is to write a paragraph that uses transitions to show TIME.
The topic is your choice, but make sure you have a good introductory
sentence, good body sentences that use transition words, and a good
concluding sentence.

Th* Essential Parts of a Paragraph
And Then?
All of the sentences you write in your paragraphs need to tie together as a unit They need to flow and
be connected as well as make sense. The words and phrases that are used to connect ideas are called
transitions. Here are some examples of transitions:
first next then finally and so
however nevertheless so today suddenly
and then after that in addition at last although
Here are some paragraphs that lack transitions. Rewrite them with transitional words or phrases. Read
your work aloud to see if it flows.
1. We're going to have an exchange student, next month. She needs to send In her
papers to the exchange program. She will write us and send her picture. We will
write her and send pictures. She will travel to our country, and we will meet herl
2. It's a good Idea to get enough rest each nl^ht. Sleeping In too long on the
weekends could cause problems. It can confuse our bodies, and then we will have
trouble sleeping at nf^ht. If we get too much sleep, we waste time and may be too
wound up to be able to concentrate. When Monday morning comes, we will be even
more tired. It Is a good Idea to get enough rest. We need to do so In moderation.
3. I was not able to do my homework last nf^ht. My brother broke his arm, and we
had to take him to the doctor's office. It was really late when we got home. I set
my alarm to get up early to do my homework. I was so tired that I slept through it
and had to hurry to get to schooll
Extension: Collect transitional phrases. There are many more than those listed on this page. On
television and the radio, transitions are called segues (seg-ways). Listen to talk shows or news
broadcasts on the radio or TV news programs to hear segues between topics. Jot down some of them
("Speaking of unpredictable, here is Johnny Hail with the weather. What kind of unpredictable weather
is in store for us this week, Johnny?**). Look for transitional phrases in newspaper and magazine
mkles and stories. Start a collection with the entire class contributing. Look through them as a
creative warmup before your next writing assignment.
02490 How to Write a Paragraph 18 © Teac her Created Materials, Inc.

Name
What Doesn't Belong?
•
Read the paragraphs below.
Each one contains a sentence that
doesn't belong.
When you find it, draw a line under it.
Be ready to teH why it shouldn't be in
the paragraph.
Morse Code is an international code for transmitting messages by wire or radio
using signals of short and long duration. Short signals are called dots and long
.. signals called dashes. The code was originated by Samuel Morse for use on his
, telegraph. The letters SOS (three short signals, three long signals, three short
signals) are an international distress signal. By radio telephone the distress can is
"Mayday."
Birthdays are important events at my house. Halloween is fun too. Everyone
in the family joins in wishing the birthday person the best There's a huge dinner
with special food. The birthday person gets to use the red birthday plate. Of course,
there's also a cake and candles and singing, followed by presents - one for each
year. But the best part is the feeling of being a famify and knowing that you are
surrounded by love.
Where do you sleep? Animals sleep in many different places. Horses and
£ ^ giraffes sleep standing up. Bats sleep upside down. Rsh and snakes sleep with
their eyes open. Some birds use special muscles to fock their claws to the branches
so that they can perch on the branch without falling as they sleep. Cats sleep as
much as twenty hours a day. Hippos sleep in a big heap. I sleep in a comfortable,
soft, cozy, warm bed and I'm glad that I dol
O 1997 by Evan-Moor Cotp. 49 Whtfrig FtbukHM Sonfonctf i Pvfgrapno EMC 57S
j

ut Your Information in Order
Writing q
Paragraph
Select a Subject 4
interesting subject.
Choose an
Collect Details • Gather your
facts and examples.
* For a narrative paragraph, answer
who? what? when? where? and why?
about your subject.
* For a descriptive paragraph, collect
sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and
so on.
* For an expository paragraph, gather
important facts and examples.
* For a persuasive paragraph, list
reasons that
support your
opinion.
# Start with vour topic
sentence,
* lfaplflfn the subject in the
middle sentences (the body).
• Sam everything up in the closing sentence.

Check Your First Draft • Look closely at
each part—the topic sentence, the body, and
the closing;.
* Are your sentences clear
and in the best order?
* Do you need to add more
details about your
subject? (Check the
models on pages 58-61
for help.)
Correct Your Writing • Use these questions as a guide
when you check your revised writing for errors:
* Are your words interesting and colourful (soft or
gweet instead Osgood)}
* Have you used the right words (know instead of no),
and are your words spelled coryectlv? #
* Does each of your sentences begin with a rppital
letter and end with the correct niinH-no+inn r*%

Paragraph Writing
A paragraph has three parts: the topic sentence, the
body (or middle) and the concluding sentence.
A paragraph is like a train. The topic sentence is the
train's engine. It is the sentence that drives the
paragraph. The sentences in the body are the boxcars.
They carry the cargo (facts, details, and examples that
tell about the subject). The concluding sentence is the
caboose. It brings the paragraph to an end.
Topic Body Body Body Body Concluding
Sentence Sentence
(Train's
Engine) (Boxcar) (Boxcar) (Boxcar) (Boxcar) (Caboose)
Snow Day
It snowed a lot yesterday, so school let out early. It
started to snow before lunch. At first, a few big flakes
came floating down. Then it started to come down
harder and harder. Snow piled up on the playground. At
12:30, the principal announced that school would let out
at 1:00. Thanks to the snowstorm, we had a free
afternoon.

Types of Paragraphs
There are four types of paragraphs: narrative,
descriptive, expository, and persuasive. Each one does
something different.
A Narrative Paragraph tells a story about an event in
the writer's life. As you read this model by Patrick
Brede, watch for details that make the story interesting
and real.
Prewrifing tasks: After you have chosen an interesting subject,
answer who? what? where? and why? about your subject.
Cooking with Grandma
My Grandma and I had so much fun cooking in our
backyard. First, we'd start by filling empty yogurt
containers with little twigs and all sorts of leaves. These
were some of our vegetables. We also used bits of grass
for cabbage. Then we'd stir our food sticks and set it in
the sun to cook. We checked our dinner all the time.
Sometimes we would sprinkle everything with sand for
salt and pepper. Finally, we would have a big feast!

Organizer for a Narrative Paragraph
The best birthday party I ever went to was when
(Name) turned (age) years old. We
went to (place).
We
We also
The very best part of the whole day was
Birthday parties can be so much fun!

A Descriptive Paragraph describes a person, place, or
thing. A good descriptive paragraph uses words that help
readers see, hear, smell, feel, and taste the subject. As
you read the model by Natalie Stern, watch for good
descriptive words.
Pre writing tasks: After you have chosen an interesting subject,
collect sights, sounds, smells, and tastes about your subject.
Zev's Deli
Zev's deli is one of my favorite places to visit. When
you walk in the door, you smell corned beef and fresh
coffee and 100 other great smells. There are shelves
everywhere, crammed with all kinds of food. There's olive
oil in tin containers, pickles in jars, and boxes and boxes
of crackers. You can hear Zev yelling out people's names
when their food is ready. My favorite thing to order is
cheese blintzes. They taste soft and sweet and warm.
Zev puts bright red strawberry sauce on my blintzes.
Yum! I can't wait for my next visit!

Organizer for a Descriptive Paragraph
The very best food in the world is
(Describe how it looks)
(Describe how it smells)
(Describe how it tastes)
You should try it sometime. You might like it too!

The very best food in the world is
(Describe how it looks)
(Describe how it smells)
(Describe how it tastes)
You should try it some time. You might like it too!
Write More About It
Write a paragraph about your favorite dessert, snack, party food, or sandwich.
Describe how it looks, smells, and tastes. Explain why you think someone else should try it.
© 1997 by Evan-Moor Corp. 72 Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs EMC 575

* Mnfa: See teaching ideas on page 60.
Name
My Room
Organizer
for a
Descriptive
Paragraph
Ii I
ff My room is my own special place. When you step inside,
bu will notice...
' Come and visit anytime.
Write More About It
Write about another place that you like to be
!J5 1997 b
V Evan-Moor Corp. 73 Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs EMC 575

An Expository Paragraph explains something or gives
information. It includes all the facts a reader needs to
understand the subject. As you read this model by Tim
Green, watch for words that explain. Often in expository
paragraphs, time words (first, second, third, etc.) are
often used to keep the main ideas in order.
Prewriting Tasks: After you have chosen an interesting subject
gather important facts and examples about your subject
Living with a Little Brother
Living with my little brother can be hard. First, he
tries to copy me. If I have a second glass of milk, he
does too. Second, he always wants to play with my
friends. If we play basketball, he wants to join in.
However, he is too small. Third, he wants to stay up as
long as I do. He always says to my Mom, "But Tim gets to
stay up later." My Mom says that he looks up to me and I
should be proud about that. I'm trying to be, but it is not
always easy.

Organizer for a Expository Paragraph
I should receive an "A" on my homework assignment
for three reasons. The first reason is
Another reason is
Finally, I deserve an M
A" because
I can't wait to see what my mark is!

A Persuasive Paragraph tells your opinion about
something. It also tries to get your readers to agree
with you. As you read the model by Susan Rodigou, watch
for reasons that make the w iter's opinion strong.
Prewriting Tasks: After you have chosen an interesting subject,
list reasons that support your opinion.
No Way to &o\
Our neighborhood needs sidewalks. It is dangerous
and hard to get around without them. We can't ride our
bikes because our parents won't let us ride on the road.
We can't use our in-line skates and skateboards either.
In the winter, we can't even walk to our friend's houses
because the snow piles up on the side of the road. We
are stuck playing in our own yards. Other neighborhoods
have sidewalks, so we should too!

Organizer for a Persuasive Paragraph
Choose one of the following paragraphs:
mm I mm §
Being tall is terrific. One of the advantages is
•mm mm
Another is
Finally,
. These are the
wonderful reasons why I love being tall!
Being short is terrific. One of the advantages is
Another is
Finally,
These are the wonderful reasons why I love being short!

Name , Organizer
Tall Is Terrific
Being tall is terrific. One of the advantages is —
other is
't you join the touters of tall?
Small Is Swell!
Being small is terrific. One of the advantages is.
other is
*i't you join the proponents of small?
^rT^S^^ Persuasive
w iof Paragraph
by Evan-Moor Corp. 75 Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs EMC 575

Note: See teaching ideas on page 54.
Nam©
Putting
It AH
Together 4
»originated in United Kingdom
Read the topic and the details below.
Think of a topic sentence about soccer.
Write it down.
Write sentences that support the topic
sentence and include the details given.
played by two eleven player teams r , ,
large rectangular field ^••JteasnMr
object of the game—to send the ball, with the feet or head,
into opponents' goal
My Paragraph About Soccer
© 1997 by Evan-Moor Corp. 59 Writing Fabulous Sentences A Pam~— w
- r
" —

Note: See teaching ideas on page 54.
C 1997 by Evan-Moor Core.
• weigh about 8 tons
• thick, gray, wrinkled skin
• large head
• long trunk
• tusks
My Paragraph About Elephants

Read the topic and the details below.
Think of a topic sentence about soccer.
Write it down.
Write sentences that support the topic sentence and
include the details given.
Finish with writing a concluding sentence to your
paragraph.
SOCCER
• originated in United Kingdom
• played by two teams
• large rectangular field
• object of the game is to send the ball, using your
foot or head, into the opponents' goal
My Paragraph About Soccer

Read the topic and the details below.
Think of a topic sentence about the sun.
Write it down.
Write sentences that support the topic sentence and
include the details given.
Finish with writing a concluding sentence to your
paragraph.
SUN
• closest star to the Earth
• ball of burning gases
• source of heat and light
• 70% hydrogen and 307© helium
• about 4.7 billion years old
My Paragraph About the Sun