How A Paragraph Works

Definition of paragraph

A group of sentences and that the first sentence of this group is indented ( Smalley and Ruetten, 2000. )

A group of sentences that develops one main idea or topic ( Oshima and Hogue, 2007 )

A basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of related sentences develops one main idea.

Paragraph is a group of senteces consisting of a topic sentences and some supporting sentences ended with a concluding sentence and developing one main idea.

Topic Sentence

u What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

u What does it do?

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph

u How do I write them?

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example :

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 health service at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are tought 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. As a result, Canada is desirable place to live.

The topic sentence : There are three reasouns why Canada is one of the best countries in the World.

A topic     : Why Canada is one of the best countries in the world.

A controlling idea : There are three reasons.

 Supporting Senteces

u What are supporting senteces?

They come after the topic sentences, making up the body of a paragraph.

u What does they do?

They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

u How do I write them?

You should give supporting facts, deails and examples.

Example :

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 health service at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are tought 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. As a result, Canada is desirable place to live.

Closing Sentence

u What is the closing sentence?

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

u What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

u How do I write them?

Restate the main idea using different words.

Example :

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 health service at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are tought 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. As a result, Canada is desirable place to live.