Paragraphs A good paragraph has the following key elements:

A main idea expressed in a topic sentence (your reasons)

Details supporting the main idea (your supporting details)

Details about the details (what about the details?) A concluding sentence

Paragraphs vary in length. In general a good paragraph is 7-9 sentences long.

DO NOT TALK TO THE READER!!!! Stay away from “I,” “You,” “We,” etc.

ExampleWalking to Physical Fitness

Walking is an effective way to exercise. Walking three to four minutes every morning is a great way to relax. When walking with a friend, one can talk about the day ahead or share some challenges they are facing. Walking alone allows time to meditate and relieve stress. Thinking about life is easier without the distractions of the world. Also, walking regularly improves my general health. Fitness experts recommend an exercise routine to keep the heart strong. The effects that walking has on health makes it a great way to exercise.

Example“Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the

elements of a good paragraph:A main idea expressed in a topic sentence:

Walking is an affective way to exercise.

Example Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the

elements of a good paragraph: Details supporting the main idea:

a great way to relax allows time to meditate and relieve stress improves general health

Example Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the

elements of a good paragraph: Details about the details:

one can talk about the day ahead or share some challenges they are facing

Thinking about life is easier without the distractions of the world

Fitness experts recommend an exercise routine to keep the heart strong.

Example Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the

elements of a good paragraph: A concluding sentence:

The effects that walking has on health makes it a great way to exercise.

Writing a Topic Sentence The topic sentence of a paragraph expresses the

single main idea the writer wants to tell to the reader. It is typically the first sentence in the paragraph. All the other sentences in a paragraph explain the

topic sentence. It helps the reader understand the message of the

paper.

Writing a Topic SentenceA topic sentence is neither too broad nor

too narrow.If it is too broad, you will not be able to

discuss it in a single paragraph.If it is too narrow, you will have difficulty

writing an entire paragraph about the topic.

ExamplesToo Broad: Mystery novels are fun to read.

Too narrow: The last mystery novel I read was 300 pages long.

Just Right: The plot of the novel May Tomorrow Never Come is suspenseful.

Too Broad: Eating correctly is important.

Too narrow: Spinach is an excellent source of iron.

Just Right: An important step in preventing heart disease is eating fruits and vegetables daily.

Writing a Topic SentenceA topic sentence has 2 parts:1. It names the topic.2. It expresses an idea about it.

Example:Topic Sentence: Successful students know how

to manage study time.Topic: Successful StudentsWhat about the topic? Know how to manage

study time

ExamplesTopic Sentence: Knowing how to study for tests is

important in high school.

Topic: Knowing how to study for tests

What about the topic? Is important in high school

Topic Sentence: Taking notes in class is another essential study skill.

Topic: Taking notes in class

What about the topic? Is another essential study skill

Details Details should prove that your topic sentence

is correct. They should be specific and relate to the

topic. Organize and explain the details, don’t just

list them. Avoid repetition by using transition words

(shown later).

ExamplesWalking is a great way to relax.Furthermore, walking allows time

to meditate and relieve stress.Finally, walking improves general

health.

Connecting Sentences within a Paragraph

chronological order

first

meanwhile

later

afterwards

finally

objects in relation to one another

next to

in front of

beside

between

behind

in order of importance

however

furthermore

as a result

in fact

yet

Transition words

Details about the Details Expand on your details Explain why they are important without

saying “this detail is important because...” Example: Also, walking regularly improves my

general health. Fitness experts recommend an exercise routine to keep the heart strong.

Conclusion Restate the main idea expressed from the

topic sentence. Do not introduce a new topic.

Examples Topic Sentence: Walking is an affective way to exercise Conclusion: The effects that walking has on health

makes it a great way to exercise.

Topic Sentence: A grandfather can have a positive impact on kids.

Conclusion: The gifts that grandfathers give, whether material or not, make them a positive impact on kids.

Stop Here…

Paragraph Checklist Topic Sentence Supporting Detail #1

Detail sentence about detail #1 Supporting Detail #2

Details sentence about detail #2 Supporting Detail #3

Details sentence about detail #3 Conclusion

Counterarguments Counterarguments may seem difficult at first, but they

are easy if you follow the formula! You still have a topic sentence, but you must show

that it is other peoples’ idea. After you show their idea, you have to be clear that

you are against it (which is also part of the formula) Finally, you complete the rest of the paragraph as

you would any of the others! FOLLOW THE FORMULA!!!!

C.A. Formula 1st Choose one that you like. Select from the options and write the

opposing view as the counterargument.

Many people [believe/argue/feel/think/suppose/etc.] that [state the counter-argument here]

It is often [thought/imagined/supposed/etc.] that [state the counter-argument here]

[It would be easy to/One could easily] [think/believe/imagine/suppose/etc.] that [state the counter-argument here]

It might [seem/appear/look/etc.] as if [state the counter-argument here]

Example: Many people believe that walking can hurt your joints.

C.A. Formula 2nd This is your second sentence. Follow up with one of

your reasons why their reason is wrong.

What this argument [overlooks/fails to consider/does not take into account] is ...

This view [seems/looks/sounds/etc.] [convincing/plausible/persuasive/etc.] at first, but ...

While this position is popular, it is [not supported by the facts/not logical/impractical/etc.]

Although the core of this claim is valid, it suffers from a flaw in its [reasoning/application/etc.]

Example: What this argument overlooks is that there are many ways to help joint pain.

Remember! Paragraphs have: A topic sentence,

supporting details, details about the details, and a concluding sentence.

Do NOT talk to the reader (No I, We, You, etc.)

Relate your details to the topic sentence and use transition words!

Explain why the details are important. Follow the counterargument formula!