Parts of a Paragraph

Topic Sentences, Supporting Sentences, Transitions, Unity, and Coherence

Topic Sentences

• The main idea of the paragraph.

• Usually comes at the beginning of the paragraph, but can be placed at the end of the paragraph.

Topic Sentence Practice

• Create a topic sentence for each of the following ideas:

• The contents of your book bag.

• How you get to and from school each day.

Supporting Sentences

• The details, examples, and facts that support your topic sentence.

• These sentences come after your topic sentence.

• These sentences will be the answer to the questions on your pre-write.

Supporting Sentence Practice

• Create two supporting sentences for each topic sentence:

• Competitive athletes work hard to achieve their goals.

• Exercise and a balanced diet contribute to good health.

Unity

• Unity in a paragraph means that all the parts are related to a single key idea.

• In a paragraph that has unity, all sentences support the topic sentence. (Don’t change topics in a paragraph!)

Which Sentence Doesn’t Belong?

• Reactions to poison ivy vary. Some people seem to be immune to it, although the immunity may not continue throughout a lifetime. Usually, those who are allergic to poison ivy develop an itchy skin rash when they come into physical contact with the vine. The smoke from the vines can also carry the poison. Children often get rashes on their hands and faces while playing outdoors.

Coherence

• Coherence means that ideas are organized in a logical order and in a way that allows readers to see the connections and understand the flow of ideas.

Is this coherent?• Many people find the

microwave a useful tool to solve the problems presented by the lengthy meal preparation times demanded by traditional cooking. America is a country always on the move. Many American citizens no longer have or want to take the time to cook a full meal. Microwave cooking can provide a quick, tasty, nutritious meal.

Correction:• America is a country always

on the move. Many American citizens no longer have or want to take the time to cook a full meal. For example, many people find the microwave a useful tool to solve the problems presented by the lengthy meal preparation times demanded by traditional cooking. Therefore, microwave cooking can provide a quick, tasty, nutritious meal.