Writing Strong

ParagraphsPART I

T.S. Topic SentenceOThe first sentence of a body

paragraph is called a Topic Sentence.

OIt introduces the main idea of your paragraph.

OIt should contain an attitude or something one can argue.

Example:

Watching Reality TV is a negative activity that pollutes the mind.

MAIN IDEA OR SUBJECT

ATTITUDE OR ARGUMENT

P.S.1 Primary SupportOIntroduces an example that demonstrates the attitude of the topic sentence.

Example:

For instance, the reality TV show, The Housewives of New Jersey, continually showcases excessive gossip.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE THAT WILL BE USED TO

DEMONSTRATE/PROVE ARGUMENT OF TOPIC

SENTENCE

S.S.1 Secondary Support 1OProvides a specific, concrete example.

Example:

This bad behavior is largely committed by the character, Teresa, as she consistently bad-mouths her sister-in-law, Melissa, her cousin, Kathy, and anyone

else who crosses her. SPECIFIC, CONCRETE

DETAIL/EXAMPLE

S.S.2 Secondary Support 2OLinks the example back to primary support 1.

Example:

As a result of this behavior, each week the audience craves more gossip and scandal.

LINKS THE EXAMPLE TO PRIMARY SUPPORT 1.

C.S. Conclusion SentenceOProvides a final assumption and connects back to the topic sentence, (or the main idea and the attitude)

Example:

Since reality TV models bad behavior, it should be avoided because it destroys the mind.

CONNECTION TO THE TS ASSUMPTION

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Paragraph Application

Label each part of the paragraph using the

appropriate acronyms.

(TS, PS1, SS1, SS2, and CS)