PARAGRAPHS

Natasha Luepke

Paragraphs

Unit of text, usually 5 – 7 sentences. Can be longer or shorter Centered on one topic Sentence Variety

Paragraph Elements

First sentence: Topic sentence Other sentences: supporting details

Supporting Details

Concise but detailed Too many short paragraphs = choppy Large (one page) paragraphs = hard tp

read

When do I need a new Paragraph? New idea Emphasis Dialogue Pause Breaking up long text by moving to

subtopic

Sentence Types

Declarative: Make a statementThe echo always has the last word.

Imperative: Make a demandLove your neighbor.

Interrogative: Ask a questionAre second thoughts always wisest?

Exclamatory: Make an exclamationI want to wash the flag, not burn it!

Development

Use examples and illustrations Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others) Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes

and paraphrases) Use an anecdote or story Define terms in the paragraph Compare and contrast Evaluate causes and reasons Examine effects and consequences Analyze the topic Describe the topic Offer a chronology of an event (time segments) (OWL at Purdue, 2009)

Paragraph in action

I have a cat. Her name is Alegria. Her name means “happiness” but we usually call her Allie, Fluffs, or Fluffy. She is a very fluffy calico. She is thirteen years old and a very cranky old lady. Allie likes to hide under the coffee table or sit on piles of clothes.

Editing!

I spent five minutes editing I moved things, deleted things, and

added things Editing is important, no matter what we

write

Questions, Comments, Concerns?