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The Basic Paragraph Structure

The Basic Paragraph Structure. Adopted by http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/para.html. The Topic Sentence. A topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of a paragraph It is usually the first sentence in a formal academic paragraph

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The Basic Paragraph Structure

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  1. The Basic Paragraph Structure Adopted by http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/para.html

  2. The Topic Sentence • A topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of a paragraph • It is usually the first sentence in a formal academic paragraph • Not only is a topic sentence the first sentence of a paragraph, but, more importantly, it is the most general sentence in a paragraph.  • What does "most general" mean?  It means that there are not many details in the sentence, but that the sentence introduces an overall idea that you want to discuss later in the paragraph. 

  3. The Topic Sentence=Indenting • For example, suppose that you want to write a paragraph about the natural landmarks of your hometown.   The first part of your paragraph might look like this: My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. *(Notice how the first sentence begins with "My hometown..." a few spaces to the right of the paragraph edge.  This is an indentation.  All paragraphs MUST begin with an indentation.)

  4. Topic Sentence=General Statement My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. • Note how the first sentence, My hometown, Wheaton, is famous for several amazing geographical features, is the most general statement. • Second and third sentences mention specific details about the town's geography, and are not general statements.

  5. Topic Sentences?? • My hometown is famous because it is located by Wheaton River, which is very wide, and because it is built near an unusually steep hill called Wheaton Hill. • There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars with automatic transmission and two reasons why others like cars with manual transmission. • Clouds are white.

  6. Diagnosis • Too many details! • Too many topics! • Too general!

  7. Supporting Sentences • Topic sentences should give reader a question in his/her mind. • Supporting sentences should give explanations to questions. • Give “support” • Minimum of 5-7 sentences

  8. Supporting Sentences My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old.

  9. Concluding Sentences • Topic sentence in reverse • Holds “the meat and all of the toppings” together • Summarize My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.

  10. Don’t hold the Mayo! • Details are critical • Give “flavor” and life to writing

  11. Details are an Important Ingredient My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. On either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide, are many willow trees which have long branches that can move gracefully in the wind.  In autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like golden snow.  Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep.  Even though it is steep, climbing this hill is not dangerous, because there are some firm rocks along the sides that can be used as stairs.  There are no trees around this hill, so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from many miles away.  The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old.  These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.

  12. Your Task 1) Write one topic sentence for each of the following topics: a) Your hometown b) A place you would like to travel to. c)(Another topic of your own choosing) 2) Choose one of the above topics and write ONE complete paragraph about it. You should use a good topic sentence and adequately detailed supporting sentences.

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