Paragraph Structure

ENG 102 NSj

What is a paragraph
A paragraph is a piece of writing that consists on one or more
sentences. A paragraph is a basic unit of organization in writing
in which a group of related sentences develops one main idea.
The three parts of a paragraph:
• The topic sentence• Supporting sentences• The concluding
sentence

Sometimes , the first line is indented.

Indentation
PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH
The topic is the subject of the paragraph; it is what the paragraph is
about. Often, it is necessary to restrict the topic, i.e., to narrow it down to
a more specific topic.

A paragraph regularly has three parts:

1. Topic Sentence: It is usually the first sentence in a

paragraph.

2. Supporting Sentences: They support the information of the

topic sentence. It includes specific details

3. Conclusion: It reminds what the topic sentence was about.

Topic Sentence

What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph.
It contains two elements:
• The topic, which states the topic of the paragraph. The topic names the subject or main idea of the paragraph.

• The controlling idea/s, which are the areas of the topic that can be discussed completely in the space of one paragraph.
The controlling idea makes a specific comment about the topic, which indicates what the rest of the paragraph will say
about the topic. It limits or controls the topic to a specific aspect of the topic to be discussed in the space of a single
paragraph.

How do I write one?

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example:
My Dog Romeo is a lot of fun to play with. One reason he’s fun is because he loves to
play catch. What’s also fun is that he follows me around the house with a toy and drops
it on my foot, so I will kick it. Additionally, he can catch just about anything, but his
favorite thing to catch is a Frisbee. Finally, he loves it when I pretend like I’m falling
dead, and he runs over to lick me. All these reasons show why I really have fun playing
with Romeo.
Points to Remember
The topic sentence clearly states the topic and the controlling idea/s of
the paragraph.
It is usually the first sentence in the paragraph.
It is the most important sentence in the paragraph, since it is a helpful
guide to both the writer and the reader
It is a complete sentence.
It contains both a topic and a controlling idea.
It gives only the main idea, not specific details.
The topic sentence introduces the topic of a paragraph. In addition, it
also serves to state an idea or attitude about the topic. This idea or
attitude is called the controlling idea and controls what the sentences
in the paragraph will discuss. The controlling idea should be clear and
focused on a particular aspect.
Supporting Details
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph. The supporting
sentences develop the topic sentence. They explain the topic sentence by giving reasons,
examples, facts, statistics, and quotations, among other things. These sentences are used to
support the opinion or attitude expressed in the topic sentence. They usually back up, clarify,
illustrate, explain, or prove the point made in the topic sentence.

How do I write them?

You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example:
My Dog Romeo is so much fun to play with. One reason he’s fun is
because he loves to play catch. What’s also fun is that he follows
me around the house with a toy and drops it on my foot, so I will
kick it. Additionally, he can catch just about anything, but his
favorite thing to catch is a Frisbee. Finally, he loves it when I
pretend like I’m falling dead, and he runs over to lick me. All these
reasons show why I really have fun playing with Romeo.
Closing Sentence/Concluding Sentence
What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. The concluding sentence signals the end of the
paragraph. It also leaves the reader with important points to remember.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph. The concluding sentence is helpful to the reader. It serves
three purposes:
• It signals the end of the paragraph.• It summarizes the main points of the paragraph.• It gives a final
comment on your topic and leaves the reader with the most important ideas to think about.

How do I write one?

Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example:
My Dog Romeo is so much fun to play with. One reason he’s fun is
because he loves to play catch. What’s also fun is that he follows me around
the house with a toy and drops it on my foot, so I will kick it. Additionally,
he can catch just about anything, but his favorite thing to catch is a Frisbee.
Finally, he loves it when I pretend like I’m falling dead, and he runs over to
lick me. All these reasons show why I really have fun playing with Romeo.
Unity, Coherence & Adequate
Development
Unity: it means that you discuss only one main idea in a paragraph. The
main idea is stated in the topic sentence and then each supporting sentence
develops that idea. Each sentence within a paragraph should relate to the
topic and develop the controlling idea. If a sentence does not relate to or
develop that area, it is irrelevant and should be omitted from the paragraph.
Coherence: it means that your paragraph is easy to read and understand
because- 1. Your supporting sentences are in some kind of logical order, and
2. Your ideas are connected by the use of appropriate transition signals. A
coherent paragraph contains sentences that are logically arranged and that
flow smoothly (how well one idea leads to another).
Adequate Development: it means that your paragraph should have good
quality and quantity of support. If you have three major ideas in your
paragraph, then all should be equally developed with proper examples.
Otherwise, it will seem that your paragraph is lacking in some parts.
Transitions & Sequencing
Transitions are words, phrases or clauses that link two or
more ideas together. It is usually placed in the beginning of
the sentence or in the middle. The beginning position marks
the transition from one idea to another or to indicate certain
path the writer wants reader to follow/think.
Sequencing is a method of organization for sentences
followed to indicate the format of the paragraph. Different
sequencing methods are followed for different types of
paragraphs. This decides which sentences should go after
what. Depending on the intention and type of paragraph,
the sequencing will change/vary.
Review: THINK OF A PARAGRAPH AS A BURGER!
You have the bun on top
Topic sentence
You have the burger in the middle
Supporting details: details, quotations, and
examples to spice it up
 Unity
 Coherence
 Adequate development

You have the bottom bun

Closing sentence