Definition and Characteristics of a Paragraph
From which two Greek words is the word "paragraph" derived?
"Para" meaning "alongside" and "graph" meaning "to write"
What is the most important sentence in a paragraph called?
Topic sentence
When is a paragraph considered coherent?
When each sentence is clearly related to the text
BONUS
BONUS
True or False: A topic sentence can only appear at the beginning of a paragraph.
False
Name one type of transitional device used to link sentences.
Pronouns, connectives, repetition of key words, or parallel structure
What do all sentences in a paragraph relate to?
A single topic
What is the main benefit of placing the topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph?
It helps the readers predict what the rest of the paragraph is about
Give an example of a pronoun that can link sentences in a paragraph.
He, she, it, they, that, these, those, them
What marks the boundaries between paragraphs in written text?
Indention
What term is also used to refer to a topic sentence?
Focus sentence
What can you use to show the time relation between sentences?
Expressions like soon, three days later, in the meantime, after that
What does each part of a paragraph contribute to?
The development of a controlling idea
How does a topic sentence help organize a paragraph?
By summarizing the information in the paragraph
What should you consider when determining the length of a paragraph?
The purpose of the paragraph and how much information is needed to satisfy the reader’s expectations