Paragraphs
What is the first sentence of a paragraph usually called?
The topic sentence.
What is the last sentence in a paragraph called?
The concluding sentence.
What two main parts does a complete sentence need?
A subject and a predicate (including a verb).
What is an opinion?
Something a person thinks, feels, or believes.
Turn this fragment into a complete sentence:
"The spooky house at the end of the street."
Possible answer: "The spooky house at the end of the street was haunted."
What does a topic sentence do?
Tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
What does a concluding sentence do?
Wraps up the paragraph and reminds the reader of the main idea.
What is a sentence fragment?
An incomplete sentence that is missing something needed to express a complete thought.
What is a fact?
Something that can be proven true or false using evidence.
What is wrong with this sentence?
"Where did you put my notebook."
Answer: It needs a question mark instead of a period.
Which sentence would make the BEST topic sentence for a paragraph about dogs?
A. Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy.
B. Dogs make wonderful pets for many reasons.
C. Playing fetch is a fun way to spend time with a dog.
D. Dogs can learn to follow commands.
B. Dogs make wonderful pets for many reasons.
Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph?
Topic sentence: Butterflies have many fascinating adaptations that help them survive.
A. Some butterflies have wing patterns that help them blend into their surroundings.
B. Butterflies use their antennae to detect smells in their environment.
C. Certain butterflies travel thousands of miles during their yearly migrations.
D. Butterflies go through four stages during their life cycle.
D. Butterflies go through four stages during their life cycle.
Is this a complete sentence? "The bird sang."
Yes.
Fact or opinion? "Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes."
Fact
Topic sentence: Swimming is a great way to exercise.
Which supporting detail BEST supports this topic sentence?
A. Swimming is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy.
B. Swimming helps strengthen muscles throughout the body.
C. Swimming is a popular activity during the summer months.
D. Swimming can be done in pools, lakes, and oceans.
B. Swimming helps strengthen muscles throughout the body.
What is a paragraph?
A group of sentences about one main idea.
In our four-sentence paragraphs, how many supporting detail sentences do we write?
Two.
Is this a complete sentence? "Under the big tree."
No.
Which sentence is an opinion?
A. Some butterfly species travel thousands of miles during migration.
B. Butterflies are among the most fascinating insects to observe.
C. Many butterflies have colorful patterns on their wings.
D. Certain butterflies use their wing patterns to protect themselves from predators.
B. Butterflies are among the most fascinating insects to observe.
Read this short paragraph:
Fall is my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change colors. The cool weather is perfect for playing outside.
Which sentence would make the BEST conclusion?
A. Fall is a beautiful season with many enjoyable activities.
B. Watching the leaves change is one of the best parts of fall.
C. The colorful leaves and comfortable weather make fall my favorite time of year.
D. Fall is a wonderful season that many people look forward to.
C. The colorful leaves and comfortable weather make fall my favorite time of year.
What are supporting details?
Sentences that give more information about the main idea.
Why should all the sentences in a paragraph be about the same topic?
So the paragraph stays focused and makes sense.
Turn this fragment into a complete sentence: "Ran across the playground."
Example: "The boy ran across the playground."
Which sentence would make the BEST topic sentence for an opinion paragraph?
A. Dogs can provide companionship and comfort to their owners.
B. Many families enjoy having dogs as pets.
C. Dogs are an excellent choice for families looking for a pet.
D. Owning a dog can encourage people to spend more time outdoors.
C. Dogs are an excellent choice for families looking for a pet.
Improve this sentence by adding adjectives and a stronger verb.
"The animal went into the forest."
Possible answer: "The enormous brown bear lumbered into the dark forest."