Paragraph Basics
What is a paragraph?
A group of related sentences that develop the main idea
In the hamburger method what does the top bun represent?
The topic sentence
Which trait means that all sentences focus on the same main idea?
Unity
What is a topic sentence?
The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph
What is the purpose of supporting details?
To explain, prove or develop the main idea.
What are the 3 main parts of a paragraph?
Topic sentence, supporting details and concluding sentence
What do the fillings represent?
Supporting details
Which trait means that ideas connect and flow logically?
Coherence
Where is a topic sentence commonly found?
At the beginning of a paragraph
Name 2 types of evidence that can be used in the supporting details.
Expert opinions, Research studies, tables, graphs, personal experiences, facts and statistics
What does the bottom bun represent?
The concluding sentence
Which trait means that the main idea is explained with enough relevant details?
Development.
True or False: A paragraph can contain several completely unrelated ideas as long as the sentences are grammatically correct.
False. The sentences should relate to the main idea
Why are the supporting details compared to the fillings?
Because they provide the information and explanation that develop the main idea between the room and the conclusion.
A paragraph discusses the benefits of exercise, but suddenly includes a sentence about the writer‘a favorite restaurant. Which trait is missing?
Unity
identify the topic sentence:”Exercise can benefit college students in several ways. It can reduces stress. It can improve concentration. It can also improve physical health”
”Exercise can benefit college students in several ways.”
Can a factually true sentence still be a poor supporting detail?
Yes. if it does not relate to the paragraphs main idea, it does not support the paragraph.
If a paragraph has a topic sentence and supporting details but no conclusion, which part of the hamburger is missing?
the bottom bun
A paragraph contains relevant information, but the ideas jump randomly from one point to another. Which trait needs improvement?
Coherence.
Can a topic sentence appear somewhere other than the first sentence?
Yes. Although it is recommended and commonly placed first, it can appear later depending on the writer and how the paragraph is organized.
A paragraph has five supporting details. Does that automatically mean it is well-developed? Explain
No. The details must be relevant, useful and provide enough explanation of the main idea.