Paragraph Structure

Definitions

100

the first sentence of a paragraph, which introduces the subject for the whole paragraph.

What is a topic sentence?

200

the final sentence of the paragraph, which restates the topic sentence and brings all of the ideas together

What is a concluding sentence?

300

the information that explains, proves, and clarifies the main idea of the paragraph

What are supporting details?

400

a group of structured sentences that center on one main idea or thought

What is a paragraph?

Writing Applications

100

(Double)-Choose a side of the issue. Write at least two supporting details (one example, one detail, and/or one fact) for the following topic.

Participating in school activities does/does not help to develop good character.

200

In your group, write down two supporting details for the following topic sentence.

Middle school students should have time for recess during the school day.

300

Is the following topic sentence effective? Why or why not? If, not write a new topic sentence fixing the error(s). If it is effective, explain why.

Yes, people are like potatoes.

400

Write a concluding sentence for the following paragraph.

Oceans and lakes have a lot in common, but they are also quite different. They are both bodies of water. A main difference is that an ocean is very large and is salt water, while a lake is usually much smaller and is fresh water. Lakes are usually surrounded by land while oceans are what surround continents. Both have plants and animals that live in them. The ocean is home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes contain much smaller animals.

Identifications

100

Identify the topic sentence.

Owning a pet from the Animal Rescue League has many advantages. First of all, a child feels good about rescuing an abandoned or abused animal and giving it a whole new life. Another great advantage of having a pet from the pound is the price of these cute and cuddly animals. If someone remembers all of the advantages of adopting a pet from the pound, he or she might find the perfect bird, mouse, hamster, dog, or cat.

200

(Double)-First, identify the topic sentence and the concluding sentence. Then compare and contrast the topic sentence and the concluding sentence. Are they restating the same main idea?

For centuries now, mankind has turned a deaf ear to the pleas to save the mother earth. In the name of development, natural resources have been misused and now mankind is standing on the brink of ecological disaster. Now the time has come when mankind must listen because air pollution has never been as bad as it is now. More automobiles and factories are operating around us today than before. The time to act is now before it is too late. We may not be able to prevent deforestation but we can plant a few trees in our neighborhood.

300

What is the best concluding sentence to go with the following topic sentence: There are three reasons why I want to learn English.

A---For all of these reasons, I am very excited about learning English. B---I also want to learn French. C---Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future.

400

Identify topic sentence, supporting details, and concluding sentence in the following paragraph, and explain whether or not the paragraph is effective. Why or why not?

Butterflies are one of the most beautiful and interesting creatures on earth. Their attractive, brilliant colors catch interest immediately. They have wings of varying shapes and sizes, and some even appear to have "eyes" on them! Some butterflies are cleverly camouflaged with colors that assist them in blending with the plant life in their environments. The delicate physical structure of the butterfly (along with hair-like legs and antennae) adds to its gentle beauty. Some of these curious insects vary distinctly in size, with the largest-known wing span at four inches, and the smallest measured from wing tip to tip at one-half inch. Without these glorious, artful creations darting about in the world, our lives would indeed be much more drab and boring.

Paragraph Bunny

100

Why do I use the bunny analogy?

To keep you accountable of having all parts of your paragraph.

200

What is it called when you have evidence but do not tie it back to your claim/restate your topic?

hungry bunny

300

What's wrong with this paragraph? (DOUBLE)

Students should be allowed to listen to books out loud. A recent study showed that listening to books has positive impact on reading lexile and vocabulary acquiziiton. I like reading books out loud better anyways and it makes me pay attention. I think reading is stupid, we should watch movies instead.

Citations are wrong/ missing

hungry bunny

400

Is the bunny hungry or alive in this paragraph?

State testing is an outdated practice that does not accurately help the student gain real-world skills. One NEA report stated that "state testing does not accurately demonstrate student learning" (NEA). This means testing is bad.

hungry bunny