The Parts of a Paragraph

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The Parts ofa Paragraph
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Part 1

• Topic Sentence

States the main idea
EXAMPLE During the winter, the Korth family in
Alaska lives almost totally off the land.
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Part 2

• Body

Share details about the main idea.
EXAMPLE Much of their time is spent setting
trap lines for pelts. They also hunt caribou and
moose for meat. Meat is stored outside because
the temperature stays below freezing. In
addition, the family members either break through
the ice on a river for water, or they melt snow.
They live in a small, one-room cabin that is
heated by wood that they cut. If there is an
emergency, someone in the family will write a
huge message in the snow, in hopes that an
airplane pilot will see it.
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Part 3

• Closing Sentence

Sums up the paragraphs message
EXAMPLE Few people are able to live the way
this family does.
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Writing StrongTopic Sentences
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A topic sentence should

• Name the topic
• State an important detail or feeling about it.

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Strategies for Writing a Topic Sentence
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Use a Number.

• EXAMPLES
• A winning football team does three things very
  well.
• Our school needs a new gym for a number of
  reasons.

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Create a list.

• EXAMPLES
• Unrefined rice is a good source of protein,
  vitamins, and minerals.
• Before any test, review your assignments, re-read
  any handouts, and study your notes.

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Start with to and a verb.

• EXAMPLES
• To guard a great shooter, a defender must keep
  totally focused.
• To appreciate what immigrants went through, visit
  Ellis Island.

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Join two ideas.

• EXAMPLES
• Our coach wants morning practices, but many
  players dont like the idea.
• Lewis and Clark did reach the Pacific Ocean, yet
  their trip was not easy.

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Write your own topic sentence.

• Choose a topic.

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Choose a strategy.
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Use a Number.

• EXAMPLES
• A winning football team does three things very
  well.
• Our school needs a new gym for a number of
  reasons.

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Create a list.

• EXAMPLES
• Unrefined rice is a good source of protein,
  vitamins, and minerals.
• Before any test, review your assignments, re-read
  any handouts, and study your notes.

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Start with to and a verb.

• EXAMPLES
• To guard a great shooter, a defender must keep
  totally focused.
• To appreciate what immigrants went through, visit
  Ellis Island.

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Join two ideas.

• EXAMPLES
• Our coach wants morning practices, but many
  players dont like the idea.
• Lewis and Clark did reach the Pacific Ocean, yet
  their trip was not easy.