Paragraphs focus on one topic and have three parts: a topic sentence, supporting details and a closing sentence. By understanding the parts of a good paragraph, a writer can place their ideas within a basic paragraph outline using the writing cycle, enabling them to concentrate on getting their message across rather than on paragraph structure.
Instructions
Prewriting Stage
1. Decide on a topic for your paragraph. If this is an assigned writing in school, focus on deciding how you will answer the prompt given by the teacher.
2. Research the topic. Use the Internet, books, or other resources to find facts that might relate to your topic. Also include ideas that come from your own head.
3. Determine the most important facts and organize your facts around that main idea.
Writing Stage
4. Write a topic sentence as the first sentence of your paragraph. A topic sentence briefly summarizes the main idea of the paragraph and will often be an opinion on something.
5. Give details, elaborating on the topic sentence's main idea. You need at least two main, supporting details, alternating with supporting evidence and analysis.
6. Elaborate for each supporting detail. Use concrete examples, evidence, data and names.
7. Analyze the examples, discussing how they fit with the main idea or supporting detail. You may use abstract words as you interpret the evidence, but be sure to stay focused on your topic sentence and not to wander into areas that are not part of your main argument or statement.
8. Write a closing or transition sentence. A closing sentence repeats the main idea of the paragraph using different words from the topic sentence while a transition statement also ties this paragraph with the next paragraph in some way.
Editing and Publishing Stages
9. Check for spelling and grammar problems. Proofread closely; your word processor's spell check won't catch all mistakes.
10. Reread your paragraph and focus on grammar issues like sentence fragments and subject verb agreement.
11. Determine if your sentences make sense by reading them aloud or by having another person read the paragraph.
12. Make sure all your sentences relate to the main idea of the paragraph and do not wander off topic.
13. Print out a final copy of your writing and turn it in or publish it.
Tags: main idea, topic sentence, idea paragraph, main idea paragraph, your paragraph