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Introduction to Writing Basics

English

Paragraphing

1.2

TASK OVERVIEW

Topic Sentences

Every paragraph needs a topic sentence. The topic sentence is

usually the first sentence of the paragraph. It gives the reader an idea

of what the paragraph is going to be about. The supporting sentences

need to be about the idea presented in the topic sentence. In a

paragraph, every sentence should "belong".

What's the Main Idea?

A skilled writer sticks to the topic at hand. No wandering around! If an

idea or statement doesn't support your main idea, get rid of it!! Here is

some fun you can have with a partner that will help you get the "main

idea" about" The Main Idea"!

INSTRUCTIONS

Topic Sentences

Every paragraph needs a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. It gives the reader an idea

of what the paragraph is going to be about. The supporting sentences need to be about the idea presented in the topic sentence. In a

paragraph, every sentence should "belong".

Here is an example of a proper paragraph with supporting sentences:

I had a wonderful summer. First, I started sleeping in every day. I would then go swimming with my friends. I stayed up late watching

TV a lot, and I went to camp for a week. I wished my summer would never end!

What is the topic sentence? (Ask yourself what the paragraph is about.) "I had a wonderful summer" is the topic sentence. Everything

else supports that idea. The final sentence is the concluding sentence. It sums up what the author wants to communicate in the

paragraph. "I wished my summer would never end!".

Here is an example of a paragraph that has a sentence that doesn't quite fit in. Try to find it!

Regardless of what some people may think, the desert is a beautiful place. The blossoming wildflowers in the spring are a joy to see.

Spectacular sunsets delight the eye. Sometimes I go swimming. The occasional quail or roadrunner dart across the sandy roads. It is a

unique experience.

What doesn't belong? "Sometimes I go swimming" has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic sentence that states that the desert is a

beautiful place. Get rid of it!

What's the Main Idea?

A skilled writer sticks to the topic at hand. No wandering around! If an idea or statement doesn't support your main idea, get rid of it!!

Here is some fun you can have with a partner that will help you get the "main idea" about" The Main Idea"!

With a partner, discuss the words on the front and decide what they have in common - what would be the main idea of a sentence,

paragraph, or essay that contained these words? When you agree on the topic, write it on the back of the cards.

Cut the cards apart. Alone or with a partner, decide what the main idea of an essay with these things in it would be. Write the main idea

on the back of the cards.

* lion, tiger, panther, lynx

* hammer, saw, screwdriver, pliers

* Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, George Washington

* sun, moon, stars, clouds

* rose, tulip, carnation, orchid

* Earth, Mars, Saturn, Venus

* cake, cookies, pie, ice cream

* rye, wheat, raisin, pumpernickel

LEADS- The beginning of a story is called a "lead". The lead can be a sentence, a paragraph, or even a page long. A good beginning

"leads" a reader into the story. It makes them want to find out more. It catches their attention, enticing them to continue reading. Skilled

writers start their stories with good leads. A good lead adds to your "voice". It helps your reader connect with you. You can communicate

a sense of excitement, sadness, mystery, fear, or any other emotion with a good lead.

Bad leads:

* Last night Shelly had a very bad dream.

* The game was cancelled due to rain.

* It was a dark and scary night.

Better Leads:

* Shelly sat up, paralized with fear.

* Billy rushed to the door in his baseball uniform. His face fell when he saw the raindrops beginning to fall. There would be no game

First Term Language Program