1. Paragraphs RULE = A paragraph is a group of sentences about 1 topic.

2. Topic: My Dog I have a dog named Dakota. She is black and white and loves to play. When she does not get her play time, she pouts. Dakota needs to play everyday. Check the rule: This is a paragraph. It is a group of sentences about 1 topic.

3. Topic: South Carolina South Carolina is a very nice place to live. This state has the beach, has a great football team, and plenty of places to eat. When my friends come to town, they always have fun in South Carolina because there is so much to do. Check the rule: This is a paragraph. It is a group of sentences about 1 topic.

4. Topic: Snakes Snakes are very strange, but interesting creatures. They do not have legs, but they move very fast. Sometimes I find them in my garden and I get scared. I never know if they are poisonous. Check the rule: This is a paragraph. It is a group of sentences about 1 topic.

5. Topic: Habitats Habitats are places where animals live. My mom lives by the mall. She goes shopping all of the time. I bet you she is there now. Check the rule: This is not a paragraph. It is a group of sentences about many topics, not 1.

6. Topic: Water Water is essential for living things. Once I went to the zoo and saw a giraffe drink water. The giraffe was tall! He ate a lot of leaves high up in the tree. I wonder how he got to the zoo? Check the rule: This is not a paragraph. It is a group of sentences about many topics, not 1.

7. Topic: Nocturnal Nocturnal means to sleep during the day and be active at night. My dog is active. She got a new toy so she is running now! Check the rule: This is not a paragraph. It is a group of sentences about many topics, not 1.

8. Topic: Owls Owls are very interesting creatures. They can prey on other animals twice their own size! They have talons on their feet to help them catch prey. Is this a paragraph? How do you know?

9. Topic: Forests Many nocturnal animals live in the forest. Many nocturnal animals live in the desert too. The desert is hot, so that is why many animals sleep during the day. Is this a paragraph? How do you know?

10. Topic: Herbivores Herbivores are animals that eat plants and no meat. Wolves eat meat. They have sharp teeth to bite their prey. Wolves also have very sharp claws. Is this a paragraph? How do you know?

11. Topic: Alligators Alligators are nocturnal because they prey for food at night. They have very sharp teeth and claws. Alligators live in the water and have the ability to sneak up on their prey without making a sound. Is this a paragraph? How do you know?

12. Topic: Lions Lions are considered carnivores because they eat meat. You can tell they are carnivores just by looking at their characteristics. They have sharp teeth, padded feet, and their eyes are forward on their face. This helps them see the distance of their prey. Is this a paragraph? How do you know?

13. Topic: Cats Cat are nocturnal creatures. My neighbor has a dog. It is white with brown spots. The dog’s name is Sadie. Sadie likes to go for walks. Is this a paragraph? How do you know?