This document discusses the parts of a paragraph, including the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentence. It explains that the topic sentence states what the paragraph is about, while supporting sentences provide additional details. The concluding sentence restates the topic and bridges to the next paragraph. The document also distinguishes between a paragraph's topic, which is the overall subject, and its main idea, which is the author's specific point about the topic. Examples are provided to illustrate these concepts.
3. Introduction
A paragraph is a part of a longer written piece
• Usually "indented" (space before first word)
• Contains a complete thought
• One or more complete sentences
• Supports larger theme of writing
5. Parts of a Paragraph
Topic Sentence
• What the paragraph (or writing) is about
Supporting Sentences
• Add information to Topic
Concluding Sentence
• Restates the Topic with details
• Provides "bridge" to next paragraph
6. Topic Sentences
Topic = What the paragraph is about
So ask yourself the question...
"What is this paragraph about?"
• Usually the first sentence
• Look for repeating words
7. Topic Sentences
Japan is a land that easily combines the old and
the new. In Tokyo, the ancient Asakusa Shrine sits right
next to a shiny new office building. Young men and
women carry smartphones in the sleeves of their
beautiful kimonos. People can eat handmade soba
noodles for lunch and then McDonald's for dinner.
These are just a few examples of how the traditional
and the modern coexist in today's Japan.
8. Topic Sentences
Japan is a land that easily combines the old and
the new. In Tokyo, the ancient Asakusa Shrine sits right
next to a shiny new office building. Young men and
women carry smartphones in the sleeves of their
beautiful kimonos. People can eat handmade soba
noodles for lunch and then McDonald's for dinner.
These are just a few examples of how the traditional
and the modern coexist in today's Japan.
9. Topic vs. Main Idea
Topic = Big Category
Main Idea = Author's Feelings
Topic = Whole Pie
Main Idea = One Slice
Topic = Japan
Main Idea = Japan mixes old and new
10. Topic vs. Main Idea
The expression, "Dogs are man's best friend" is
proving to be more true than previously thought. Not
only can dogs detect drugs or explosives at airports,
their amazing noses can also detect things like bugs in
our homes. Some dogs are used to help sick people
recognize a problem before it happens. Also, several
studies have shown that dog owners live longer, happier
lives than people without dogs. Now that's a good
friend.
11. Topic vs. Main Idea
The expression, "Dogs are man's best friend" is
proving to be more true than previously thought. Not
only can dogs detect drugs or explosives at airports,
their amazing noses can also detect things like bugs in
our homes. Some dogs are used to help sick people
recognize a problem before it happens. Also, several
studies have shown that dog owners live longer, happier
lives than people without dogs. Now that's a good
friend.
12. Topic vs. Main Idea
The American Revolution was more than just
the creation of a new country. It also began changes
in Europe that permanently altered the course of
human history. By rejecting British rule, the
Americans showed colonies all over the world that
independence was possible. Many people also
began pushing for a more democratic system of
government. In this way, the changes in the U.S.
affected the entire world.
13. Topic vs. Main Idea
The American Revolution was more than just
the creation of a new country. It also began changes
in Europe that permanently altered the course of
human history. By rejecting British rule, the
Americans showed colonies all over the world that
independence was possible. Many people also
began pushing for a more democratic system of
government. In this way, the changes in the U.S.
affected the entire world.
14. Conclusion
Parts
• Topic Sentence
• Supporting Sentences
• Concluding Sentence
Topic and Main Idea
• Big Category vs. Author's Feelings
In this paragraph, the topic sentence is the first sentence. As we have seen, the topic sentence usually contains both the topic and the main idea of the passage. Can you identify them? The topic is the American Revolution, the large category, and the main idea is how the author feels about it, in this case that it affected the entire world. The three supporting sentences in the middle all add information to this idea. In this example, the concluding sentence summarizes the points and answers the question "In what way was it more?"
In this lesson we learned about identifying the parts of a paragraph. A good paragraph should include a topic sentence, one or more supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. Within the paragraph, readers should be able to identify the topic of the passage and the main idea the author is trying to express. Remember that some paragraphs may look a little different. But by using the tips we learned today, you should be able to easily identify the parts in most types of reading you will encounter. Keep practicing and see you soon!
