Organization of Paragraphs

1. Organization of Paragraphs

2. Basic Organization : • The Topic Sentence • States the main idea of the paragraph • A good topic sentence has two parts : the topic and the controlling idea. • Examples: • Driving on freeways (Topic) requires skill and alertness. (controlling idea) • Cats are also called felines. (not a Topic Sentence because it is fact and notion about the cat)

3. The body sentences (supporting sentences) • Develops the topic sentence by giving reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and quotations. • Two parts : • Major supporting sentences – tells about the topic sentence • Minor supporting sentences – tells about the major supporting sentences. • Example : • We need to have several skills that can help us to focus on freeways. (major) • One of the skills is wheel-controlled. (minor)

4. The concluding sentence • Is generally a restatement of the topic sentence. • It may not be possible to restate the topic itself, but it is always to restate the controlling idea. • Signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important points to remember.

5. Unity & Coherence • Unity • discusses one and only one main idea from beginning to end of the same paragraph. • Coherence • Shows the connection between the sentences in the paragraph. • Paragraph is easy to read and understand. • Cohesion • The methods of connecting sentences by several devices such as : • Linking words – however, therefore, but, then, etc. • Personal pronouns – he, she, it, they, etc. • Definite articles – the • Demonstrative pronouns – this, that, these, and those • Synonyms

6. 4 ways to achieve coherence • Repeat key nouns • Use consistent pronouns • Use transition signals to link ideas • Arrange your ideas in logical order.