The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

The Paragraph mainidea The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic. sentence sentence sentence Conclusion sentence.

Types of Paragraphs • The narrative paragraph • tells a story • The persuasive or opinion paragraph • tries to convince the audience • The descriptive paragraph • describes something • The expository or explanatory paragraph • gives information or explains something

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

OPENING:The Topic Sentence • A topic sentence is one sentence which states your idea or opinion. • This sentence should use a strong verb and make a bold statement. • You also need to indent the first word. • Examples: • Strong sentence: “Students require more recreational time to better focus on lessons.” • Weak sentence: “I think students probably need more recreational time to better focus...”

MIDDLE:Supporting PPAs • “PPA” stands for point, proof and analysis. • The PPAs provide explanations and support for the topic sentence of your paragraph. • There should be three PPAs (unless otherwise stated). • There are three parts in a PPA: • POINT • PROOF • ANALYSIS

Point: state your point/opinion/reason. (What are you stating to help support your topic sentence?) (“First, additionally, Finally...”) • Proof: provide an evidence/example from the text (if there is a text). (How are you proving your point?) (“In the story...For example..”.) • Analysis: explain how your proof supports your point. Ask yourself “So what?...why does my proof matter?...what does it show me?” (“This shows that...This tells me that…”)

CLOSING:Concluding Sentence • A concluding sentence restates/reinforces the main idea (found in your topic sentence) in different words. • Example: “Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best possible chances of success in their studies.” (The topic sentence was: “Students require more recreational time to better focus on lessons.”)

HELPFUL TIPS

Unity Make sure every sentence in a paragraph is relevant and supports the main idea expressed in the topic sentence! STICK TO THE POINT! mainidea sentence sentence sentence sentence

DOs Use formal language Use full words, not contractions: (It is, It’s; she is, she’s) 3rd person (She ate…) Indent each paragraph Use transition words so sentences flow into the next. (First, next, also…) Make clear statements – avoid vague terms such as ‘things’ or ‘stuff’ DON’Ts No informal language No contractions (can’t) 1st person (me, my, I) and 2nd person (you) Avoid slang(chill with my bro…) Do not separate each section (opening, middle and closing) Use questions like “shouldn’t we encourage children to try their best?” They are awkward. DOs and DON’Ts

Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph? Use Transition words!!!

The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.