Writing a paragraph is like building a house, with an outline serving as the plans, a strong topic sentence as the foundation, major detail sentences forming the frame as the main points, and minor detail sentences providing insulation by elaborating on each major detail point. The paragraph should then be finished through editing and revising, analogous to decorating the house.

1. Support within a Paragraph
Major and Minor Details

2. Writing is like building a house.
Draw up your plans—make an outline

3. Create a strong foundation.
Begin with a great topic sentence.

4. Build your frame. Write sentences that represent the
MAJOR DETAILS of your paragraph
Major details are the main points that
you want to make about your topic.

5. Add insulation. Add MINOR DETAILS
after each major detail
Minor details elaborate, define, describe or
further clarify the point you made in your major
detail sentence. Add at least two minor detail
sentences after each major detail.

6. Decorate your house!
Edit, revise, remove, rewrite until your
paragraph is finished.