This document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs, including their basic structure and components. It recommends that paragraphs contain a topic sentence, three levels of supporting details, and a concluding sentence. Transition words are also emphasized as a way to connect ideas within and between paragraphs. Specific transition words and examples of how to build body paragraphs from broad to specific details are provided.

1. Four-Square Organization Mack Gipson, Jr. Tutorial and Enrichment Center Gayla S. Keesee, Education Specialist rev. 9/2006 Descriptive Paragraph

2. Structure of a Paragraph Introduction Topic Sentence Subject = topic of paragraph Controlling idea—judgment or attitude about the topic Body 3 levels supporting details Answer who, what, why, where, when, how? Conclusion Provides closure—clincher sentence

3. Topic Sentence Points to Remember Subject = topic of paragraph Controlling idea—judgment or attitude about the topic Complete Sentence Not the Prompt!! Usual Locations First sentence Last sentence Middle

4. Transition words and expressions help connect ideas within and between paragraphs. They do this by showing relationships , such as addition or contrast or result Teacher : Your paper doesn’t show a smooth flow of thoughts. You need to add transitions between ideas and paragraphs. Student : I have no idea what a transition is. What are some words that I can use to make my paper flow?

5. Paint a picture with words Dog Level Poodle Level Fifi Level

6. Basic Paragraph Topic Sentence Transition + 1 st Supporting Detail Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + 2 nd Supporting Detail Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + 3 rd Supporting Detail Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Clincher Sentence

7. Sample Paragraph My experience in the nature study area was full of surprises. First of all , many unexpected creatures crossed our path. For example , as soon as we left the parking area and entered the grassy path, a long snake slithered along the edge of the high grass and quickly disappeared. In addition , I was surprised by how colorful the grasses, which from a distance all appear to be green, actually are. Specifically , the primarily green landscape is dotted with countless purple tassels and brown stalks. Finally and most importantly , I was unprepared for how quickly I felt surrounded by nature. Although the noise from passing cars and airplanes occasionally intrudes, the high prairie grasses and rolling pathways create a sense that one is removed from civilization. Altogether , the nature study area unexpectedly allows one to enjoy an ever-changing natural environment without leaving campus.

8. Body Paragraphs From Broad to Specific Level 1: Topic Sentence Controlling sentence names and controls the topic Level 2: Clarifying Sentences Help make the topic clearer—explain how support topic sent. Level 3: Completing sentences Add specific details/examples to complete the picture Animal (essay level) Dogs Poodles Fifi

9. Names (people, movie, restaurant, rides) Best friend—Rochelle, Waiting to Exhale Arby’s, Georgia Cyclone Numbers Three goldfish, 28 ounces, 18 years Dates/Times Last Thursday, July 4, morning, from 8:00-12:00 Places May Park, Clarke Middle School Colors Crimson, burnt sienna, kelly green, chocolate, toast, peach Comparisons Like a mad dog, golf ball size Sensory Details Wiggle, clammy, murky, boom, clank, spicy, tangy Active Verbs Looked—glanced, squinted, peeked

10. Sight Description Specific Nouns Specific Verbs Touch Texture Hearing Onomatopoeia Smell fragrances Taste Sensory Details

11. Describe Meal

12. Be specific Make comparisons Add color Sauce Ragu Chunky Mushroom Chunky vine-ripe tomatoes Crimson explosion Meatballs Ping pong balls Red golf balls Littered with parmesan cheese slivers Spaghetti Mounds of angel hair spaghetti Twirl on fork Like a ball of yarn Swimming in sauce

13. To begin… Fold your paper into four squares. Darken in the lines. Write your Topic Sentence above the line in the middle to remind you of what you will be proving.

14. Spaghetti and meatballs makes a mouth-watering meal. Now we have to clarify what we mean by “mouth-watering meal.” Answer how? why? Dog level

15. Seasonings Tomatoes Meat Choices Spaghetti and meatballs makes a mouth-watering meal. Poodle Level

16. Seasonings Tickle taste buds Oregano Coarse black pepper Thyme Sage Garlic Whole cloves Crushed Add extra spiciness Vegetables Diced onions Green pepper chunks Sliced mushrooms -Tomatoes Base for savory sauce Home-grown Vine-ripened Better Boy Rich, full of flavor Organic Ruby red to dark pink Vibrant color Full of lycopene Chunky Canned or fresh Just crush w/hands Juices run down arm Meat Choices Use pork or hamburger Lean meat Low in fat Crusty brown Add Italian sausage 2 inch chunks Squeeze out of casings Sweet Like a gumbo Assortment of meats floating in sauce Filling as Thanksgiving Always eat too much Spaghetti and meatballs is great because it makes a mouth-watering meal. Fifi Level

17. Seasonings Tickle taste buds Oregano Coarse black pepper Thyme Sage Garlic Whole cloves Crushed Add extra spiciness Vegetables Diced onions Green pepper chunks Sliced mushrooms -Tomatoes Base for savory sauce Home-grown Vine-ripened Better Boy Rich, full of flavor Organic Ruby red to dark pink Vibrant color Full of lycopene Chunky Canned or fresh Just crush w/hands Juices run down arm Meat Choices Use pork or hamburger Lean meat Low in fat Crusty brown Add Italian sausage 2 inch chunks Squeeze out of casings Sweet Like a gumbo Assortment of meats floating in sauce Filling as Thanksgiving Always eat too much Spaghetti and meatballs is great because it makes a mouth-watering meal. Connect ideas within paragraphs Sequence: first, next Illustration: for example, in other words, to clarify Addition : Also, in addition, besides