The document discusses how to organize paragraphs. It states that a paragraph should be focused on one topic as introduced by the topic sentence, which is usually the first sentence. The topic sentence shares the main idea of the paragraph. The rest of the paragraph should develop and explain the topic sentence. Sentences should be logically related and in a coherent order, such as chronological or by importance. Transition words can be used to connect sentences. Proper organization includes a topic sentence, supporting details and examples, and a concluding sentence that looks ahead to the next paragraph.

1. Organizing Paragraphs
A paragraph is a series
of sentences
developed
around one topic.

2. The Topic Sentence
The main idea of a paper is presented in a thesis
statement.
But the topic of a support paragraph
is stated in one sentence called the
topic sentence.
The topic sentence usually is the
first sentence of the paragraph
(but not always). It shares the
main idea of the entire paragraph.

3. Developing a
Paragraph
A topic sentence
may
be developed by:
giving details.
providing
examples.
telling an incident.

4. Unity in the
Paragraph
Every sentence in a paragraph
should support the main idea
expressed in the topic sentence.

5. Coherence in a
Paragraph
Stick to the point:
The ideas have a clear and logical relation to
each other, as well as keeping the thesis
statement in mind.
Put details or examples or incidents
in logical order: 4
3
chronological 2
in relation to each other 1
in order of importance

6. The rest of the paragraph
consists
of sentences that develop or
explain
the main idea.Through the centuries, rats have
managed to survive all our efforts
to destroy them. We have
poisoned them and trapped them.
We have fumigated, flooded, and
burned them. We have tried germ
warfare. Some rats even survived
atomic bomb tests conducted on
Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after
World War II. In spite of all our
efforts, these enemies of ours
continue to prove that they are the
most indestructible of pests.

7. Transition Words:
Connecting Sentences Within the
Paragraph
chronological objects in in order of
order relation to one importance
• first another • however
• meanwhile • next to • furthermore
• later • in front of • as a result
• afterwards • beside • in fact
• finally • between • yet
• behind

8. How to Organize
Paragraphs
1. Start your paragraph with a topic
sentence.
Topic sentence = a sentence that explains what you are
going to write about. It should have a subject, a verb,
and a controlling idea that supports the thesis
statement.
2. Add supporting sentences.
Supporting sentences = more information about your
topic. One way to do this is to imagine your topic
sentence as a question and then ask yourself: How
can I prove this is true? What examples can I give?
3. End with a concluding sentence.
Conclusion = an ending sentence that explains what
your paragraph is about. This closing also looks
towards the next paragraph.