The document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs. It explains that a paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea. The body of the paragraph should then include specific, relevant details to support and develop the topic. Transitional phrases should be used to logically connect the details. The concluding sentence should draw conclusions based on the discussed details or indicate the significance of the topic. Examples are provided of effective topic sentences, details, transitions, and conclusions to illustrate how to construct a cohesive paragraph.

1. The Paragraph: The Ultimate Building Block earth911.com

2. Why review the paragraph? fotolibra.com

3. Or worse . . . crackedslab.wordpress.com

4. What does a paragraph look like? Imagine a sandwich

5. An Academic Paragraph recipes.wikia.com

6. The Necessary Parts: Topic Sentence Details, details, details! Specific details: Not just “meat”: honey-glazed ham, smoked turkey Transitions between details Concluding sentence

7. What is a Topic Sentence? States the specific and narrow topic of paragraph Controls all the details within paragraph Usually is found at beginning of paragraph

8. Which is a good topic sentence? I am going to describe my car. My Toyota Matrix is a good car. My Matrix looks like an outfitter’s store.

9. My Toyota looks like an outfitter’s store. Which details would not belong in this descriptive paragraph? Mud-caked hiking boots rest in the back floorboards. A kayak paddle and life vest are stowed in the hatch-back. The car gets good gas mileage. Trail maps are stuffed in the glove box.

10. The body of the paragraph needs . . . Details, details, details! Meaty, surprising, specific details will make for interesting reading Transitions between details

11. Transitions are like glue: Hold the details together Move the reader from one idea to the next in a logical fashion Guide the reader’s thinking Make the paragraph easy to read Eliminate the “laundry list” style of writing

12. Examples of transitions: Repeated phrases or key words Phrases that show a change of direction such as “however” See page 85 Avoid transitions that are simplistic:First, second, third Avoid transitions that announce:In conclusion

13. The closing sentence Draws a conclusion:In other words, what did you learn by examining the subject in this way? Answers the “So what?” question:Explain why readers should care. Avoids repeating, verbatim, the topic sentence. May try for a kicky ending.

14. Which is a good closing? My Matrix looks like an outfitter’s store. In summary, my car has a bunch of outdoor equipment strewn about. The equipment stashed in my car shows I eagerly await the next adventure.

15. Why review paragraphs? durableslate.com

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18. To Review: The paragraph is a complete, cohesive unit of thought It often begins with a narrow topic sentence Uses specific meaty details to develop the topic Uses transitions between ideas to guide the reader Closes by reaching a new conclusion or by reminding the reader why he or she should care

19. Now Let’s Practice!