WPS Unit 3: Paragraph Writing

Parts of a paragraph

Body

Concluding Statement

Topic sentence

Supporting sentence 1

Supporting sentence 2

Connectives

Examples

Explanation

Concession

Sequencing

Contrast

Indicating cause and effect

Addition

states main idea of paragraph

should be as near the beginning of the paragraph as possible (for beginning writers)

helps reader understand the topic of para

shows how main idea of para and supporting facts are relevant to main topic of entire report

in long paras: summarises the information presented in the para

develops & supports main idea with particular facts, details, evidence and examples

in short paras, only 2-3 supporting sentences

How to ensure that ideas are developed

Evaluate causes and reasons

Compare and contrast ideas

Examine testimony (what others say through quotes)

Examine effects and consequences

Analyze the topic

Describe the topic

cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, etc)

use examples and illustrations

define key terms

also, furthermore, moreover, and

however, nevertheless, on the other hand, but, instead, in contrast, yet, through

although, nevertheless, nonetheless

Reinforcement

for example, in other words

first of all, then, next, finally

and so, because, since, so, consequently, as a result, thanks to this, because of this, thus

besides, anyway, after all, especially, in fact

what do they do

shows how one idea leads to the next/shows the relationships between ideas

join ideas together/make relationships between ideas clearer

improve the flow of sentences, so that they are less abrupt