Paragraph Writing A paragraph is a group of sentences that develops a main idea.
Parts of a paragraph
Topic Sentence- includes the topic and the controlling idea. The controlling idea is the focus of your paragraph.
Supporting Sentences- provide details and examples
Concluding Sentence
A paragraph should have clear focus. For example, if you are going to write about Gateway Community College, you could focus on the convenient location, the green architecture OR the comfortable enrivonment. Do not write about all 3 in one paragraph. Choose one thing to focus on and then add supporting details and examples.
Paragraph Assessment
Topic sentence with a controlling idea (10) _____
Supporting sentences that relate to the controlling idea with specific details and examples (20)_____
A concluding sentence (10)_____
Transitions (coherence) (5) _____
Correct format (5) ____
Grammar and mechanics (15) ______
Total points (out of 65)__________ Grade _________________
Click here to read some sample paragraphs.
Paragraph Writing Practice
One sentence can become a whole paragraph!
Starbucks is a good place to study because they have long tables, internet access and food and drinks.
Starbucks is a good place to study. First, they have long tables. This is good because many people can fit at the table, and there is a lot of room to place your study materials. Also, there is internet access and outlets for laptops. This will allow you to go online to do research, check your class website, and email your teacher. You can also charge your laptop. The most important reason it's a good place to study is that they have drinks and food to buy, especially caffeinated drinks like coffee to keep you awake. If you are hungry, you can buy sandwiches or sweets to snack on. Every time you go there, you will feel comfortable studying. Therefore, It's a great place to do your work.
Topic Sentence Practice
Paragraph Topic: Should the government put higher taxes on junk food?
Title: Higher Taxes on Junk Food
Which topic sentences are appropriate?
1. I disagree with this because if people want junk food, they will still buy it even if it is expensive.
2. Yes, it is a good idea for several reasons.
3. The government should put higher taxes on junk food in order to help fight the childhood obesity problem.
4. Higher taxes won't work because people don't care about the price.
5. Some people think the government should put higher taxes on junk food. I think this is a good idea even though I don't think it will work.
Here are some reasons to support that it is a good idea.
If the price of junk food is more expensive than healthy food, more people might choose the healthy option.
The government can use the money it receives from the taxes to promote nutrition programs.
If there is a tax on junk food, it won't be as easy for young people to buy.
Here are some reasons to support that it is a bad idea.
Many people in the U.S. don't like the government telling them what to do.
People are addicted to junk food, so they will continue to buy it.
If people really want something, they don't care about the price.
It would be too hard for the government to regulate all the ingredients in food.
Parts of a paragraph
Topic Sentence- includes the topic and the controlling idea. The controlling idea is the focus of your paragraph.
Supporting Sentences- provide details and examples
Concluding Sentence
A paragraph should have clear focus. For example, if you are going to write about Gateway Community College, you could focus on the convenient location, the green architecture OR the comfortable enrivonment. Do not write about all 3 in one paragraph. Choose one thing to focus on and then add supporting details and examples.
Paragraph Assessment
Topic sentence with a controlling idea (10) _____
Supporting sentences that relate to the controlling idea with specific details and examples (20)_____
A concluding sentence (10)_____
Transitions (coherence) (5) _____
Correct format (5) ____
Grammar and mechanics (15) ______
Total points (out of 65)__________ Grade _________________
Click here to read some sample paragraphs.
Paragraph Writing Practice
One sentence can become a whole paragraph!
Starbucks is a good place to study because they have long tables, internet access and food and drinks.
Starbucks is a good place to study. First, they have long tables. This is good because many people can fit at the table, and there is a lot of room to place your study materials. Also, there is internet access and outlets for laptops. This will allow you to go online to do research, check your class website, and email your teacher. You can also charge your laptop. The most important reason it's a good place to study is that they have drinks and food to buy, especially caffeinated drinks like coffee to keep you awake. If you are hungry, you can buy sandwiches or sweets to snack on. Every time you go there, you will feel comfortable studying. Therefore, It's a great place to do your work.
Topic Sentence Practice
Paragraph Topic: Should the government put higher taxes on junk food?
Title: Higher Taxes on Junk Food
Which topic sentences are appropriate?
1. I disagree with this because if people want junk food, they will still buy it even if it is expensive.
2. Yes, it is a good idea for several reasons.
3. The government should put higher taxes on junk food in order to help fight the childhood obesity problem.
4. Higher taxes won't work because people don't care about the price.
5. Some people think the government should put higher taxes on junk food. I think this is a good idea even though I don't think it will work.
Here are some reasons to support that it is a good idea.
If the price of junk food is more expensive than healthy food, more people might choose the healthy option.
The government can use the money it receives from the taxes to promote nutrition programs.
If there is a tax on junk food, it won't be as easy for young people to buy.
Here are some reasons to support that it is a bad idea.
Many people in the U.S. don't like the government telling them what to do.
People are addicted to junk food, so they will continue to buy it.
If people really want something, they don't care about the price.
It would be too hard for the government to regulate all the ingredients in food.