Grammar

Paragraph Writing


Paragraphs have (4) basic parts
• Title- top of the page which is separated from the paragraph
• Introduction-usually first or second sentence-called the topicsentence
• Body-3 or more detail sentences
• Conclusion-usually the last sentence-called the clincher

Topic Sentence
• Usually first sentence
• Introduces the main idea (the same ideathat is expressed in the title)
• Sometimes introduces the details
• 3 types include
-General Topic Sentence-covers only the main idea but not the details of the
paragraph(see examples below).
-Clueing Topic Sentence-names the main idea and provides some information
about the details to be included in the paragraph. These sentences often use cluewords such as many, several, a number of, number (three), kinds, types, parts,
elements, reasons, categories, similarities, differences, etc (see examples below).
-Specific TopicSentence- names the main idea and names the details to be
covered in the paragraph (see examples below).
• Examples
-General- NIU is an interesting place to receive an education.Special education
is an exciting field. I enjoy working with students with disabilities.
-Clueing-Students attend NIU for several reasons. There are three reasons why
specialeducation is an exciting field.
For a variety of reasons, I enjoy working with students with disabilities.
-Specific-Students attend NIU because of its reputation, location, and programs.Special education is an exciting field because of the collaboration, the
challenges, and the personal rewards.
I enjoy working with students with disabilities because it ispersonally
rewarding, professionally challenging, and spiritually uplifting.

Detail Sentences
• Form the body of the paragraph.
• Each detail sentence contains information...