The topic of a paragraph

The topic of a paragraph is generally introduced by a key sentence. This is often called a topic sentence. As its name suggests, this sentence contains the central idea of the paragraph. It may make a statement that the rest of the sentence develops. It often - but not always - comes at the beginning of the paragraph.

Topic sentence - the first sentence of a paragragh that tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

Supporting sentences - these sentences add details to the topic sentence.

Ending sentence - this concludes or closes the paragraph.

Example: The topic is college.

The topic sentence could be: College is very important.

Three supporting sentences relate to the topic sentence:

• You learn how to study.
• Teachers teach you how to organise your work.
• You learn how to use computers.

The supporting sentences can be moved around so that the paragraph is in order or makes more sense. To strengthen your writing, make sure that each of your supporting sentences relates well to the topic sentence. It is not enough to be generally in the same topic area.

Ending sentence to close/finish/end the paragraph. Ending sentences can:

• a) repeat the topic sentence in a different way
• b) express how we feel about the topic
• c) express what we think about the topic.

• It is important to go to college (repeating topic sentence)
• I love going to college (expresses feelings)
• I think college is important for people of all ages (expresses thoughts).

Reminder. Make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact question you are going to answer in your paragraph.

• What facts and ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence
• Where can I find more facts on this topic?
• Why is this topic important?
• How can I make this paragraph more interesting?