1. THE PARAGRAPH LSAngeles, MDC

2. The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

3. The basic rule with a paragraph is to keep one idea to one paragraph • If you begin to develop a new idea then it belongs to a new paragraph. • Aim for 5-6 or more sentences per paragraph.

4. PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH

5. The TOPIC SENTENCE This states the main point of a paragraph. The topic sentence gives readers a sense of direction. It could be found in the beginning, middle, or end of the paragraph. Each topic sentence has a controlling idea.

6. Supporting details • This makes up the body of the paragraph. This gives details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph. You should give supporting facts, details and examples.

7. Closing sentence • The last sentence in the paragraph. It restates the main idea of the paragraph.

8. WHEN TO BEGIN A NEW PARAGRAPH • When you begin a new idea or point – new ideas should always start in new paragraphs, if you have many ideas, each new point should have its own paragraph. • To contrast information or ideas– Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides or opinions.

9. When your readers need a pauseBreaks in paragraphs function as a short “break” for your readers. You should create a break if your paragraph becomes too long or the material is too complex. When you are starting your conclusion Your concluding material should always be a new paragraph.

10. ELEMENTS OF A PARAGRAPH • UNITY – The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. • COHERENCE – It is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. • TOPIC SENTENCE • ADEQUATE DEVELOPMENT- The subject introduced should be fully and clearly discussed.

11. Unity in the Paragraph Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. mainidea sentence sentence sentence sentence

12. Coherence in a Paragraph • Stick to the point:The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other. • Put details or examples or incidents in logical order. 4 3 2 1 chronological in relation to each other in order of importance

13. Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph Transition words objects in relation to one another next to in front of beside between behind chronological order first meanwhile later afterwards finally in order of importance however furthermore as a result in fact yet

14. METHODS TO MAKE SURE YOUR PARAGRAPH IS WELL DEVELOPED • Use examples • Give data, facts, evidence, details • Describe the topic • Compare and Contrast • Evaluate cause and reasons

15. KINDS OF PARAGRAPHS

16. 1. Definition Paragraph • 2. Classification Paragraph • 3. Description Paragraph • 4. Compare & Contrast Paragraph • 5. Sequence Paragraph • 6.Choice Paragraph • 7. Explanation Paragraph • 8. Evaluation Paragraph

17. Definition Paragraph When you give a definition – Helper Words: 1. “ Is defined as” Ex: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property. 2. “ is a kind of “ Ex: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.

18. HAPPINESS Happiness is a very complex emotion that can be felt in many ways. It can come from the senses: the sight of a smile on a child’s face, the smell of flowers in the air, the feeling of the sun on one's face, or the sound of music.

19. Happiness can also come from basic necessities such as food for the hungry, a blanket for the cold, and a drink for the thirsty.

20. More lasting emotions can give rise to happiness, too-- for example, love: love of parents, brothers and sisters, husband or wife, and love of all mankind.

21. In essence, happiness seems to result from being in accord with life and its experiences. When such happiness is achieved, it can bring great peace of mind.

22. Classification Paragraph This is when you are classifying or are grouping things or ideas into specific categories.

23. Is grouped with • Is related to • Is associated with • Fits into Helper Words: Is a type of Can be divided into Falls under Belongs to Is a part of

24. ROCK MUSIC There are three different types of rock music, alternative rock, classic rock, and hard rock, also known as metal. Alternative rock features a steady bass drum laying down the beat, with easy flowing guitar riffs over the top.

25. The bass line is toned town, and the lyrics are sung with intensity an authority. Depending on the song, the guitars can either be acoustic guitars or electric guitars. Classic rock combines a steady driving bass drum sound, with high snare overtones, steady and often repeating guitar riffs, and an intensive bass line.

26. The guitars are more often than not all electric guitars, and distortion is rarely used. The lyrics are sung with style and enthusiasm. Hard rock, or metal, features a hard rolling bass drum with an abundant amount of cymbal work.

27. This style of rock uses several electric guitars with heavy distortion to bring a very intense sound. A hard, intense, driving bass line rounds out the style. The lyrics aren’t really sung so much as screamed. It doesn’t matter what your preference is, each different style of rock music is unique on its own.

28. Description Paragraph You are writing about what a person, place or thing is like.

29. Helper Words: • PROPERTY • -Size • -Color • - Shape • ANALOGY • Is like • Resembles

30. MEASUREMENT LOCATION • Length - In • Width - above • Mass/Weight - below • Speed - beside - near -N/S/E/W

31. MY SON JOSHUA My eight-year old son, Joshua, stands out in a crowd of children because of his distinctive appearance and gentle manner. The first thing I notice when I look at him is his size. He stands at shoulder height next to me; indeed, he is a head taller than other children his age, and is definitely stronger. 

32. Compare & Contrast You write about similarities and differences between 2 or more people, places, things or ideas.

33. Helper Words: SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES -is similar to -on the other hand -both - however - also -but - too -in contrast -as well -differs from -unlike

34. Life now and life five years ago My life now and my life five years ago are similar but there are also some major differences. Five years ago, I was living in Manila and going to high school. I didn’t have to work because my parents supported me. I went to school everyday and spent time with my friends.

35. I didn’t really have any major goals five years ago. I wasn’t really thinking about my future quite yet. On the other hand, now I live in Great Falls and I’m not in high school anymore. I have to work now in order to support myself. I only work twenty hours a week because I’m in school right now

36. I have a lot more responsibility now than I did five years ago. 

37. Sequence Paragraph You are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order.

38. Helper Words: ORDER TIME -first, second, third etc. - recently -in the beginning - previously -before - afterwards -then -when -after -after -finally -at last

39. Paragraph Sequencing

40. The Room

41. Nobody answered. • The room was full of lab equipment but nobody was there. • I opened it and peeped in. • I hastily shut the door and left. • I knocked at the door.

42. Late

43. I hastily said my prayers and jumped out of bed. • I dressed as fast as I could. • This morning I woke up late. • Classes had begun when I arrived at First Asia. • Then I gulped my breakfast.

44. Barangays

45. When the Spaniards came, they found that the Filipinos had a system of government. So the Spaniards had to deal with the heads of the barangays wherever they went.

46. In some instances, The Spaniards were met with friendly gestures. • Our ancestors lived in organized communities called barangays. • In others, they were not so welcomed.

47. Execution

48. In their midst strode a young man, toothless and bare-headed. The squad of soldiers marched into the prison courtyard. He was deathly pale but he held his head high.

49. As the officer turned and raised his hand to the soldiers, every rifle leaped up into position. An officer led him to the brick wall and placed a blindfold over his eye. “Ready, aim, fire!”

50. Choice Paragraph A paragraph where you have to make a choice. You need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. You will give your opinion on a choice of action or event.