The Basics
The Paragraph
 Why do we need to learn to write well?
 Mainly, if we are ever to be heard exactly the way we want to
be, we need to learn how to present our message in an
effective format
 Just like anything we value like music, relationships,
hobbies, sports, movies, there is a basic structure that
supports how to do it and to do it well
 Paragraphs come in all shapes and sizes
 What we are going to learn and perfect is an Eight Part
paragraph design:
 Topic Sentence, First Point, Example, Second Point,
Example, Third Point, Example, Concluding Sentence
 Each of these 8 parts is broken down in 3 ways
The Topic Sentence
 The Three Parts of the Topic Sentence (TS):
 This includes the Main Topic
 Gives a statement, idea, opinion about the main topic
 States the number of reasons
 Example:
 (TS) After considering all the foods I like to eat, I
decided that Buffalo style chicken wings was my
favorite dish for three key reasons.
 Can you identify the three parts?
 Never write: (TS) My paragraph will explain why I like
Buffalo style chicken wings.
 The goal for the TS is to introduce your idea on the topic
Try to Identify the 3 Parts of the
Topic Sentences
 (TS) Of all the sports I like to play, softball is my
favorite one for a variety of reasons.
 (TS) There are several key characteristics that I look
for when choosing a friend.
 (TS) When thinking about all the places I like to travel,
there are a few reasons why South Korea tops the
chart.
 (TS) Three main points drive why Avatar is my most
recent favorite movie.
 Now it’s Your turn! Take out paper and pencil
The Point Sentences
 The Three Parts of the Point Sentences (PT):
 Begins with a transition (with a comma),
 One of your ideas about your topic that you will prove
 The main topic/focus restated in new words
 Your PT’s are often a “because” statement
 Example:
 (1st Pt) One, I enjoy eating Buffalo style chicken wings
because they taste so good.
 Never Write: (1st Pt) The first reason I enjoy eating Buffalo
chicken wings is because they taste so good.
 The Goal for the PT is to guide the reader to the specific
points you are making about your idea on the topic
 Transitions—use one group of these for your 3 points: (One, Two,
Three,); (First, Second, Third,); (To begin with, Next, Finally,)
Try to identify the three parts of
these Point Sentences
 (1st Pt) To begin with, I love eating Buffalo style
chicken wings because they are so spicy.
 (2nd Pt) Next, being that chicken wings are a great
match with my most desirous blue cheese dressing, I
thoroughly enjoy “pigging out” on them.
 (3rd Pt) Finally, I like consuming Buffalo wings because
they remind me of where I grew up as a kid.
 Now it is your turn to try. Pull out paper, something to
write with, and give this your best shot!
The Example Sentences
 The Three Parts of Example Sentences (Ex):
 These have to be 2 or more sentences long
 The first sentence must explain your PT and the
remaining sentences show a specific detail/event/idea
that proves your point
 It must clearly answer the questions of How and Why
the example proves your point on the main topic
 The Goal for EX’s is to give specific information and
details that prove and support your key points on the
topic and your ideas
The Example Sentences Continued
 Example
 (EX) Spicy means more flavor and Buffalo style chicken wings
fit the bill. There is no greater sensation I get then when I bite
into a good, crispy, hot chicken wing fresh out of the broiler
that starts to burn my eyes from the spiciness even before I
sink my teeth into it. The flavor of these is so consuming that
I have to eat as many of them as I can, or until my belly starts
to bulge. I have been known to eat 30 or more wings because I
find the flavor so irresistible. Hence, I am ready to eat chicken
wings any day of the week!
 Never Write: (Ex) I like spicy food and chicken wings are
spicy. I eat a lot of them and like them a lot.
 Can you identify the three parts of the first example?
Try to identify the three parts
of the Example Sentences
 (Ex.) For example, I take pleasure in acting crazy with
two of my closest friends on the team. During games,
after we score a goal and we are ahead, we perform a
silly ritual of celebration we created. All three of us
drop to our knees, roll on the ground, and say, “We
better stop, drop, and roll because we are on fire!” If I
did not have people to socialize with during the
season, soccer would not be as fun as when I have such
favorable company.
 Now it’s your turn to try!
The Concluding Sentence
 The Three Parts of the Concluding Sentence (CS):
 Always begins with a transition,
 States your three main points in the exact same order but in new
words (synonyms)
 Contains the main topic/question

Note: the last two parts do not have to come in order!
 Example:
 (CS) Consequently, Buffalo style chicken wings are the best food to
eat because they have a hot flavor I am fond of, go well with my
favorite dressing, and bring up good memories.
 Never Write: (CS) That’s why I like chicken wings.
 The Goal for the CS is to remind the reader what your key points were
in regards to the topic
 Transitions: In short, Therefore, All in all, Consequently, In summary,
Try to identify the three parts
of the Concluding Sentences
 (CS) Therefore, playing soccer is a favorite activity of
mine because I get an enormous workout, I am happily
engaged with my friends, and I am eager to contend
and succeed.
 (CS) In short, an extraordinary friend is someone
who makes others laugh, is very dependable, and
is always available for others.
 (CS) Consequently, enticing wild laughter, being
extremely reliable, and always supporting others
are the traits of an outstanding friend.
 Now it’s your turn to try!