WRITING A WELL-DEVELOPED
Paragraph
Right Side of Notebook
ELEMENTS OF A PARAGRAPH
• Topic sentence (claim)-introduces the main
idea of the paragraph
• Evidence (at least three)-the facts that
thoroughly discuss the topic of the paragraph
• Analysis-author’s comments pointing out
connections, relationships, similarities,
differences—extending the evidence
• Closing statement-pulls paragraph together,
sums up
Example Paragraph
The Greeks contributed to the development of
democracy. The idea of allowing citizens to vote
was an important step away from all the power
resting in the hands of a monarch. They also
used a jury to make decisions in trials rather than
a single individual having all the power to make
judgments on legal matters. In addition, they
made a legislature, or lawmaking body, which
debated laws before deciding to approve or reject
them. Important elements of democracy existed
during the time of the Greeks.
Process It! Left Side – DOUBLE POINTS
10 points
• Write a well-developed paragraph on one of
the topics (NOT Greece!) with at least three
different concrete details and commentary
from the democracy timeline packet.
• For a C grade, you may use my topic sentence
and my closing statement.
• For an A or B, you must write your own topic
sentence, pieces of evidence, analysis and
closing statement.
Sample Paragraph
Topic Sentence: The ___ contributed to the development
of democracy.
First piece of evidence & analysis: (1-2 sentences)
Second piece of evidence & analysis: (1-2 sentences)
Third piece of evidence & analysis: (1-2 sentences)
Closing Statement: Important elements of democracy
existed during the time of the _______.