Parts of a Paragraph

ELD Parts of a Paragraph

by Mrs. Martin

​Topic Sentence

​The first sentence in a body paragraph. This must have a subject and opinion (commentary) for the paragraph. It does the same thing for a body paragraph that the thesis does for the whole essay.

​Concrete Details

​Specific details that form the backbone or core of your body paragraphs. Synonyms for concrete details include facts, specifics, examples, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot references.

​Commentary

​Your opinion or comment about something; not a concrete detail. Synonyms include opinion, insight, analysis, interpretations, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection.

​Closing Sentence

​The last sentence in a body paragraph. It is all commentary, does not repeat key words, and gives a finished feeling to the paragraph.