Paragraph Structure

A topic sentence ...

• a. introduces the main idea of a paragraph.

• b. supports the first sentence of a paragraph.

• c. restates the main idea of a paragraph.

A good topic sentence ...

• a. is very specific

• b. contains several examples and facts.

• is neither too broad nor too specific

Supporting sentences ...

• a. introduce the main idea of a paragraph

• b. give more information about the topic of a paragraph.

• c. come at the end of a paragraph.

Good supporting sentences ...

• a. give broad, general ideas.

• b. mirror the topic sentence

• give specific facts, details, and examples.

A concluding sentence ...

• a. usually comes at the very end of a paragraph.

• b. is exactly the same as the topic sentence.

• c. introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

A good concluding sentence ...

• a. restates the previous supporting sentence.

• b. restates the main idea of the paragraph.

• c. introduces a new topic.

Which is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about how changes within a family affect people’s behavior?

• a. Firstborn children often experience career success later.

• b. Changing family dynamics contribute to different personalities in a family.

• c. Some children move several times during their childhood.

What is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about how adult brothers and sisters behave when they are together?

• a. Th e age gap between the two siblings was seven years.

• b. Many people go back to childhood roles when they are with their family.

• c. Firstborn children often assume responsibility for their siblings.

Children with no siblings have unique benefits. Which supporting sentence does NOT support this topic sentence?

• a. They have more one-on-one time with their parents.

• b. They may have more opportunities because their parents have more time and money to spend on them.

• c. There are many negative stereotypes about them although they usually get along with adults.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.2

What is the best concluding sentence for a paragraph about benefits that children with no siblings may experience?

• a. Being an only child has several advantages.

• b. Firstborn children are more responsible than only children.

• c. Only children do not worry as much about sibling fights