Paragraphs

A topic sentence expresses the main idea of a paragraph. The supporting sentences give details that explain the topic sentence.

Directions: For each paragraph, underline the topic sentence. Then draw a line through the sentence that does not support the topic sentence, or is in other words, off-topic. The, click the V to see the answers.

WRITING CHECKLIST

□ Does your paragraph have a topic sentence?

□ Does your first sentence state your opinion or tell the reader what you will discuss?

□ If you are telling a story does your narrative paragraph tell what happened in time order?

□ Did you use 3 reasons and examples in your opinion paragraph?

There are four types of paragraphs that you need to know about: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive.

The descriptive paragraph: This type of paragraph describes something and shows the reader what a thing or a person is like. The words chosen in the description often appeal to the five senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Descriptive paragraphs can be artistic and may deviate from grammatical norms.

The narrative paragraph: This type of paragraph tells a story. There's a sequence of action or there's a clear beginning, middle, and end to the paragraph.

The expository paragraph: This type of paragraph explains something or provides instruction. It could also describe a process and move the reader step by step through a method. This type of paragraph often requires research, but it's possible that the writer is able to rely on his or her own knowledge and expertise.

The persuasive paragraph: This type of paragraph tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of view or understand the writer's position. This is the type of paragraph that many teachers focus on because it's useful when building an argument. It often requires the collection of facts and research.

Now it's your turn. Use the form below to practice writing one or more of the above paragraphs. Submit it, and get feedback from your instructor:

Here are some idea of what to write about:

Descriptive Paragraph

Directions: Write a paragraph describing a beautiful place. Use adjectives to create an interesting word picture. Include the sights, sounds, or smells of the place. When you are finished writing, use the Writing Checklist to look over what you wrote.

Narrative Paragraph

Directions: Write a paragraph about something interesting that happened to you. First, tell what led up to the incident. Second, tell what happened during the incident. Finally, tell what happened after the incident. When you are finished writing, use the Writing Checklist to look over what you wrote.

Persuasive Paragraph

Directions: Write your opinion of a movie you recently saw. Explain why you thought the movie was either good or bad. Give reasons and examples to support your opinion. When you are finished writing, use the Writing Checklist to look over what you wrote.

Expository Paragraph

Directions: Write out the instructions on how to make something, and include all of the steps. This could be something you feel you are an expert in. Some examples are: how to make bread, fix a car, change a tire, knit, crochet etc.

If you want more practice, try some of these worksheets for more practice with Paragraphs: