Writing Topic Summary for Chapter 4

Rules for Writers Chapter 4-Building Paragraphs

A paragraph is defined as, “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116).  General paragraph structure consists of three sections.  A topic sentence which tells the reader what the paragraph is about, the supporting information that develops the topic, and the final sentence which sums up the paragraph and sets the scene for the next paragraph.

 Each paragraph should only have one topic or main point.  Usually the topic sentence is written early in the paragraph, but it does not have too. There should be phrases, words, examples or illustrations that link and support the main point from beginning to end of each paragraph.  The supporting information in the body of the paragraph creates a pathway to the point.  The conclusion of the paragraph should tie together the information and details.

Different styles of paragraph structure are examples and illustrations, narration, description, process, comparison and contrast, analogy, cause and effect, classification and division, and definition.

 Paragraphs should flow naturally from the end of the previous paragraph which serves as a transition, to the next paragraph. The organization of paragraphs is important in the development of the writing. Well structured paragraphs make our writing interesting to read.

The way I plan to use this information is actively paying close attention to my flow of paragraphs and make sure I have a topic sentence in each paragraph throughout my writing.  I know these are areas I need to work on.