Chapter 7

Where to find the topic sentence

*First sentence *Last sentence *Middle of the paragraph *First and last sentences

3 essential elements of a paragraph

1.Topic: the one thing a paragraph is about. 2. Main Idea: what the author wants to communicate about the topic. 3. Details: the proof, support, explanation, reasons, or examples that explains the paragraph's main idea.

Recognizing details

All details in a paragraph are related to, and in some way expand, the paragraph's main idea. To find the primary supporting details in a paragraph, ask yourself this question: what are the main facts the author uses to back up or prove what she or he said about the topic?.

Transitions

Are linking words or phrases used to lead the reader from one idea no another. #time sequence: first,later,next,finally.(arranging ideas in the order in which they happened) #illustration:for example,for instance,to illustrate,such as.(an example will follow) #listing:first,second,third,last,next.(marking or identifying each major point). #continuation:also,in addition, and,further,another.(continuing with the same idea) #contrast:on the other hand,in contrast,however.(switching to a different,opposite,or contrasting idea) #comparison:like,likewise,similarly.(shows how the previous idea is similar to what follows) #cause-effect:because, thus,therefore,since,consequently.(shows a connection between two or more things). #summation:thus,in short,to conclude.(the writer will state or restate his or her main point).

How to find the main idea

Is usually directly stated by the writer in one or more sentences within the paragraph. The sentence that states this main idea is called the TOPIC SENTENCE. In some paragraphs the reader needs to interfere or reason out to find the main idea.

Unstated main ideas

Occasionally a writer does not directly state the main idea,instead, he or she leaves it up to the reader to infer or reason out, what the main idea is.

Understanding Paragraphs ( chapter 7)

Paragraphs are the building blocks of textbooks and essays. A paragraph can be defined as a group of related sentences about a single topic.

How to identify the topic

The topic of a paragraph is the subject of the whole paragraph. It can be expressed in two or three words. To find the topic, ask yourself this question: what is the one thing the author is discussing throughout the paragraph?