Paragraph Structure

THE PARAGRAPH

Paragraph Structure

1.1The Topic Sentence

One of the basic building blocks of academic writing is aparagraph. Paragraphing is a way of making visible to the reader the stages of the writer’s

thinking. To be helpful to the reader, each paragraph must focus attention on a single topic or one part of a larger topic. The group of sentences that make a paragraph should work together to develop one main idea.

A good paragraph reflects unity of thought. It makes a definite statement, preferably at the outset, in a topic sentence and then backs up that statement with details, examples, or other kinds of supporting material that makes the topic sentence fully meaningful or understandable.

The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence includes the topic and a controlling idea, which gives a focus to the topic and often gives the reader information about the organization of the paragraph. Anything that fails to support the statement made in the topic sentence does not belong in the paragraph.

A topic sentence with a definite controlling idea is the first requisite of ultimate paragraph unity. Emphasis is placed on “controlling idea”. However, unless all the material you include in the paragraph supports or proves the controlling idea in terms of the rest of the topic sentence, the paragraph will not be unified.

The controlling idea is the main part of the topic sentence. It is the idea, within the frame of reference of the rest of the topic sentence, about which the paragraph is to be written. It may be stated in a single word, a phrase, or a clause, for example:

Pollution demands action.

Pollution isdestructive.

Pollution existsthroughout the world.

Pollution requiresthat everyone do something about it.

As you compose a topic sentence, guard against making a statement that is too general for development in a single paragraph.

Because the topic sentence with its controlling idea is a serviceable guide for achieving unity in the paragraph, you should place it first. Then, as you write, you should keep it clearly in mind, allowing it to control what you include and exclude. The topic sentence is your general frame of reference; the controlling idea is your specific focus.

Here is a list of topic sentence. Pay attention to the controlling idea of each sentence.

1. For young people today, modern music has a special appeal.

2. Joe, who grew up with me, has proved to be a real friend.

3. Three definite causes led to the start of the War of 1812.

4. An ordinary gas burner is a simple piece of mechanism.

5. Becoming a doctor was Mary’s primary desire.

6. History repeats itself.

7. A program of space travel involves great expense.