A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized around
one idea or
topic. All the details in the paragraph relate to the main idea and the controlling idea.
The following model shows a standard format for any style of paragraph:
The topic sentence expresses the main idea with a controlling idea.
| The topic sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
The sentences in the body show unity, coherence, and adequate development. They provide the supporting details that are necessary to develop the topic
sentence. While the number of sentences for a well-developed paragraph varies, five to ten sentences in the body is typical.
| The body of the paragraph with unity, coherence, and adequate development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
The concluding sentence echoes the topic sentence or summarizes the key points made in the paragraph.
| The concluding sentence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
