Writing Quick Start: Writing Effective Paragraphs

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Writing Effective Paragraphs

IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN TO

  • understand the structure of a paragraph,
  • write effective topic sentences,
  • select supporting details that support the paragraph’s main idea, and
  • use transitions and repetition effectively.

WRITING QUICK START

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AL Photo/NAM Y. Huh, File

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tudy the photograph on this page. At what kind of event does it seem to have been taken? Write a sentence that states the main point of the photograph. Then write several more sentences explaining what is happening in the photograph. Describe what details in the photo helped you identify the event.

In much the same way as a photograph does, a paragraph makes an overall impression, or main point, and includes details that support this main point. Your first sentence, or topic sentence, states the main idea, and the other sentences you write provide the details that support it.