Writing process with topic sentences, supporting sentences and concluding sentences
The topic sentence
In most cases, the first sentence of a paragraph is the topic sentence. The topic sentence tells you what the paragraph will be about. From a good topic sentence, you should be able to predict the content of the paragraph.
The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. It not only names the topic of the paragraph, but it also limits the topic to one specific area that can be discussed completely in the space of a single paragraph. The part of the topic sentence that announces the specific area to be discussed is called the controlling idea. Notice how the topic sentence of the model states both the topic and the controlling idea:
Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics.
The support sentences
The topic sentence is followed by the support sentences. Support sentences expand on the topic sentence. The material in the support sentences should be presented in a systematic way. Order of importance, chronological order, order of operations or space order is most frequently used.
That is, they explain or prove the topic sentence by giving more information about it. Following are some of the supporting sentences that explain the topic sentence about gold.
• Gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion.
• A Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was made 25 centuries ago.
• Another characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science.
• The most recent use of gold is in astronauts' suits.
The concluding sentence
The concluding sentence summarizes the main point of the paragraph. It often re-states the idea in the topic sentence using different words. Not all paragraphs have a concluding sentence.
The concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important points to remember:
In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.
Checklist for Writing a Paragraph
Steps 1 - Write the topic sentence
The best starting point for a paragraph is a topic sentence. If you are writing the paragraph in response to a specific question, this should not be a difficult task because the wording of the question will assist you.
Step 2 - Brainstorm
Once you have written the topic sentence, you need to think of ideas to support it. Try brainstorming. Jot down anything that relates to your topic sentence: facts, details or examples. This might only take a few minutes, but it is an important part of the writing process.
Step 3 - Plan
Brainstorming will probably provide you with more ideas than you require. Read over what you have written, and cross out those ideas which do not obviously relate to the topic sentence. Arrange the remaining ideas in the order you wish to present them in your paragraph.
Step 4 - Write the first draft
The first draft should include all the ideas in your plan. It is a good idea to use every second line if you are writing the first draft on paper. This makes revision and editing much easier. Once you have finished writing the first draft, think about what you have written. You might consider a concluding sentence. Write one if you think it is necessary to complete the paragraph.
Step 5 - Revise and edit
Revising and editing your paragraph means rethinking and rewriting. It may involve making additions or corrections, rewriting sentences or rearranging details. Ask yourself the following questions
1. Is the topic sentence clear and relevant?
2. Do the facts, details and examples explain/develop the topic sentence?
3. Is there enough support?
4. Is the material presented in a systematic way?
5. Does one sentence lead smoothly to the next?
Step 6 - Check grammar, spelling and punctuation
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Step 7 - Write the final draft
This step is to put all essay together. The best next step is to write the entire essay out at least once before writing the final draft. Most authors do several revisions before they feel satisfied. You may not have this option. You have to make this decision based on when your essay is due, how much time you have allowed yourself to complete the process, and how satisfied you feel with what you've written. If you've done your composing on the computer, polishing a first draft becomes a bit easier.
Place your introductory paragraph first, then the three body paragraphs, and finally the concluding paragraph. Read the entire essay over to make sure the paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the other and that the ideas connect in a logical way.
Step 8 - Proofread your paragraph
Proofreading is whereas revision focuses on improving the content of the essay, proofreading deals with recognizing and correcting errors or punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.
The technique to revise and proofread you essay is;
• Set your essay aside for awhile if you have time. Come back to it later. You will notice ways to make your essay better, and you'll see more errors to correct.
• Read the essay aloud to yourself. Often you can hear errors that you may not catch while reading silently.
• Have an adult or peer read your essay and gives you suggestions about confusing parts.
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