HOW TO MAKE A GOOD TOPIC FOR PARAGRAPH
TOPIC SENTENCES/PARAGRAPH UNITY- A topic sentence lets readers know the focus of a paragraph in simple and direct terms. Good topic sentences hook readers and give them a way to interpret the rest of the paragraph. An effective topic sentence is interesting, accurate, and limited. A topic sentence functions like a mini-thesis for each paragraph. The more pointed and lively your topic sentence is, the more interesting it will be to your readers. For example, the following sentence, "Exercise is good for you" is dull and vague, but it's a start. Zero in on specifics, and your topic sentence might become "Hiking is an excellent exercise because it strengthens muscles, offers a chance to enjoy nature, and relieves stress." Make sure that your topic sentences are not broad statements or simple facts. Topic sentences can appear anywhere (beginning, middle, or end) in a paragraph. Most often, however, it comes first. By putting the topic sentence first, you give the reader something to guide them through the rest of the paragraph. Sometimes, however, you may need to provide background information or explain the connection between two paragraphs before the topic sentence can be presented. In either case, the topic sentence may fall in the middle of the paragraph. Occasionally placing a topic sentence at the end of a paragraph can emphasize the main idea. Once you have an effective topic sentence, you need to make sure that all other sentences within the paragraph relate to the topic sentence. This is called paragraph unity. Paragraph unity requires one central idea or concept--not two or three, but one. Each paragraph should be held together by a unifying idea--the cement for the words and sentences. The unifying idea is especially important in academic writing, the kind you will be doing for your courses. The following paragraph contains a sentence that destroys unity by introducing a point unrelated to the main point. See if you can identify that sentence.
Canada geese have remarkable instincts for travel. After hatching in the spring and growing to adulthood during
the summer months, they fly south in the early fall. Migration may take these birds thousands of miles away from
the nests where they were hatched, and autumn storms can blow them hundreds of miles off course. 4Their
preferred food is corn. 5Yet in the spring of the year, they unerringly wing their way back to the marshes where
they were born.
The main idea of this paragraph, established in the first sentence, is that Canada geese have powerful migratory
instincts. Because Sentence 4 has nothing to do with this idea, it should be removed.
ENDING A PARAGRAPH
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A paragraph must have a closing, an indication that the ideas expressed are finished and that the writer has not just run out of things to say.
In many paragraphs, the closing may be made effectively in one sentence although two or three sentences may be used.
SOME CLOSING SENTENCE POINTERS
1. The closing sentence should leave no doubt in the reader's mind that you are finished with the paragraph.
2. The closing sentence should leave the reader with a feeling that you have done what you intended to do.
3. The closing sentence should perform one or a combination of these functions:
* Restate the main idea by referring back directly to the main idea stated in the topic sentence. Do not to use the same words.
* Summarize one or more of the sub-topics.
* Give the main impression of the experience being described.
4. Use transition words to help you conclude: therefore, as a result, consequently, and numerous others are good for concluding,
summarizing and showing results.
5. Make the conclusion fit the tone of the paragraph. A funny, conclusion suits a humorous paragraph about automobile drivers, but a
serious paragraph about dangerous drivers would require something more formal.
6. You have written a satisfactory closing if:
the closing sentence briefly reminds the reader of your main point
it convinces the reader that you have done what you said you were going to do.
SOME SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT NOT TO DO IN CLOSING SENTENCES
1. Don't start a new topic.
2. Don't contradict the point you have tried to make.
3. Don't make statements that are too obvious or over-used.
4. Don't say you are sorry for your lack of knowledge, lack of resources, or lack of interest. If you are not qualified to write about the
topic, select one for which you are qualified.
5. Don't end with a quick statement that indicates that your paragraph is over. Avoid endings like these:
And that's all I have to say about the matter. The end.
I hope you have enjoyed my story. That's how it happened.
It may sound unbelievable but it's really true. You see what I mean.
6. Don't take too many words to conclude. Be brief, to the point, and clear.
7. Don't make any sweeping statements that admit no possibilities of other ideas or actions. Try to soften your point with words that
permit other possibilities: perhaps, it seems, we may conclude, I am in favor, a good suggestion is.
8. Don't make your closing statement too obvious by saying things like: "As I have shown you in my paragraph . . .," or "So my conclusion is
. . ........”
