Page 27 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking

out where the natural separation points are.

2.3.1 PARAGRAPH TOPIC

The topic sentence for a paragraph is usually the first sentence. It should be

broad, with just enough information to introduce the ideas that will be explained
in more detail within the paragraph, or in other paragraphs. In more sophisticated

writing, or in a longer essay, the topic sentence (or topic phrase) can appear
anywhere in the paragraph, but it is always there.

2.3.2 BODY AND SUPPORTING SENTENCES

The body is where the majority of the paragraph’s work is done. It explains

more specifically what was hinted at in the topic sentence, and answers any
questions that may have appeared in the reader’s mind. The supporting sentences

not only explain, but also justify the topic sentence: they give proof to its
statements, legitimize it, analyze it, and break it down into smaller, explainable

parts.

There are many kinds of good supporting sentences:

■ descriptions

■ data, such as statistics
■ quotes or paraphrases of others’ words
■ examples

■ definitions of important terminology

■ contrasts and comparisons
■ a timeline or step-by-step report of what happened

2.3.3 NUMBER OF SENTENCES IN A PARAGRAPH

In elementary and high school composition classes, you may have been told the
body of a paragraph should have three, five, seven, or more supporting

sentences. By all means, follow your teachers’ instructions and give them what