EF5/6 Paragraph format, structure and content REVIEW

Format of a paragraph

1. Orient the paper. 

2. Respect the margins.

3. Write name and date top right.

4. Write the title or question above the top line.

5. Doublepace.

6. Write in black or blue pen.

7. Indent the first word.

Structure of a paragraph

1. Begin with a topic sentence. If there is not topic sentence, there is not paragraph. The topic sentence must address the topic.

EX:

Why did Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat?

Focus on that.

BIG MISTAKE - Retell the story. No plot summary.

GOOD BASIC TS: Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for three reasons.

When you begin with a TS that is on-topic, your paragraph will be framed to address the question, directly.

Focus on the topic.

Para:

Topic Sentence

- examples

- support

- evidence

- reasons

Concluding Sentence

Every sentence has to be SIMPLE, COMPOUND, or COMPLEX.

vt verb tense

paragraph - two choices: past, present

Most stories are written in past tense. Writing our paragraph is probably easier.

Some classes, especially higher-level classes, may require you to write in present tense.

For this class, you choose what you like. Avoid mixing tenses. Maintain verb tense.