Experience AIIAS
Change Your World
Paragraph Development
RESM 520 Academic Writing
Istiarti Berci Sarempaa, PhD
Definition
1. A paragraph is a short paper of 150 to 200
words.
2. It usually consists of an opening point
called a topic sentence
3. Followed by a series of sentences that
support that point.
Albright & Langan, (2020)
The Hazards of Moviegoing
Although I love movies, I have found that there are drawbacks to moviegoing. One problem
is just the inconvenience of it all. To get to the theater, I have to drive for at least fifteen
minutes, or more if traffic is bad. It can take forever to find a parking spot, and then I have to
walk across a huge parking lot to the theater. There I encounter long lines, sold-out shows,
and ever-increasing prices. And I hate sitting with my feet sticking to the floor because of other
people’s spilled snacks. Another problem is my lack of self-control at the theater. I often stuff
myself with unhealthy calorie-laden snacks. My choices might include a bucket of popcorn
dripping with butter, a box of Milk Duds, a large Coke, or all three. Finally, the worst problem
is some of the other moviegoers. As kids run up and down the aisle, teenagers laugh and shout
at the screen. People of all ages drop soda cups and popcorn tubs, cough and burp, and
squirm endlessly in their seats. All in all, I would rather stay home and watch movies on cable
TV or Netflix in the comfort of my own living room. Albright & Langan, (2020)
Steps
1. State a point in the first sentence.
2. Give three reasons to support the point.
3. Introduce each reason clearly with signal words (such as First of all,
Second, and Finally).
4. Provide details that develop each of the three reasons.
Albright & Langan, (2020)
Writing Topic Sentence
• A topic sentence must be a complete sentence, with a subject
and a verb.
• A topic sentence should be neither too general nor too specific.
If it is too general, the reader cannot tell exactly what the
paragraph is going to discuss. If it is too specific, the writer will
not have anything to write about in the rest of the paragraph.
• A topic sentence should not have unrelated controlling ideas.
(The topic names the subject of the paragraph. The controlling
idea limits or controls the topic to a specific area that you can
discuss in the space of a single paragraph.)
Sample of Topic Sentence
Write two or three topic sentences for each of the
following topics. In other words, give two or three
controlling ideas for the same topic.
• Movies
• Your hometown
• Food
• Music
Supporting Details
• Supporting sentences explain or prove the topic sentence.
• Use specific details to be thorough and convincing.
• Specific supporting details: examples, statistics, and quotations.
Concluding Sentence
A concluding sentence serves two purposes:
1. It signals the end of the paragraph.
2. It leaves the reader with the most important ideas to
remember. It can do this in two ways:
• By summarizing the main points of the paragraph
OR
• By repeating the topic sentence in different words
Choosing and Narrowing Topic
• Narrow a subject by looking at its smaller parts, or by
choosing a specific problem, time period, or place to
cover.
• Ask yourself “Who? What? Where? When? Why? and
How?” questions about the subject can help you limit
the subject and determine your interests.
• Once you have a specific topic for your paper, write
your topic as the question which your paper will
answer.
Bratislava, 2010
Characteristics of a Good Paper Topic
• Your question does not have a simple answer.
• Your question is worth answering.
• Your paper will achieve its purpose.
• You are interested in the topic.
• The topic is the right size for the length of the paper.
• There is enough (but not too much) information
available in reliable sources.
• You have enough time to do what you need to do.
Bratislava, 2010