Writing a Paragraph

Grade 2 · English · Study Guide

Learn the three parts of a paragraph: topic sentence, detail sentences, and closing sentence.

A paragraph is a group of sentences that are all about the same idea. Writing a paragraph is like building a sandwich — it has three layers that go together.

The first sentence of a paragraph is called the topic sentence. The topic sentence tells the reader what the whole paragraph will be about. It is like the top piece of bread on the sandwich — it holds everything together. A good topic sentence is clear and interesting.

The middle sentences are called detail sentences. These sentences give more information about the main idea from the topic sentence. Good details answer questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how. A paragraph usually has two to four detail sentences. These are like the filling in the sandwich — they are the most important part!

The last sentence is called the closing sentence. The closing sentence wraps up the paragraph. It reminds the reader what the paragraph was about. It is like the bottom piece of bread that holds everything together.

When you write a paragraph, always remember to indent the first word. That means you leave a little space before the first word to show a new paragraph is starting.

Key terms

paragraph: A group of sentences all about the same main idea
topic sentence: The first sentence that tells what the paragraph is about
detail sentence: Middle sentences that give more information about the topic
closing sentence: The last sentence that wraps up the paragraph
indent: Leaving a small space at the beginning of the first word of a paragraph
main idea: The most important idea that all the sentences in a paragraph support

Flashcards

topic sentence: First sentence — tells what the whole paragraph is about
detail sentences: Middle sentences — give facts and information about the topic
closing sentence: Last sentence — wraps up and restates the main idea
indent: Small space before the first word of a paragraph
How many parts does a paragraph have?: Three: topic sentence, detail sentences, and closing sentence
paragraph sandwich: Topic sentence = top bread; details = filling; closing = bottom bread
What makes a good detail sentence?: It answers who, what, when, where, why, or how about the topic
How many detail sentences?: A paragraph usually has 2 to 4 detail sentences

Questions

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?
1. To end the paragraph
2. To tell what the paragraph is about
3. To give a detail
4. To indent the paragraph
Show answer
Answer: To tell what the paragraph is about
The topic sentence is always the first sentence and tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.
A paragraph can be about many different ideas at the same time.
Show answer
Answer: False
A paragraph is about one main idea. All sentences should be about the same topic.
The last sentence of a paragraph is called the _______ sentence.
Show answer
Answer: closing
The closing sentence comes at the end of a paragraph and wraps up the main idea.
Where does the topic sentence go in a paragraph?
1. In the middle
2. At the end
3. At the beginning
4. Anywhere you want
Show answer
Answer: At the beginning
The topic sentence always comes at the beginning of the paragraph to introduce the main idea.
You should indent the first word of a paragraph.
Show answer
Answer: True
Indenting the first word shows where a new paragraph begins.

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