Paragraph Development- Supporting Sentences

Understanding Paragraph Structure

• Paragraph Definition: A group of sentences relating to a single main idea, typically introduced in a topic sentence.

• Supporting Sentences: These sentences provide evidence or elaboration of the main idea. They help to clarify and reinforce the topic.

Developing Supporting Sentences

• Focus on Evidence: Consider what evidence is necessary to effectively prove or illustrate the main idea.

• Writing Strategies: Multiple strategies can be used to develop supporting sentences, depending on the message intended.

Writing Strategies for Supporting Sentences

Description

• Example: Bardowsa's approach focuses on a specific child, Kenny, from a single parent household.

• Details Used: Descriptive elements such as Kenny's oversized backpack, the cafeteria environment, and specific actions (like the trailing shoelace) help to illustrate the main idea.

• Main Idea: Children from single-parent families often rely on state-sponsored meal programs.

Narration

• Example: Layla shares her personal journey as a single mother.

• Structure: Chronological order is used, starting from the moment she became pregnant to her current situation.

• Transitioning: Utilizes time markers and transitions to effectively tell a story that highlights her struggles, providing a real-life context that illustrates the effects of single parenthood.

Comparison and Contrast

• Example: Matteo compares his upbringing in a single parent family to children in two-parent households.

• Dinner Time Rituals: He discusses similarities and then highlights differences in their family dynamics.

• Main Claim: He suggests that there are advantages to being raised in a single-parent family compared to two-parent settings, providing a nuanced perspective.

Incorporating Evidence

• Types of Evidence: Academic writing may require various forms of support including:

  • Reasons

  • Facts

  • Statistics

  • Quotations from authorities or expert sources

  • Textual evidence from relevant literature.

Conclusion

• Strategy Selection: The choice of writing strategy should align with the main idea and the type of supporting evidence chosen.

• Consideration: Weighing different writing strategies can help in effectively conveying the intended message in academic writing assignments.