- English
- Classes 6-8
- 3 min read
Writing a good paragraph
A good paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details and a closing sentence. Learn to plan and write one.
Let us begin
The big idea
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one idea. Good paragraphs make your writing easy to follow. Here is a simple way to build one.
A paragraph is about one main idea only. When the idea changes, a new paragraph begins on a new line, with a little space at the start.
A good paragraph has three parts. The topic sentence comes first and tells the main idea. The supporting sentences give details, facts or examples. The concluding sentence comes last and wraps up the idea.
Every supporting sentence must stay on the topic. A sentence about something else spoils the paragraph.
Linking words help the reader move from one sentence to the next. For order, use first, next, then and finally. For adding, use also, moreover and in addition. For results, use so and therefore.
Worked examples
See how it works
A paragraph with all three parts
Trees are very useful to us. They give us fruit, wood and shade. They also clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. In short, we should plant and protect trees. (The first sentence is the topic sentence, the next two are supporting sentences and the last is the concluding sentence.)
Linking words for order
First, I woke up early. Next, I brushed my teeth. Then I had my breakfast. Finally, I left for school.
Staying on the topic
Peacocks are beautiful birds. They have long, shiny tail feathers. My uncle has a new scooter. They spread their feathers like a fan when it rains. The sentence about the scooter does not belong here, so we take it out.
Try it at home
Plan a paragraph
You will need
- Paper
- Pencil
What to do
- Choose a topic, such as My favourite game.
- Write a topic sentence that tells the main idea.
- Write two or three supporting sentences with details or examples.
- Add a linking word to at least one sentence.
- Write a concluding sentence.
- Read your paragraph aloud. Does every sentence stay on the topic?
Ask a grown-up: Ask a grown-up to listen to your paragraph and say if it is clear.
Practice sheet
Check what you learned
Practice sheet: Writing a good paragraph (Classes 6-8, English)
- How many main ideas should one paragraph have?
- What is the first sentence of a paragraph usually called?
- What does the last sentence of a paragraph do?
- Which is the better topic sentence for a paragraph about peacocks? (a) Peacocks are beautiful birds. (b) I went to the market yesterday.
- Which sentence does not belong? Trees give shade. They give fruit. I like pizza. They clean the air.
- Name two linking words that show order.
- Put these sentences in order: A. Finally, I wiped the table. B. First, I cleared the plates. C. Then, I washed the plates.
- Why do we begin a new paragraph on a new line?
- Add a concluding sentence: Rain fills our rivers. It helps crops grow. It cools the air.
- Write a topic sentence for a paragraph about your school library.
- Write a paragraph of four sentences about your favourite festival. Use a topic sentence, two supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.
Answer key
Answers: Writing a good paragraph
- One.
- The topic sentence.
- It wraps up or sums up the main idea.
- (a). It tells the main idea about peacocks.
- I like pizza. It is not about trees.
- Any two of: first, next, then, finally.
- B, C, A.
- To show that a new idea is starting.
- Any suitable closing sentence, for example: So, rain is very useful to us.
- Any clear sentence, for example: Our school library is a quiet and happy place to read.
- Sample: Diwali is my favourite festival. We light diyas and decorate our home with rangoli. We also share sweets with friends and neighbours. It is a joyful time for everyone.