Building a Paragraph

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences that all talk about one main idea. When you start a new idea, you start a new paragraph. You can spot paragraphs in books because the first line is often pushed in a little, or there is a blank space between them.

Think of a paragraph like a small sandwich. It has a top slice, a tasty filling, and a bottom slice.

The parts of a paragraph

1. The topic sentence (the top slice) This is the first sentence. It tells the reader the main idea. For example:

Dogs make wonderful pets.

Now the reader knows exactly what is coming.

2. The detail sentences (the filling) These sentences add facts, reasons or examples that stay on topic.

They are friendly and loyal. A dog will play fetch with you in the garden. Many dogs also keep their families safe by barking at strangers.

3. The closing sentence (the bottom slice) This last sentence rounds off the idea.

That is why so many people love having a dog.

Put it all together and you have a tidy paragraph!

Stay on topic

The golden rule is: every sentence must match the topic sentence. If your paragraph is about dogs, do not suddenly write a sentence about your favourite pizza. That sentence belongs in a different paragraph. Off-topic sentences confuse the reader.

Plan before you write

Before writing, jot down your main idea and three details:

Part	My notes
Topic	Recess is the best part of school
Detail 1	We get to run and play
Detail 2	We see our friends
Detail 3	Our brains get a rest

With a plan like this, the paragraph almost writes itself.

Start a new paragraph when...

• You begin a new idea.
• A new person speaks in a story.
• You move to a new time or place.

Try it yourself

Write a paragraph about your favourite food. Use this checklist:

1. Topic sentence that names the food ✅
2. Two or three detail sentences ✅
3. A closing sentence ✅
4. Every sentence stays on topic ✅

If you need to sharpen the sentences inside your paragraph, review writing a good sentence. When you have lots of paragraphs to organise, planning your writing with a mind map will help.