Paragraphs:Main Ideas

PART I: MAIN IDEAS
Paragraphs consist of a topic sentence, two to three points (supporting facts or opinions), and perhaps a minor point or two. The topic sentence contains the main idea of the paragraph. The other sentence support the topic sentence.

Example: The president recently spoke about the shortage of energy. He urged us to conserve energy. We do this by turning off lights we aren't using.

The topic sentence is the sentence that says the President spoke about the shortage of energy.


Directions:
Read the following groups of sentences. Underline the sentence in each group that states the main idea, or most basic fact.

Group 1:
a. First, they take us places we need to go.
b. Automobiles are important for two reasons.
c. Second, we use them for pleasure.

Group 2:
a. It is also well known for its koala bears.
b. It is famous for Kangaroos.
c. Australia has many interesing animals.

Group 3:
a. Also, it comes in a variety of flavors.
b. There are two things I like about ice cream.
c. To begin with, it takes good on a hot day.

PART II: Major Points:

In a paragraph, a major point is a sentence that tells a fact or opinion about the topic sentence. There can be 3-5 major points sentences in a paragraph.

Example: Topic Sentence: I have a big dog.
Major point: He is brown and white.
Major point: He is a rare breed.
Major point: He likes to chase cats.
Major point: He eats large amounts of food.

Directions: Write TWO supporting facts for each of the topic sentences below.

1. The museum is an interesting place to visit.
2. The United States is a large country.
3. Sally's boyfriend has a little brother.

THE FIRST POST

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIRST DAY:
WHAT IS THE WRITING PROCESS?
HAVE YOU USED IT BEFORE?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING AND PRACTICING THE WRITING PROCESS?
WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVES? EXPLAIN
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR THIS COURSE
MAKE SURE YOU PUT YOUR NAME AT THE END AND USE ANONYMOUS TO PUBLISH YOUR POSTS....