Page 96 - DENG103_English - I

Unit 8: Paragraph Writing

Example Paragraph Notes

Yellow-spotted lizards are a deadly threat to all humans at Camp Green Lake. They invaded
the area after the life-giving lake dried up. Their bite is always fatal. It was a yellow-spotted
lizard that killed Kate Barlow. The yellow-spotted lizards threatened Stanley and Zero while
they were digging for Stanley’s great-grandfather’s suitcase. The reason Stanley and Zero
survived is because they had eaten so many onions that the lizards, who do not like onion
blood, did not wish to bite them. With this one exception, meeting a yellow-spotted lizard at
Camp Green Lake meant certain death.

Structure of a Paragraph

Part of a Reason Example
Paragraph
Topic Sentence To generate interest Yellow-spotted lizards are a deadly
States the main idea threat to all humans at Camp Green
Lake.

Details Introduces Main Point #1 They invaded the area after the life-
First Point and and gives information or giving lake dried up. Their bite is
Support examples always fatal.

Details Introduces Main Point #2 It was a yellow-spotted lizard that
Second Point and gives information or killed Kate Barlow.
and Support examples

Details Introduces Main Point #3 The yellow-spotted lizards threatened
Third Point and gives information or Stanley and Zero while they were digging
and Support examples for Stanley’s great-grandfather’s suitcase.
The reason Stanley and Zero survived
is because they had eaten so many onions
that the lizards, who do not like onion
blood, did not wish to bite them.

Conclusion Restates the topic sent- With this one exception, meeting a yellow-
ence Often leaves the spotted lizard at Camp Green Lake meant
reader with something to certain death.
think about.

Questions

1. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
2. What is the concluding sentence?

3. What do you notice about the first line of the paragraph?
4. Do all the sentences in the paragraph support the main idea?
5. What is the first main point? second main point? third main point?

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