Paragraphs and topic sentences · Grade 6
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. It usually starts with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about; the other sentences give details, examples or reasons. We start a new paragraph when the writing moves to a new time, a new place, a new person speaking or a new topic.
Key facts
- Topic sentence first: Cats have some interesting habits. Then the details: They sleep for up to sixteen hours a day.
- Every sentence in a paragraph should be about its main idea; a sentence about something else belongs in a different paragraph.
- New paragraph for a new time (The next morning, …), a new place (At the park, …) or a new topic (Another reason is…).
- In a story, start a new paragraph each time a new person speaks.
- Linking words help paragraphs flow: First, Also, However, Finally.