Assignment

UNIVERSITY OF IRINGA
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
COURSE NAME: COMMUNICATION SKILLS II

QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss about
i. Topic sentence in the paragraph.
ii. Supporting details/sentences in the paragraph.
iii. Closing sentences in the paragraph.
iv. Characteristics of paragraph.
INTRODUCTION.
A paragraph consists of a series of sentences grouped together and having a single purpose. It
describes or explains one idea. The length of a paragraph depends on the purpose, the material,
and the function of the paragraph.1
Parts of a Paragraph
The basic paragraph consists of three parts:
 A topic sentence
 Supporting details
 A closing or concluding sentence
This basic paragraph format helps to write and organize one paragraph and transition to the next.
Example of a paragraph which consist of all three parts;
“Neighborhood watch programs are good for everyone. One reason for this is that neighborhood
watches unite neighbors in a common goal. Neighbors work together to protect each other. One
family’s security becomes everyone’s concern. Another reason is that neighborhood watches
reduce crime in a couple of ways. Posted signs act as deterrents to criminals. Neighbors in these
areas are more likely to report any suspicious persons or activities. And finally, watch programs
keep neighbors alert. Because neighbors meet regularly, everyone is more aware of events,
rules, or changes in the community.”2
A TOPIC SENTENCE
The topic sentence is a sentence that introduces the reader to exactly what the paragraph or essay
is about. The topic sentence is clear and concise. Topic sentences can occur anywhere in the
introductory paragraph, but they are often placed at the beginning of the paragraph. Topic
sentences are interesting and attention grabbing. Sometimes are known as main idea. 3
Example of a topic sentence,
From the above paragraph a topic sentence is “Neighborhood watch programs are good for
everyone”. Here the topic is “Neighborhood watch programs are good”, the topic provide a
reader with questions like which programs?
SUPPORTING DETAILS OR SENTENCES
Supporting Details are sentences that provide information to clarify, prove, or explain the main
idea. These details demonstrate the validity of the main idea. They often list parts, aspects,
steps, or examples of the main idea. Or sometimes they may list the causes of it, effects from it,
or ways in which it shows itself to be true.
Types of Supporting Details

Supporting details can be any kind of facts that help to develop or support the main idea you are
trying to convey. Some of them are;
 Descriptions  Reasons
 Examples  Results
 Impact  Statistics
The supporting details in a sentence or a paragraph might begin with some of the following
words:
For example, for instance, in addition, another, in fact, furthermore, moreover, therefore, as a
result, consequently, first, second, third, next, then, and so on.
Example to show supporting details or sentences,
In the above paragraph, after topic sentence we notice how the writer provided some reasons to
back up the main idea or topic sentence. All reasons related to the topic "Neighborhood watch
programs are good for everyone".
Supporting sentences provided are;

 One reason for this is that neighborhood watches unite neighbors in a common goal.
Neighbors work together to protect each other. One family’s security becomes
everyone’s concern.
 Another reason is that neighborhood watches reduce crime in a couple of ways. Posted
signs act as deterrents to criminals. Neighbors in these areas are more likely to report any
suspicious persons or activities.
A CLOSING OR CONCLUDING SENTENCE
A closing Sentence means is the last sentence in a paragraph. Its job is to summarize the main
idea of the paragraph. If the paragraph is part of an essay, the concluding sentence also
transitions to the next paragraph.
The supporting details in a sentence or a paragraph might begin with some of the following
words:
In conclusion, Therefore, as expressed, Overall, As a result, Thus, Finally, Lastly, for this reason,
In general.
Example of a closing or concluding sentence,
In the paragraph, the writer ends by providing the benefit relating to the topic, the sentence that
conclude is “Finally, watch programs keep neighbors alert. Because neighbors meet regularly,
everyone is more aware of events, rules, or changes in the community”.4
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PARAGRAPH.5
FOCUS
A paragraph should have a single clear central idea.
UNITY
Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence, Sentences in a paragraph should be related
to the main idea. Each sentence should stick to its main point.
COHERENCE
Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable. Sentences within a paragraph
need to connect to each other and work together as a whole. A paragraph should be organized
logically, flow smoothly, and stick together. In other words, everything in the writing should
make sense to a reader.
COMPLETENESS
Completeness means a paragraph is well developed. If all sentences clearly and sufficiently
support the main idea, then your paragraph is complete.
REFERENCES
1
Time4writing.(2022 April,26). The Secrets to Good Paragraph Writing. www.time4writing.com.
https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/paragraph-writing-secrets/
2
Time4writing.(2022 April,26). The Secrets to Good Paragraph Writing. www.time4writing.com.
https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/paragraph-writing-secrets/
3
Aplustopper.(2022 April,26).Paragraph Writing Guide. www.aplustopper.com.
https://www.aplustopper.com/paragraph-writing/
4
Yourdictionary.(2022 April,26).What Are Supporting Details. grammar.yourdictionary.com.
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/what-are-supporting-details.html
5
Oniicitradewi.(2022 April,26).Characteristics of a good paragraph.www.
oniicitradewi.wordpress.com.
https://oniicitradewi.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/characteristics-of-a-good-paragraph/

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UNIVERSITY OF IRINGA

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

COURSE NAME: COMMUNICATION SKILLS II

Example of a paragraph which consist of all three parts;

Example of a topic sentence,

Types of Supporting Details

Example to show supporting details or sentences,

Supporting sentences provided are;

Example of a closing or concluding sentence,

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