Creating Paragraphs:The Traffic Light Method

Green Light: Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is like a green light; it means GO ahead and begin with a transition word and topic sentence.

A topic sentence is very general and requires other sentences to support it.

The topic sentence is an occasion / position statement.

Topic = Reason for writing Claim = What you plan to prove or explain

Green Light: Topic Sentence continued

Example of a Topic Sentence: ( Bold is the occasion part of sentence, Italic is the position part of sentence.)

Unless you are willing to take risks, you may not reach your goals.

After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance.

Green Light: Topic Sentence continued

After Although As As if As long as As soon as Because BeforeEven

Even if Even though If In order toIn order that Since So that ThoughUnless

Until When Whenever Where Wherever Whether While

Examples of great transitions to start your topic sentence in a body paragraph:

Yellow Light : Reason/ Detail Sentence

Like a yellow light, this is the place to slow down.

In this sentence, you give a detail, fact, or reason to support your topic sentence.

Example sentence:After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do in order to have a good performance. Initially, I liked the band because it gave me the chance to play my drums.

Yellow Light : Reason/ Detail Sentence continued

One way Another way FirstAnotherNext First - Second - Third The first - The second One exampleAnother exampleThat night

A good way A better wayThe best way AnotherFinallyOne otherAlong withIn additionEqually importantWhen spring came (or any season/ time period)

One Another First of allSecond Last to be considered First of allNextThe final Another way that

In addition to

Examples of great transition words to start your reason / detail sentence.

Red Light: Explain / Example Sentence

Like a red light, this is the place to stop and explain or give an example.

This is where you give a specific detail, fact, or reason to support your topic & reason sentences.

Example sentence:After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance. Initially, I liked the band because it gave me the chance to play my drums. Practicing on my drums allowed me to be a better performer, so I was as cool as a cucumber when we had our first band concert.

Red Light: Explain / Example Sentence Continued

When trying to write the example sentence, think about the E's. The E's back up your reasons, details, or facts and make your reading interesting.

Examples Explanations Evidence Events Experiences

Expert opinions Everyday life Effective illustrations

Elaboration

Green Light: Conclusion Sentence

The place to restate and remind the reader about what the paragraph or composition was about.

Go back and read your topic sentence. Identify the key words and ideas that you have written in the sentence. Use synonyms (words that mean the same thing) to restate you topic sentence.

Example Sentences:After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several

things that I had to do for a good performance. Initially, I liked the band because it gave me the chance to play my drums. Practicing on my drums allowed me to be a better performer, so I was as cool as a cucumber when we had our first band concert. Clearly, what I have experienced in band has helped me to grow and become a better musician.

Green Light: Conclusion Sentence continued

Transition words to help begin your conclusion sentence.

All in all Certainly Clearly Truly

Definitely In conclusion In fact

Obviously Surely To sum up