Grade: Grade 2 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Paragraph Writing SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: Writing

Writing Application

Learn

Now it is time to write your own paragraphs! Follow these steps to write a great paragraph:

  1. Pick a topic - What do you want to write about?
  2. Write a topic sentence - Tell the reader your main idea
  3. Add supporting sentences - Give 2-4 details, facts, or examples
  4. Write a closing sentence - Wrap up your paragraph

Writing Tip:

Before you write, think of your details first. You can make a quick list of ideas. Then put them in order that makes sense!

Paragraph Planning

Here is a simple plan you can use:

  • Topic: What is your paragraph about?
  • Detail 1: One thing about your topic
  • Detail 2: Another thing about your topic
  • Detail 3: One more thing about your topic
  • Ending: How will you wrap it up?

Examples

Watch how we build a paragraph step by step:

Example: Writing About a Pet

Plan:

  • Topic: My cat
  • Detail 1: Soft orange fur
  • Detail 2: Likes to play with string
  • Detail 3: Sleeps on my bed
  • Ending: Best pet

Finished Paragraph:

"My cat Sunny is a great pet. She has soft orange fur that I love to pet. Sunny likes to play with string and chase it around the room. At night, she sleeps at the end of my bed. Sunny is the best pet I could ask for."

Example: Writing About a Place

Plan:

  • Topic: The park
  • Detail 1: Swings and slides
  • Detail 2: Big field for running
  • Detail 3: Picnic tables
  • Ending: Fun place to go

Finished Paragraph:

"The park near my house is wonderful. There are swings and slides to play on. A big field lets you run and play catch. Picnic tables are perfect for eating lunch outside. The park is a fun place to spend the day."

Practice

Complete these writing activities. Get paper and a pencil ready!

Practice 1: Finish the Paragraph

Topic sentence: "Summer is a fun time of year."

Task: Write 2-3 supporting sentences and a closing sentence to finish this paragraph.

Practice 2: Add Supporting Sentences

Topic sentence: "My favorite food is spaghetti."

Closing sentence: "Spaghetti always makes me smile."

Task: Write 3 supporting sentences that go between the topic and closing sentence.

Practice 3: Write About Your Family

Task: Write a paragraph about your family. Include:

  • A topic sentence about your family
  • 3 supporting sentences with details
  • A closing sentence

Practice 4: Write About a Favorite Toy

Task: Think of a toy you like. Write a complete paragraph about it. Use the planning steps from the lesson.

Practice 5: Write About School

Task: Write a paragraph about something you like at school. It could be a subject, recess, lunch, or friends.

Practice 6: Write About an Animal

Task: Pick an animal you think is interesting. Write a paragraph telling about that animal.

Plan first:

  • What animal did you pick?
  • What are 3 details about it?
  • How will you end your paragraph?

Practice 7: Write About a Season

Task: Pick your favorite season (spring, summer, fall, or winter). Write a paragraph about why you like it. Give at least 3 reasons.

Practice 8: Write About Something You Can Do

Task: Think of something you are good at (like drawing, soccer, reading, or helping). Write a paragraph about it.

Practice 9: Write About a Special Day

Task: Think of a day that was special to you (a birthday, holiday, or trip). Write a paragraph telling about that day.

Practice 10: Free Choice

Task: Pick your own topic! Write a complete paragraph with:

  • 1 topic sentence
  • 3-4 supporting sentences
  • 1 closing sentence

Practice 11: Paragraph Check

Task: Look at one paragraph you wrote today. Check these things:

  • Does your topic sentence tell the main idea?
  • Do all supporting sentences match the topic?
  • Does your closing sentence wrap up the paragraph?

Practice 12: Partner Share

Task: Read your best paragraph to a family member or friend. Ask them:

  • What is my paragraph about?
  • What details did you like?
  • Is there anything I should add?

Check Your Understanding

Think about these questions:

  1. What are the four steps to writing a paragraph?
  2. Why is it helpful to plan before you write?
  3. How many supporting sentences should a paragraph have?
  4. What makes a good closing sentence?

Next Steps

  • Keep a writing journal and write one paragraph each day
  • Try writing about different topics to practice
  • Read your paragraphs out loud to hear how they sound
  • Move on to the Editing Workshop to learn how to make your writing even better