How to write a paragraph: topic sentence, details, closing
Short answer: A paragraph has one topic. It starts with a topic sentence that gives the main idea, adds two to four detail sentences that show it, and ends with a closing sentence. Keep every sentence on the same topic. When you finish, check verbs, joining words, capital letters and full stops.
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At a glance
| Part | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| topic sentence | main idea | I love my garden. |
| details (2–4) | show the idea | It is quiet. I water the flowers after school. |
| closing sentence | finishes the paragraph | That is why I love my garden. |
In short
- A paragraph has one topic.
- Topic sentence first, 2–4 details, a closing sentence last.
- Check verbs, joining words, capital letters and full stops.
What is the rule for “A paragraph: topic sentence and details”?
The rule
One paragraph, one topic: a topic sentence, details, a closing sentence.
How it looks
topic sentence + 2–4 details + closing sentence
What it means
The topic sentence tells the main idea, details help us see it, the closing sentence finishes.
When to use it
Use it every time you write a paragraph.
How it works
- Choose one topic. Write it as a topic sentence.
- Add two to four details: examples, reasons or facts about the topic.
- Use joining words to link the details: and, because, so, then.
- End with a closing sentence, then check your writing from start to finish.
Examples of “A paragraph: topic sentence and details”
- My school bag has three pockets.
A topic sentence about one thing. - I like the garden because it is quiet.
A detail with a joining word. - We water the flowers after school.
Another detail. - That is why I love my garden.
A closing sentence. - I love my garden.
A topic sentence: the main idea. - It is quiet, and the flowers smell sweet.
A detail with a joining word. - Every morning, I water the plants.
Another detail, with a time phrase. - That is why my garden is my favorite place.
A closing sentence with a reason link.
Common mistakes with “A paragraph: topic sentence and details”
A paragraph about my garden and my school.→ One paragraph about my garden. Another about my school.
One topic in one paragraph.(a paragraph with no ending)→ Add a closing sentence: That is why I like my garden.
The closing sentence finishes the paragraph.(a paragraph that starts with a detail)→ Start with the topic sentence.
The reader needs the main idea first.My garden. Very big.→ My garden is very big.
Each sentence needs a subject and a verb.I love my garden. I love my garden. I love my garden.→ I love my garden. It is quiet. It has many flowers.
Add different details instead of repeating the same sentence.
Exceptions: watch out
- Check your writing
Finally check verbs, joining words, capital letters and full stops.
Sentence, paragraph and essay
A sentence says one idea. A paragraph builds one topic with several sentences. An essay joins several paragraphs.
| Unit | Contains | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sentence | one idea | I love my garden. |
| paragraph | one topic | topic sentence + details + closing |
| essay | several paragraphs | introduction, body, conclusion |
See also: Linking sentences: also, however, for example, in the end
Check yourself
- Which sentence is the topic sentence?
Show the answer
The first sentence, with the main idea. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
- How many details should a short paragraph have?
Show the answer
Two to four. Enough to show the idea without repeating.
- What does the closing sentence do?
Show the answer
It finishes the paragraph. It gives a last thought or reason.
How to practice “A paragraph: topic sentence and details”
The interactive version adds step-by-step help, spoken instructions and a quick check. One rule card, one sound lesson and the first lesson of every stone are free to try; the rest is part of Full Access. See Full Access.
- Practice lesson: Paragraph workshop: topic sentence and details
Questions
How long is a paragraph?
At this level, four to six sentences: one topic sentence, two to four details and a closing sentence.
Do I indent the first line?
In handwriting, yes. In typed text, start a new paragraph on a new line with a blank line between paragraphs.
Can two topics be in one paragraph?
No. If you have a new topic, start a new paragraph.
More Linking Ideas Further rules
- before and after: before and after put two events in time order. Each part needs its own subject and verb.
- Past continuous: was / were + -ing: was or were + -ing tells what was happening at a time in the past.
- when and while in stories: while goes with the longer action (was / were + -ing). when goes with the short action that interrupts.
- Why we do things: to and so that: To give a reason for an action, use to + the plain action word. so that can be followed by a full idea.
- Describing people with who: who adds information about a person. It takes the place of he or she, so do not say it twice.
- Describing things with that and which: that and which add information about a thing. Do not say the thing twice.
Used in these writing topics
Part of the 📘 Grammar tool. Level G5: Linking Ideas Further. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30