One or more helping verbs are often used along with the main verb in a sentence. Together the helping verb or verbs and main verb make up a verb phrase A helping verb can show time or add meaning to the main verb. | NAME DATE 0 PREWRITING IDEAS AND CONTENT Writing to Inform 0 A paragraph that informs shares information with the reader. A paragraph about the childhood of a famous person for example would be informative. A. Remember to limit your topic so you can present specific details. Circle the topic in each pair that would be most appropriate for an informative paragraph. 1. fads of the 1920s the Roaring Twenties 2. King Tut mummies 3. diseases chicken pox 4. the solar system meteorites 5. nutrition Vitamin C One good way to begin an informative paragraph is with a clear definition. EXAMPLES Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch painter known for his use of bold vivid color. The garter snake is the most common harmless snake in the United States. B. Write definition statements for five of the topics in the box. Make sure that each definition could serve as a topic sentence for an informative paragraph. Use a dictionary or encyclopedia if you need help with facts. the sea lion the common cold the northern lights palm trees fly-fishing the First Amendment the human heart the snail comets Romeo and Juliet the artichoke Santa Claus Central Park the Mississippi River Charlie Chaplin Paul Bunyan 1. __ 2. __ 3. __ 4. __ 5. __ CHALLENGE Choose one of the definition statements you wrote in Part B. On the back of this sheet write three details you would use to develop the definition as a topic sentence. 48 Beginning Writing 1 Saddleback Publishing Inc. 2001 Three Watson Irvine CA 92618 Phone 888 735-2225 Fax 888 734-4010 NAME DATE ml PREWRITING IDEAS AND CONTENT Writing to Describe A descriptive paragraph needs specific .
