Paragraph Writing with TREE

A PARAGRAPH is a group of sentences about ONE main idea. Good paragraphs are the building blocks of every essay, report, and story. The TREE method makes writing one EASY — four simple parts that work every time.

**T** — **Topic sentence**. The main idea. States what the paragraph is about.\n\n**R** — **Reasons**. WHY is your topic sentence true?\n\n**E** — **Examples/Evidence**. Specific details that prove your reasons.\n\n**E** — **Ending**. Wraps up the paragraph.\n\nThat is it. T-R-E-E. Do those four things and you've got a paragraph.

**Topic (T):** Dogs make the best pets.\n\n**Reasons (R):** They are loyal, playful, and good for your health.\n\n**Examples (E):** My dog Max waits by the door every day when I come home (loyalty). He invents new games to play with me (playful). Studies show dog owners get more exercise and have lower stress (health).\n\n**Ending (E):** For loyalty, fun, and wellness, dogs are simply the best.\n\nThat's a complete paragraph. Short — but structured.

Your topic sentence is the MOST important. It tells the reader what to expect.\n\nGood topic sentences:\n- "Recess should be LONGER at our school."\n- "The rainforest is disappearing for three main reasons."\n- "Playing soccer has taught me more than just how to kick a ball."\n\nEach ONE tells the reader what the rest of the paragraph will prove.

"Dogs are awesome" — weak. Just your opinion.\n\n"Dogs lower stress by 20% according to a study at Harvard Medical School" — STRONG. A fact you can point to.\n\nGood writers back up their ideas with:\n\n- **Facts** (real numbers, data)\n- **Examples** (specific stories, cases)\n- **Expert quotes** (what credible people say)\n- **Personal experience** (your own observations)\n\nThe more specific, the more convincing.

Transitions make your paragraph FLOW:\n\n- **To add**: also, in addition, furthermore\n- **To give examples**: for instance, for example, such as\n- **To show cause**: because, since, as a result\n- **To contrast**: however, on the other hand\n- **To conclude**: therefore, in conclusion, finally\n\nSprinkle these in and your paragraph sounds professional.