Spanish paragraphs with a clear main idea

The idea

Start with a sentence stating the main idea; follow it with facts or examples that support it. A final sentence may bring the idea together.

Examples

• El huerto del barrio reúne a personas de distintas edades.The neighborhood garden brings together people of different ages.
• Los sábados, varias familias riegan las plantas.On Saturdays, several families water the plants.
• También comparten semillas y consejos.They also share seeds and advice.
• La biblioteca móvil facilita la lectura en pueblos pequeños.The mobile library makes reading easier in small towns.
• Cada semana lleva libros a una plaza diferente.Each week it brings books to a different square.
• Allí, quien quiera puede pedirlos prestados.There, anyone can borrow them.

Watch out

Do not add an interesting but unrelated fact: it distracts from the paragraph’s focus.

Try it yourself

1. A cooking class brings neighbors together. They prepare dishes and share recipes. What is the main idea? (reúne a vecinos / cierran la cocina)

   Show answer or example answer

   reúne a vecinos

   reúne a vecinos captures what the class does; cooking and sharing recipes show how.

2. The park is accessible. Which detail supports that idea? (Tiene rampas en las entradas / El tren llega a las ocho)

   Show answer or example answer

   Tiene rampas en las entradas

   Tiene rampas en las entradas gives a concrete reason the park is accessible.

3. The café reduces waste and uses reusable cups. Which sentence does not belong? (Mi hermana toca el piano / Separa el cartón)

   Show answer or example answer

   Mi hermana toca el piano

   Mi hermana toca el piano concerns music, not the café’s waste.

Use it today

Write a paragraph about a local place, opening with its main idea and adding two supporting details.