Grade 4: Research Report

Try these tips for clear, easy-to-follow paragraphs.

Be sure each paragraph makes just one main point. State that point in a topic sentence. Take out anything that doesn't help support your topic sentence.

A geode looks very different on the outside than on the inside. [That's that topic sentence.] On the outside, it looks like an ordinary grey or brown rock. On the inside, though, it is filled with crystals. Scientists can also grow crystals themselves. [That sentence didn't support the topic sentence.] The crystals may be pink, white, green, blue, orange, or purple.

Use connecting words to help your readers follow your thoughts.

Like all animals, a sponge has to eat. However, it doesn't have a mouth. Instead, it feeds through tiny holes in its walls. Water flows into the holes, carrying food for the sponge. Another way some sponges eat is by trapping small shellfish. When shellfish touch the sponge, they stick to it. Sponge cells then gather around the creature and digest it.

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