Paragraph structure RW0703
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A paragraph should have a clear structure including a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, supporting sentences that provide details and examples to develop the main idea, and a closing sentence that restates the main point. An example paragraph demonstrates how the topic sentence states the reasons for wanting to learn English and each supporting sentence provides additional details about one of the three reasons. Connecting words are used to link the sentences together cohesively.
Paragraph structure RW0703
- 1. Paragraph Writing Reading and Writing Course I
- 2. What is a paragraph? A good paragraph is a unit of writing and should have a clear and logical structure. In a paragraph you can describe, classify, explain (e.g. function, sequence), compare and constrast things. A paragraph consists of the topic and supporting sentences. The sentences in a paragraph are connected with the so called sentence connectors .
- 3. Topic and supporting A cheeseburger can be considered as a paragraph: the bun contains the main idea,other ingredients give a unique taste to it. Ingredients like cheese, me a t and pickles somehow enrich and support the main element.
- 4. Paragraph: A n E xample Read this example first: Why I want to Learn English There are three reasons why I want to learn English. One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English. Q: What is the “bun” in this burger? And what are other ingredients which describe this burger?
- 5. Paragraph Structure Support detail Topic sentence First main point Second main point Third main point Conclusion Support detail Support detail
- 6. Topic sentence There are three reasons why I want to learn English . One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
- 7. First main point/supporting detail s There are three reasons why I want to learn English. One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
- 8. Second supporting point There are three reasons why I want to learn English. One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
- 9. Third supporting point There are three reasons why I want to learn English. One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
- 10. Conclusion There are three reasons why I want to learn English. One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
- 11. What is a topic sentence? What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.
- 12. What are supporting sentences ? What are supporting sentences? They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph. What do they do? They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph. How do I write them? You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.
- 13. Closing S entence What is the closing sentence? The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. What does it do? It restates the main idea of your paragraph. How do I write one? Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
- 14. Sentence connectors Look at this text again and see how the sentences are connected: Why I want to Learn English There are three reasons why I want to learn English. One reason is that English has become an international language. It is now used by most international companies, including the company where I work, for business communication. Another reason why I want to learn English is so that I can travel to English-speaking countries. The United States, England, Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary language. Finally , I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future. I will become a manager for my company soon. For all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
- 15. Types of P aragraphs Classification paragraph (grouping things or ideas) Description paragraph (describing people, places, things - what they are like) Explanation/evaluation (how or why something happens, making judgements) Compare/contrast (similarities or differences between something) Sequence (e.g. describing a proces)
- 16. Select one of the topics and write a paragraph: Classification paragraph (“Making Textiles”) Explanation/evaluation paragraph (“Fibre properties”) Compare/contrast paragraph (“Natural fibres: vs. Synthetic fibres”) Sequence paragraph (“How to send an SMS message”) Description paragraph (“Production line in a textile factory”) Start composing a paragraph
- 17. How to start ? Think of the topic sentence What are the supporting sentences? Write them down. Think of the closing sentence. Think of the connecting words which will link sentences into a nice whole. Write the paragraph (50-80 words) Follow this procedure: