Week: 8Paragraph Writing

• Definition• Unity• Topical Sentence• Supporting Details • Relevant Exercises

What is a paragraph?

• It is a group of sentences that introduces, presents and develops one main idea about the topic. And it can be divided into three major parts.

• These are the Topic Sentence, Supporting Details, and Closing Sentence... or simply put, Beginning, Middle, and End.

a) The Topic Sentence • It is normally the first sentence of the

paragraph. • It conveys the overall point of the

paragraph. • It helps the writer focus on the idea

written about. • It helps the reader know about what the

paragraph is all about.

b) The Supporting Details • They are sentences used to support the main

idea stated in the topic sentence. • They give more information about the main

idea through examples. • They say in details what the topic sentence

says in general. • They should be clear evidence that what the

topic sentence says is trustworthy. • They should be strong convincing points on

which the topic sentence can rely upon.

c) The Concluding Sentence • It is a reflection of the main idea pronounced in the

topic sentence. • It sums up what the topic sentence and the supporting

details talk about. • It is the closing sentence that reminds the readers of

what they have to value. • It is compulsory for the completion of the paragraph

unity. • It eventually indicates the end of a paragraph. • It prepares the reader for a smooth transition to the

next paragraph if there is one.

Example: 1 TOPIC SENTENCESUPPORTING DETAILSCLOSING SENTENCE

• There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Example: 2 TOPIC SENTENCESUPPORTING DETAILSCLOSING SENTENCE

• I don't like tests. Every time I take a test, I feel nervous. When I study for a test, I don't know if I will be able to get a good grade. Often I worry about taking a test and can't sleep. Sometimes I daydream or draw pictures in class. After the test is over, I worry about my grade. When my teacher gives the test back to me with a grade, I still can't relax because I know I will have another test soon. Tests give me a lot of stress, that is why I don't like tests.

Example: 3 TOPIC SENTENCESUPPORTING DETAILSCLOSING SENTENCE

• Cats are good pets. You don't have to take a cat for a walk every day like a dog. You do not have to wash cats because they know how to clean themselves. If you want to go on vacation, you can leave some food and water for your cat and it will be okay. A cat can sleep on your bed and keep you warm at night. I think these things make cats good pets.

Paragraph Writing Exercise

Q. Write an excellent paragraph on the following topic on a separate sheet of paper. (10 marks)

Topic: Friendship • Remember:• 1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.• 2. Make sure you provide at least 3 sentences that support your

main idea. • 3. Make sure you have a closing sentence. • 4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.• ★ Circle your topic sentence. Number your supporting

details. Underline the conclusion.