6. 1. Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate
to the reader what your paragraph will be about.
Example:
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.
7. 2. Unity in the Paragraph
Every sentence in a paragraph should
support the main idea expressed in the topic
sentence.
The paragraph must have one controlling
idea in the topic sentence.
The supporting sentences must support or
explain the controlling idea with examples,
details, steps, or definitions.
The concluding sentence should should
restate the idea in the topic sentence.
8. 3. Coherence
Key words can be repeated in several
sentences
Synonymous words can be repeated in
several sentences
Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous
sentences
Transition words can be used to link ideas
from different sentences
9. 4. Adequate Development
The topic should be discussed fully and adequately by
using supporting evidence.
A paragraph is adequately developed when it
describes, explains and supports the topic sentence. If
the "promise" of the topic sentence is not fulfilled, or
if the reader is left with questions after reading the
paragraph, the paragraph has not been adequately
developed. Generally speaking, a paragraph which
consists of only two or three sentences is under-
developed. A good rule of thumb to follow is to make
sure that a paragraph contains at least four sentences
which explain and elaborate on the topic sentence.
10. Supporting Sentence
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a
paragraph.
They give details to develop and support the main idea of
the paragraph.
We should give supporting facts, details and examples.
Example:
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.
11. Closing Sentence
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different
words.
Example:
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.
12. How To Write A Paragraph?
There are four stages in process
of writing paragraph :
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
2. Writing Paragraphs
3. Editing Paragraphs
4. Publishing Paragraphs
13. 1. Prewriting Paragraphs
The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and
organize your ideas for your paragraph before you begin
writing.
Six Prewriting Steps:
1. Think carefully about what you are going to write
2. Open your notebook
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph topic
4. Write down your own ideas
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that
develops your main idea
14. 2. Writing Paragraphs
Five Writing Steps:
1. Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences and
closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your
meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words
to express your ideas.
15. 3. Editing Paragraphs
Grammar and Spelling
1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Read your assignment again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
Style and Organization
1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
3. Make sure you have a closing sentence.
4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
5. See if your paragraph is interesting.
16. The publishing stage is when you produce a
final copy of your assignment to hand in.
The three most vital publishing steps are:
1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.
2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor or
parents.
3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your
writing.
17. Methods of paragraph
development
Use examples and illustrations
Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and
others)
Examine testimony (what other people say such as
quotes and paraphrases)
Use an anecdote or story
Define terms in the paragraph
Compare and contrast
Evaluate causes and reasons
Examine effects and consequences
Analyze the topic
Evaluate the topic according to specified criteria
Describe the topic
Offer a chronology of an event (time segments)
18. SOME USEFUL TRANSITIONS
To show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first
(second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place,
moreover, next, too
To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically,
that is, to illustrate
To compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly
To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even
though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the
contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet
To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words,
in short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up
To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last,
before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later,
meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until,
when, while
To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close,
elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.)
To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because,
consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then,
therefore, thus