Paragraph Writing

Paragraphs Form Most paragraphs contain between five to ten sentences. The first line of a paragraph is usually indented (begin a few spaces to the right of the margin) to show that there is a new paragraph. indent ________________________ . ____________________. _____________________. _________________________. ____________________________. ____________________. ______________________. ______________________________.

Key Features A Topic Sentence Supporting Sentences Every paragraphs should have the following features… A Topic Sentence Supporting Sentences A Concluding Sentence Unity

Topic Sentences Definition Every paragraph should have a topic sentence. This is the most important sentence because it expresses the main idea of the paragraph.

Example 1 Topic Sentence: states the main idea of the paragraph. Topic Sentence The most important problem in our city is its inadequate public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the city’s buses and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation System’s daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that should arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusual for a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because he wants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going to work late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get to their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and streetcar stops. Concluding Sentence Supporting Sentences

Example 2 Topic Sentence Topic Sentence: states the main idea of the paragraph. Motivation An important factor in learning a foreign language has to do with the concept of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. When we do something for the “fun of it” or because we enjoy it, that is called intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when we do something for the purpose of receiving some kind of external reward such as money, time off from work, etc. Many education experts believe that intrinsic motivation is more powerful when it comes to helping students keep what they’ve learned. The question and challenge for teachers today is, “How can we help our students become intrinsically motivated in what we are teaching?”

Example 3 Topic Sentence One of the first helpful people I met was John. I first met John standing in a line at the bookstore. I was having a difficult time finding the books for the English classes I was taking my first semester here. He not only helped me find my books, but he also gave me some good advice on where to get tutorial help on campus and where I could find some good restaurants. We’ve become better friends since then and he has been so helpful in answering any questions I have about going to school in the U.S. and about American culture. If I hadn’t met John that day, I might still be looking for the right books for my classes! Concluding Sentence Supporting Sentences

Topic Sentence Essentials Complete Sentence There are several things you need to remember when writing topic sentences. The first is that topic sentences are always complete sentences.

Example 1 Main Idea in a Complete Sentence It is not a complete sentence; It is a title Strategies of learning English. There are many strategies that you can use to help you learn a new language.

Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Example 2 The sport of cross-country running. This is not a complete sentence. The sport of cross-country running has allowed me to get in better shape and meet some interesting people. Topic sentence This is a question, not a statement. Why do I want to be a teacher? Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows me to work with students and be creative. Topic sentence

Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Example 3 This is an announcement I want to talk about the benefits of learning a foreign language. Topic sentence Learning a foreign language has several benefits.

Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Example 4 It only expresses a specific fact I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young. Topic sentence Playing many musical instruments has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Topic Sentence Essentials Two Parts A topic sentence contains the topic of the paragraph and a controlling idea. The controlling idea limits the topic to something very specific. It tells the reader what the paragraph will specifically discuss.

Topic and Controlling Idea Example 1 Topic and Controlling Idea Topic: names the main idea or general subject of the paragraph Topic Sentence One of the most serious problems in today’s public schools is overcrowded classrooms. Controlling Idea: makes a specific comment about the subject. Tells the reader what the paragraph will say about the main topic.

Topic and Controlling Idea Example 2 Topic and Controlling Idea Topic: names the main idea or general subject of the paragraph Topic Sentence One of the most serious problems in today’s public schools is the low percentage of trained teachers. Controlling Idea: makes a specific comment about the subject. Tells the reader what the paragraph will say about the main topic.

Example 3 Companies need to develop more efficient forms of energy. This sentence does not contain a controlling idea. This is not a good topic sentence, because it does not limit the topic to make it more specific. Companies need to develop more efficient forms of energy. Topic Sentence Companies should develop more efficient forms of energy such as solar heating panels. Controlling Idea: limits the ideas in the paragraph and makes the sentence more specific. Topic: names the main idea

Example 4 Topic Sentence: Egyptian films are getting more expensive to produce. Topic Sentence: The Quality of Egyptian films has decreased over the last 20 years. Topic Sentence: Egyptian films can be classified into comedies, action films and romances.