Week: 8 Paragraph 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 SENTENCE SUPPORTING DETAILS CLOSING 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 SENTENCE SUPPORTING DETAILS CLOSING 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 SENTENCE SUPPORTING DETAILS CLOSING 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.