PARAGRAPH
WRITING
We have learned that a
paragraph is a group of about 6-12 sentences developing the main idea about a
topic. Every sentence in a good paragraph is related to the same topic. All the
sentences are arranged logically to explain the main idea about that topic so that
the reader can easily understand what the writer wants to say.
A paragraph is usually
built up by three types of sentences.
·
Topic sentence
·
Supporting sentences
·
Concluding sentence (not all paragraphs
have a concluding sentence)
We will continue to work on writing a
paragraph. Today we will practice writing the topic
sentence for a paragraph.
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THE TOPIC SENTENCE
A
topic sentence states the topic of the paragraph
and the controlling idea of the topic. The
controlling idea or main idea tells what the paragraph will discuss.
Example:
Exercise regularly can bring many
benefits to the body.
(Topic) (Controlling
idea)
(Do the
following exercises in your personal blog.)
Exercise 1
Several
topic sentences are given below. Bold
the topic and underline the controlling idea of each topic sentence.
Example:
Exercise
regularly can bring many benefits to the body.
Exercise regularly can
bring many benefits to the body.
(Topic) (Controlling idea)
1. Turkey
is a very interesting country to visit.
2.
Birds make excellent pet.
3. A
really good place to study is the university library.
4.
Learning the English language creates job opportunities.
5.
One of the most valuable tools for students is the computer.
6.
Summer is the best time to travel in my country.
Source:
adapted from College writing: From paragraph to essay, Macmillan
Exercise 2
You
are planning to write the following two paragraphs. Two or three of the
sentences given in the list are suitable to be used as topic sentence
for the paragraph.
Which
of them in the list are suitable topic sentences for the paragraph?
A. (A paragraph on how to train a cat)
1. This paragraph is about how to train
a cat.
2. Before a cat learns anything, it
first teaches its owner a lesson in humility.
3. Everything you wouldn't have thought
to ask about training a cat.
4. Training a cat takes physical
stamina.
5. Animal training is a complicated
subject.
B. (A paragraph about scuba diving)
1. The excitement of scuba diving.
2. My childhood fascination with scuba
diving.
3. It is very interesting to experience
scuba diving.
4. The sport of scuba diving has always
excited me.
5. Since I was a child, I've been
fascinated by scuba diving.
Exercise
3
Choose the best
topic sentence from the three given sentences for each group of supporting
sentences. Write it on the line provided.
Example:
___________(b)_________.
I usually go skiing every weekend in the winter even though it is expensive. I
love the feeling of flying down a mountain. The views are beautiful from the
top of a mountain and along the trails. Even the danger of falling and getting
hurt can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day.
a)
Skiing is expensive.
b)
Skiing is my favourite sport.
c)
Skiing is dangerous.
1.)
_____________________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send
cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you
cards, get well cards, graduation cards,
and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send
them through the mail, but now sending cards using computer over the Internet
is also popular.
a)
Sending cards is very popular in North America.
b)
Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.
c) It
is important to send thank-you cards.
2.) _______________________ . For example, a
person can have breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in
Paris. A businesswoman in London can instantly place an order with a factory in
Hong Kong by sending a fax. Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV
and watch a baseball game being played in Los Angeles.
a)
Airplanes have changed our lives.
b)
Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.
c)
The fax machine was an important invention.
3.)
________________________ . One thing you must consider is the quality of the
university’s educational program. You also need to think about the school’s
size and location. Finally, you must be sure to consider the university’s
tuition to make sure you can afford to go to school there.
a) It
is expensive to attend a university in the United States.
b)
There are several factors to consider when you choose a university to attend.
c) You should
consider getting a good education.
Exercise 4
Underline the topic sentence of the paragraph.
Paragraph A
Disneyland is
the greatest theme park in Southern California. Their rides range from
thrilling to relaxing, so there is something for everybody, no matter their
age. Restaurants of all kinds can be found to accommodate every taste. Each and
every “land” has its own theme and feel to it. A day spent at Disneyland is a
good day!
Paragraph B
My bedroom is
the most comfortable place in my house. It has become my favourite room since I
moved to this house five years ago. Actually it is not too large, but it is
spacious enough. It looks like a small cottage with a bed placed in the corner
of its room. If you enter my bedroom, you can see a table and a chair next to
the bed as my place for studying. If you look around my bedroom, you will find
a colourful wall. It is a combination of attractive colours like pink, violet
and blue. The colours are mixed perfectly. For me, my bedroom is my little
palace.
Adapted from www.montgomerycollege.edu/.../Descriptive%20ParagraphGIRL'S%20R...
Exercise 5
Write a topic
sentence for each paragraph. Make sure your topic sentence expresses
the main idea of the paragraph.
Example:
Miami
is the perfect place to take a vacation. It is always
sunny and warm. The beaches are gorgeous, with soft white sand and beautiful
water. There are many fine restaurants in the Miami area, and most of the
hotels offer terrific entertainment nightly. It’s no wonder that Miami is my
first choice for a vacation destination.
1.)
_________________________________________________ . It never starts in cold
weather. The horn and the left turn signal don’t work properly. Worst of all,
the car radio only gets one station and the CD player is completely broken. I
wish I could get a new car.
2.)
___________________________________________________ . He has collected stamps
and coins ever since he was a child. He is very proud of his valuable
collections. Paul also enjoys painting and drawing. Recently he has become
interested in gardening. Out of all his hobbies, Paul’s favourite one is
reading. He usually reads at least one book every week. Paul keeps busy with
all of his hobbies.
Have fun!
