Paragraph Writing Basics 1

The building blocks Main IdeaSupporting IdeaSummary Sentence pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication2

Expressing main idea A main idea A main idea is a general sentence which introduces the topic of a paragraph. Look at the following example: Question: should children use their cell phones in classes? Main idea for this question is: Nowadays, technologies are used in different places including schools. One example of these technologies is cellphones. I think this device is useful for two main reasons. pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication3

Supporting your main idea Supporting ideas examples or reasons sequence words Supporting ideas are often in the form of examples or reasons. If you have more than one supporting idea then you should use sequence words. Go to next slide ===>>> pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication4

Phrases used in supporting ideas part For example + clause * For instance + clause Such is + phrase * like + phrase Giving examples Because / as/ since + clause Because of / due to + phrase Giving reasons Firstly, first of all, secondly, etc. Also, in addition, what is more, etc. Sequence words * For understanding the difference between a clause and a phrase refer to the last slide. pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication5

The logical order of supporting ideas Sequence wordsIdeaExample Sequence wordsIdeaReason Now urn to next slide for an example of each in a paragraph OR pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication6

Ordering ideas in a paragraph First of all for example by Also, because Nowadays, technologies are used in different places including schools. One example of these technologies is cellphones. I think this device is useful for two main reasons. First of all, cell phones can save students’ time for example by looking up the meaning of new words in a language class or by searching a subject or topic online. Also, cellphones can be a good educational tool because nowadays many new soft wares are designed to help students to learn science, math, etc. in an easier and more understandable way. pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication7

Summary sentence summary sentence A summary sentence tries to wrap everything up in a shorter way. You DO NOT need to give new ideas. You can give a suggestion here about the topic. You need to start your summary sentence with phrases like: all in all, generally, overall, in general, to sum up. Now turn to next slide for an example of a summary sentence pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication8

Structure of a summary sentence All in all, generally, in general, to sum up Starting phrases I think It seems to me that… I believe that… Your personal idea Whenever possible, we should try to… If possible, I think we need to… It seems to me that ….should… Suggestion about the topic pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication9

summary sentence All in all, I think whenever possible should Nowadays, technologies are used in different places including schools. One example of these technologies is cellphones. I think this device is useful for two main reasons. First of all, cell phones can save students’ time for example by looking up the meaning of new words in a language class or by searching a subject or topic online. Also, cellphones can be a good educational tool because nowadays many new soft wares are designed to help students to learn science, math, etc. in an easier and more understandable way. All in all, I think cell phones could bring advantages to classes and whenever possible, teachers should allow students to use this device to improve their learning and efficiency in educational setting. pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication10

Notes on phrases and clauses phrase A phrase is an incomplete sentence usually made of: article + noun : a problem Article + adjective +noun: a serious problem Article + adverb + adjective + noun: an incredibly serious problem clause A clause is normally made up of one or two phrases having a verb but the meaning might not be complete when alone. Look at the following examples: A serious problem is When a problem happens in society If we plan to solve these problems pargraph writing - MELTCenter publication11