REVIEW What is a paragraph? Necessary to write an essay

A paragraph is a group of sentences that supports, examines, outlines, explores, defends, analyzes, describes, develops, etc. only ONE idea.

TASK Write a paragraph expressing your opinion about the influence of TV upon families. PAIR WORK:

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

Discussion: Look at the paragraph now and identify its different parts.

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

TOPIC SENTENCE Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. in a nut shell, watching TV can be a good thing for families under the right circumstances. Topic: Introduces the general theme. What subject are you going to write about? Controlling idea: Limits the topic. What do you want to say about the topic? Controlling idea: Generates a question Wh…? Wh…?

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. in a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances. SUPPORTING SENTENCES Answer the question generated by the controlling idea. Further development.

In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances. Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances. CONCLUDING SENTENCE Linking sentence Summarizes or restates the main idea as expressed in the topic sentence. In an essay: It often links the current paragraph to the following one. It may anticipate the topic sentence of the next paragraph.

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances. TRANSITION WORDS Make the flow of ideas smooth Make the flow of ideas smooth and easy to read.

Session 3 goal Students will be able to recall how to write an opinion essay, identifying and discussing its main parts. Students will be able to recall how to write an opinion essay, identifying and discussing its main parts.

So this is a paragraph

Now What is an essay?

This is an essay

An essay is a group of paragraphs that supports, examines, outlines, explores, defends, analyzes, describes, develops, etc. only ONE idea.

What is the difference between a paragraph and an essay?

Writing an ECCE opinion essay

LA INDUSTRIA INTERNATIONAL People concerned with violence in the city. Following meetings with members of the Town Council, the Mayor has announced that he has in mind to start an aggressive plan in order to deal with the sky rocketing number of crimes in the area. This would imply reducing certain individual rights in order to stop this massive wave of violence, like setting curfews for example. Local residents are divided on this issue. Many believe it to be an excellent idea as it will finally put an end to a situation that is stifling the citizens. Others are concerned about the unpleasant consequences that may arise from such measures. The editor would like to know more about readers’ views on this proposal. Newspaper article: Information not to be taken into account for the essay. Task A: LETTER You have read this article in your local newspaper. Write a letter to the editor of the city times expressing your opinion on the issue. Do you agree with the Mayor’s proposal? What effects do you think this plan to reduce violence in your area will have? Start your letter: “Dear editor,” Task B: ESSAY Due to the recent economic growth of the region, Trujillo is now receiving not only a great influx of visitors, but also a number of people who have decided to settle down in the area because they believe it is a great place to live and raise a family. What’s your opinion about Trujillo? Is it actually a good choice to bring up a family? Write an essay expressing your opinion. Task B : Asks the student to express an opinion on a general issue. Not necessarily related to the article. Task A: Not to be taken into account

Do you like living in the city? What aspects do you (not) like about Trujillo?

Writing a paragraph Write a paragraph expressing your opinion about the city where you live.

Even though Trujillo has a lot of things to offer, in my opinion, it is one of the least desirable places to live. First of all, it has a chaotic traffic. This negative situation makes people waste a lot of time, especially at rush hour where you can be trapped for more than half an hour. Another problem affecting this city is the increasing rate of crime. People feel really insecure with the many crimes happening everyday. If these problems are not solved, they will affect people’s economy, development and stability. Even though Trujillo has a lot of things to offer, in my opinion, it is one of the least desirable places to live. First of all, it has a chaotic traffic. This negative situation makes people waste a lot of time, especially at rush hour where you can be trapped for more than half an hour. Another problem affecting this city is the increasing rate of crime. People feel really insecure with the many crimes happening everyday. If these problems are not solved, they will affect people’s economy, development and stability. Controlling idea: Why? Why?

A PARAGRAPH AN ESSAY

Everyone is always talking about the fantastic things Trujillo has to offer. Many tourists praise the wonderful tourist sites like Chan-Chan or the well-known Huanchaco beach for example. But, actually, I think that Trujillo is one of the least desirable places to grow up. I consider this to be true not only because of the intense and heavy traffic, but also due to the rising rate of crime. Let’s take a deep look at this issue. Nowadays, one the most negative things Trujillo has is its chaotic traffic. Since Trujillo is a relatively small city, the excessive number of cars transforms its main streets into an endless and a stressing snake of smoke and loud noise. The obvious outcome we have to put up with is the incredible amount of time people waste. Sometimes, especially at rush hour, you can be stuck in traffic for up to forty five minutes. But unfortunately, that is not the most serious issue. The other problem affecting this city, probably the most dangerous one, is the rising rate of crime. Every day, newspapers display news about a murder, shooting, or assault. This situation is creating a sense of insecurity among people and is seriously damaging the city image. People are really concerned and do not know what to do to cope with and solve the problem. Even though Trujillo has once been considered one of the best cities in Peru, these two negative factors have made it one of the least desirable places to settle down. If they are not solved, they will end up damaging the city image even more, thus affecting people’s economy, development and stability. Controlling idea: Why? Why?

INTRODUCTION OUTLINE Topic: Introduces the general theme. What subject are you going to write about? Controlling idea: Limits the topic. What do you want to say about the topic?

Everyone is always talking about the fantastic things Trujillo has to offer. Many tourists praise the wonderful tourist sites like Chan-Chan or the well-known Huanchaco beach for example. However, actually, I think that Trujillo is not the best place to grow up. I consider this to be true not only because of the intense and heavy traffic, but also due to the high rate of crime. Let’s take a deep look at this issue. INTRODUCTION MODEL Thesis Statement Concluding (Linking) sentence What is your opinion? What are the main ideas you will use to support your opinion: A & B What are the main ideas you will use to support your opinion: A & B Two sentences introducing the topic

Describing the past and present. Thirty years ago ago there were only a handful of cars in the dusty town of Abu Dhabi. Dhabi. Today, Today, the streets are bumper-to- bumper with modern 4WD vehicles, luxury saloons, and taxis. Thesis Statement. Introducing the topic (2 sentences) Background Example 1

Give one side (+) and the other side (-) Abu Dhabi is probably one of the most highly developed cities in the Arab world. However, However, its traffic congestion is a serious problem. problem. Thesis Statement. Introducing the topic (2 sentences) Background Example 2

Describe the current situation Describe the current situation Abu Dhabi is a modern city, but it faces a modern problem. Every morning and evening, the streets are crowded with cars, taxis and trucks. trucks. Thesis Statement. Introducing the topic (2 sentences) Background Example 3

BODY OUTLINE

Development of topic sentence BODY MODEL 1 (Concluding) Linking sentence Concluding sentence Concluding sentence Nowadays, one the most negative things Trujillo has is its chaotic traffic. Since Trujillo is a relatively small city, the excessive number of cars transforms its main streets into an endless and a stressing snake of smoke and loud noise. The obvious outcome we have to put up with is the incredible amount of time people waste. Sometimes, especially at rush hour, you can be stuck in traffic for up to forty five minutes. But unfortunately, that is not the most serious issue. The other problem affecting this city, probably the most dangerous one, is the rising rate of crime. Every day, newspapers display news about a murder, shooting, or assault. This situation is creating a sense of insecurity among people and is seriously damaging the city image. People are really concerned and do not know what to do to cope with and solve the problem. Take the first supporting key word & put it in a topic sentence Take the second supporting key word & put it in a topic sentence

CONCLUSION OUTLINE

CONCLUSION MODEL Even though Trujillo has once been considered one of the best cities in Peru, these two negative factors have made it one of the least desirable places to settle down. If they are not solved, they will end up damaging the city image even more, thus affecting people’s economy, development and stability. Conclusion: restate opinion and main points Concluding sentence Concluding sentence