1. Paragraph Writing

2. 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
________________________ . ____________________. _____________________. _________________________. ____________________________. ____________________. ______________________. ______________________________.

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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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?”

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. Example 1
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.
Topic Sentence 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

14. 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 overcrowded classrooms.
Controlling Idea: makes a specific comment about the subject. Tells the reader what the paragraph will say about the main topic.

15. Topic and Controlling Idea
Example 3
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.