1. … and how to structure them
Paragraphs
… and how to structure them

2. Definition A paragraph is a block of sentences in a text.
All the sentences in the paragraph refer to the same topic.
The topic of the paragraph is usually stated in the first sentence.
This is called the “topic sentence”.
The other sentences support the topic sentence with explanations, examples, reasons or other details.
The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to an end.

3. Unity of a paragraph A paragraph has unity:
When all the sentences support one single idea.
The paragraph has one controlling idea in the topic sentence.
The supporting sentences support, demonstrate, prove or develop the main idea.
There is no irrelevant information.

4. Examples
Television doesn’t just entertain, of course. There are times when it be informative and can provide a source of good family conversation. There is no evidence that other hobbies and interests have lost out, either. In fact, it seems that television has helped to popularise some games, like snooker and darts.

5. Examples
The internet has brought about many changes in how we communicate. It has had a dramatic impact on the world of business. Firms can link their systems directly to those of their suppliers and partners, can do business online around the clock, and can learn more than ever about their customers. For individuals, has emerged as the most important form of personal communication since the invention of the telephone.

6. Examples
Eighty-two percent of the world's smokers live in developing countries and every year nearly 5 million people die as a result of smoking. It is the number one preventable cause of death in the world. 500 million people alive today will die of tobacco-related diseases. WHO reports that tobacco advertising in Cambodia rose 400% during 4 years of the 1990s; in Malayasia, 20-25% of all advertising is now tobacco related. Women and young people in developing countries are the current targets for tobacco companies.