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Writing Chapter 1 Paragraph Structure

The document discusses the structure and components of an academic paragraph. A paragraph contains a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, supporting sentences that develop and explain the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence that restates the main point. The topic sentence should be a general statement that tells the topic and controlling idea without being too specific or too general. Supporting sentences provide facts and examples to support the topic sentence. The concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and reminds the reader of the main idea discussed.

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John Williams
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392 views

Writing Chapter 1 Paragraph Structure

The document discusses the structure and components of an academic paragraph. A paragraph contains a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, supporting sentences that develop and explain the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence that restates the main point. The topic sentence should be a general statement that tells the topic and controlling idea without being too specific or too general. Supporting sentences provide facts and examples to support the topic sentence. The concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and reminds the reader of the main idea discussed.

Uploaded by

John Williams
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Academic writing

Paragraph structure
Unit 1
What is a paragraph?

It is a group of related sentences that discuss one main


idea.

A paragraph can consist of a sentence or more.


The number of sentences isn't important as long as the
main idea is discussed thoroughly.
Parts of the paragraph:

A paragraph consists of THREE main parts which are:


.1 Topic sentence
.2 Supporting sentences
.3 Concluding sentence
1.Topic
sentence:
It is an essential part of any well written paragraph as it briefly
discusses the main idea of the paragraph.

There are THREE important points to remember


about the topic sentence:
a. A topic sentence is a complete sentence:

It consists of at least one subject and a verb


b .It consists of TWO parts:
It mainly consists of the topic and the
controlling idea being discussed in the
paragraph
c .It needs to be a general sentence:

It needs to be a general statement as it should only tell the


topic and the controlling idea.

Example:
The Arabic origin of many English words is not always obvious
Note that the Topic sentence can't be either too
specific or too general.

A general topic sentence:

English has been influenced by other languages.

A very specific Topic sentence:

The slang expression so long (meaning “good-bye”) is


probably a corruption of the Arabic salaam.
Opinions VS Facts Note: The writer's Opinion is
not expressed in academic
writing.

An Opinion is a
subjective
statement based
on a person's
belief or attitude
Example:

Water boils at 100


degrees.

PS. Even Facts need proof, as your


reader may not believe your words
without enough evidence. So providing
examples is essential.
.3Concluding sentence:
Note: Never introduce
It serves TWO purposes: a new idea in the
1. It signals the end of the paragraph. concluding sentence
2. It reminds the reader of the main idea.
Thank you!

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