AVTC1_Unit 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNIT 6: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER & WRITE A COMPLETE PARAGRAPH 2

I. REVISION 3

1. Structure of a paragraph 3

2. Sample paragraph 3

3. Steps to write a complete paragraph 4

3.1. Pre-writing: 4

3.2. While-writing: 4

3.3. Post-writing: 4

II. PRE-WRITING 4

III. WHILE-WRITING 5

IV. POST-WRITING 6

1. Writing Checklist: 6

2. Model Answer of While-writing topic: 8

ANSWER KEY 9

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AVTC1_Unit 4

UNIT 6: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER & WRITE A COMPLETE PARAGRAPH

I. REVISION
1. Structure of a paragraph
In terms of organization, a paragraph typically contains the following three
components:
- A topic sentence: includes a topic and a controlling idea.
- Supporting sentences: include explanations and evidence.
- A concluding sentence: summarizes the main points, rephrases the topic sentence,
or give a final opinion.
2. Sample paragraph

Task 1: Read the topic below and answer some questions.

Topic: Why do you want to study English?

Questions:
1. What things should you write about?
2. How many sentences should we write for Introduction – Body – Conclusion?
3. Can you think of a topic sentence for this topic?
Task 2: Read the sample paragraph, try to identify different components, and fill in
the blanks to complete an outline.

I like studying English for four reasons. Firstly, I want to communicate with many
foreigners to learn about their culture. Secondly, I want to read international news on the
Internet. Thirdly, I want to get a well-paid job after graduation. To sum up, English is
necessary for my life and future career, so I have to study and improve it.
Questions:
1. How many sentences does the paragraph have?
2. What is the topic sentence of the paragraph? Underline it.
3. What is the concluding sentence of the paragraph? Highlight it.
4. What words/phrases are used to list the supporting sentences/ or to connect ideas in the
paragraph?
Task 3: Fill in the blanks to complete an outline of the sample paragraph above.

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Outline
Topic sentence

Explanation, evidence, or development of

ideas
(Supporting sentences)

Concluding sentence

3. Steps to write a complete paragraph

3.1. Pre-writing
+ Identify the main topic: First, you need to read the question carefully and underline
keywords that contain the topic.
+ Brainstorm ideas: In this step, you brainstorm as many ideas about the topic as you
can. Write anything related the topic using Wh-questions (Why, Who, What, Where,
When, How, etc.).
+ Create an outline: Organize your ideas in an outline with three components (topic
sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentence).
3.2. While-writing
+ Write a complete paragraph using the outline that you created.
3.3. Post-writing
+ Self/ Peer editing: Edit your paragraph/ your friend’s paragraph using the provided
writing checklist.
+ Reflect and correct the errors.

II. PRE-WRITING
Follow the procedure to write a paragraph for the question below:
‘Everyone has dreams. What job do you dream to do in the future?
Write about your dream job and explain why you like it.’
Task 4: Read the question again and underline the topic.

Task 5: Brainstorm ideas for the given topic.

The questions below may help you to brainstorm ideas:

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1. What is your dream job? _____________________________________________

2. Why do you love this job? ____________________________________________
3. Who will you work with? _____________________________________________
4. Does this job has any special requirements? _____________________________
5. Do you think it is an easy job? ________________________________________
6. What will you do to achieve your dream job? _____________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Task 6: Write an outline about the topic ‘My dream job’ using your ideas
Outline
Topic sentence

Supporting sentences:
- Explanation:
- Fact:
- Example:
- Other details:
Concluding sentence

III. WHILE-WRITING

Task 7: Write a paragraph (50 to 80 words) about the topic ‘My dream job’ using the
outline in Task 6.
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IV. POST-WRITING
1. Writing Checklist

Task 8: Use the checklist below to edit your paragraph/ your friend’s paragraph.

Paragraph Y/N Comments/ Suggestions

Are there a topic sentence, supporting sentences,
and concluding sentence?
Does the topic sentence state the main idea of the
paragraph?
Do the supporting sentences provide explanation or
evidence (facts, opinions, examples) to support the
main idea?
Does the supporting sentences use transitional
words and phrases to connect ideas?
Are the sentences arranged in a logical order?
Are there any sentences unrelated to the main idea
in the topic sentence?
Are there about 2 - 4 supporting sentences in a
paragraph?
Does the paragraph have a concluding sentence that
rephrases the topic sentence, summarize the main
ideas, or give a final opinion?
Does the paragraph use correct basic and compound
sentences?
Has correct punctuation been used?

Is there any spelling error?

Does the paragraph use verb tenses correctly?

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Task 9: Here is an example of writing about the topic ‘My dream job’. It has 5
mistakes and an irrelevant sentence . Now, edit the writing by crossing out the
irrelevant sentence and correcting the mistakes.

My dream job
Today, I am write about my dream job. My dream job would a travel writer! Travel writers
are often self-employed. Travel writers have flexible hours. They travelling the world to
interesting place and then write articles about their experiences. To do this job you have to
be willing to go to lots of new place and I love it. I also like communicating ideas in writing.
Unfortunately, I cannot really make money with this type of work. In short, I think it is
important to have a dream job, so that we can try hard to make it come true.

Task 10: Edit your writing in Task 7. Remember to make changes or correct any
mistakes.

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2. Additional practice

Task 11: Write paragraphs (50 to 80 words for each paragraph) for the topics
below:

Topic 1:
What do you usually do in your free time?
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Topic 2:
What is your favorite food?
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ANSWER KEY
Task 1:
1. I should write about the reasons why I study English.
2. Possible answers: 1 sentence for Introduction; 7-8 sentences for Body and 1 sentence for
conclusion.
3. There are several reasons why I would like to study English.

Task 2:
1. 5 sentences
2, 3:
I like studying English for these four reasons. Firstly, I want to communicate with many foreigners
to learn about their culture. Secondly, I want to read international news on the Internet. Thirdly, I
want to get a well-paid job after graduation. To sum up, English is necessary for my life and
future career, so I have to study and improve it.
4: Some words/phrases are used to list the supporting sentences/ or to connect ideas in the
paragraph are: Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly.

Task 3:
Outline
Topic sentence (s) I like studying English for these four reasons

Development Firstly, I want to communicate with many

or elaboration of ideas foreigners to learn about their culture.
(Supporting sentences) Secondly, I want to read much information on
the Internet. Thirdly, I want to get a well-paid
job after graduation.
Concluding sentence (s) To sum up, English is necessary for my life
and future career, so I have to study and
improve it.

Task 4:
Main topic: Your dream job.

Task 5:
Suggested answer:

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1. I want to be a teacher in primary school.

2. I want to share my knowledge and experience.
3. I will work with children.
4. Teachers need to be patient and tolerant.
5. It is not an easy job.
6. I will study hard/I will try my best.

Task 6:
Suggested answer:
Outline
Topic sentence (s) I want to become a teacher in primary school

Development - I want to share knowledge and experience

or elaboration of ideas - It is a creative job  use different methods to
(Supporting sentences) make students feel interested
- I love working with children
- This job teaches me to be more patient and
tolerant
Concluding sentence (s) In short, even though being a teacher is not an easy
job, I will try my best to follow this dream.

Task 7:
Suggested answer:
My dream job is to become a teacher in primary school. Firstly, I want to be a teacher because I
hope that I can share my knowledge and experience with other people. Secondly, I love children,
and working with them makes me feel happy. I am also a patient person, so I can deal with the
children’s needs and wants. Besides, I am very creative, and I think I can use different teaching
methods to make the lessons more interesting for little children. In short, even though being a
teacher is not an easy job, I will try my best to follow this dream.

Task 9:
My dream job
Today, I am write about my dream job. My dream job would a travel writer! Travel writers are often
self-employed. Travel writers have flexible hours. They travelling the world to interesting place and

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then write articles about their experiences. To do this job you have to be willing to go to lots of new
place and I love it. I also like communicating ideas in writing. Unfortunately, I cannot really make
money with this type of work. In short, I think it is important to have a dream job, so that we can try
hard to make it come true.

Task 10:

Today, I am writing about my dream job. My dream job would be a travel writer! Travel writers are
often self-employed. Travel writers have flexible hours. They travel around the world to interesting
places and then write articles about their experiences. To do this job, you have to be willing to go
to lots of new places, and I love it. I also like communicating ideas in writing. In short, I think it is
important to have a dream job so that we can try hard to make it come true.

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