�/ 0

2 Paragrap h Basics/ /
I

el Prize-winning author G arquez

people from a train win hometown
taca, Colombia.
 E L E M E N TS O F G R EAT W R ITI N G

What I s a Para g ra p h ?
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic or idea. It has four main parts:

• an indented (moved in) first line

• a topic sentence that gives the main idea
• a body of sentences all about the main idea
• a concluding sentence

� ACTIVITY 1 I Analyzing parag raphs

Read the paragraphs and answer the questions that follow.

WO R DS TO KNOW Paragraphs 2 . 1 to 2.2

amazing: (adj) causing great surprise or wonder comfortable: (adj) providing relaxation
bother: (v) to annoy someone relax: (v) to stop work and enjoy oneself

PARAG RAPH 2.1

The Best Place to Relax

My back porch is my favorite place to relax. First, it has a lot of comfortable chairs with
soft pillows. I feel so good when I sit in them. My back porch is also very quiet. I can sit and
think there. I can even read a great book and nobody bothers me. Finally, in the evening,
I can sit on my porch and watch the sunset. Watching the beautiful colors always calms
me. I can relax in many places, but my back porch is the best.

1 . The topic sentence is the first sentence. Write it here.

2. What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a. The writer likes watching the sunset.
b. The writer likes to read a book in a quiet place.
c. The writer likes to relax on her back porch.
30 UNIT 2 • Parag rap h Basics
3. Write the four things the writer does to relax on her porch.
She sits in comfortable cha i rs.
a. -----------------------------------

b. -----------------------------------

c . -----------------------------------

d. -----------------------------------

4. How many sentences are in this paragraph? _____

5. The concluding sentence is the last sentence. Write it here.

PARAG RAP H 2.2

The Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower in China is an amazing building. It is the tallest building in
Shanghai's business district1 , and the second-tallest building in the world. The tower
has 128 floors, and there are more levels below the building. It has 107 elevators, and
they can move 40 mph. There are beautiful gardens on many floors, and the Shanghai
Tower has one of the world's highest observation decks2 • In addition, the tower is good
for the environment. Special machines use the wind to make extra electricity for the
building, and the building uses rainwater to keep it cool inside. The Shanghai Tower is
amazing inside and out.
1 district: an area of a city or a country
2observation deck: the top of a building where people can look at everything below

The Shanghai Tower rises a bove the Shanghai

World Financial Center and the Jin Mao Tower.
 @ 1 . What is the topic sentence? Write it here.

2. What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a. The Shanghai Tower is good for the environment.
b. The Shanghai Tower is tall.
c. The Shanghai Tower is wonderful.

3. Write six amazing things about the Shanghai Tower.

a. -----------------------------------

b. ----------------------------------

c. -----------------------------------

d. -----------------------------------

e. -----------------------------------

f.

4. How many sentences are in this paragraph? _____

5. What is the concluding sentence? Write it here.

Mechan ics : The Tit l e of a Pa rag ra ph

A title gives the reader information about what i s in a paragraph. A good title:

• tells the main topic, but does not tell about everything in the paragraph
• is usually short-sometimes only one word
• does not have a period at the end
• does not begin with My Paragraph
• follows special capitalization rules

The capitalization rules for titles are:

• always capitalize the first letter of the first word

• only capitalize the first letter of the important words in the rest of the title
• do not capitalize a preposition or an article unless it is the first word

How to Take a Good Picture with a Cell Phone

An Amazi ng Vacation

32 U N IT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

@ ACTIVITY 2 I Editing titles
With a partner discuss what is wrong with each title. Then edit each one to make it a good title.

1. AN INFLUENTIAL INVENTOR

2. A Handbook For International Students In Canada

3. Three Typ es of Transportation.

4. My Paragraph on a New Technology

5. How to Become an Engineer at NASA in a Very Short Amount of Time

6. The ten Best Movies of All Time

7. This Was the Best Day of My Life.

8. My first car

9. an Unusual Animal

10. the first female astronaut

@ ACTIVITY a I Writi n g a parag rap h

Answer the questions. Use complete sentences.

1. Who is a popular person in your country?

2. Where is this person from?

3. What does this person do?

4. Why is this person popular?

5. Do you like this person? Why or why not?

Now write your sentences in paragraph form on a separate piece of paper. Remember to indent
the first line and give your paragraph a title.

33
 Parts of a Parag raph : The To p i c Sent e n ce
A good paragraph has a topic sentence. The topic sentence:

• tells the main idea of the whole paragraph

• is often the first sentence
• should not be too specific or too general

If a paragraph does not have a topic sentence, the reader may be confused because the
organization of ideas will not be clear.

@ ACTIVITY 4 I Ident ifying topic se ntences

Paragraphs 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5 are each missing a topic sentence. Read each paragraph. Then
choose the best topic sentence.

WORDS TO KNOW Paragraphs 2.3 to 2.5

accident: (n) a harmful or unpleasant event that explore: (v) to travel around to learn more; to
happens by surprise investigate
compete: (v) to participate in a contest extremely: (adv) very
damage: (v) to hurt or injure fan: (n) a person who likes something very much
danger: (n) a harmful situation traffic: (n) the movement of cars, trucks, and so
during: (prep) all through a time period on in an area
energy: (n) activity

PARAG RAP H 2.3

The Problems with Snow

Snow is beautiful when it falls. However, the s now is not beautiful for
very long. When it starts to melt 1 , the clean streets become wet and
difficult to walk on. The sidewalks are slippery. Snow also causes traffic
problems. Some roads are closed. Other roads are difficult to drive on
safely. Drivers have more accidents on snowy roads. There are more
problems with snow than reasons to like it.
1 melt: to change from a solid to a liquid
Hea_vy snow 2slippery: causing people or things to fall or slide
stops traffic
in Japan.

a. In December, it usually snows.

b. S now does not cause many problems.
c. Snow is beautiful, but it causes many problems.

34 UNIT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

 PARAG RAPH 2.4

My Favorite City

I love to see all the interesting landmarks 1 there. I always visit the Statue of Liberty
and the Empire State Building. It is also fun to explore different areas of the city.
My favorites are Chinatown and Manhattan. Most importantly, New York City is
full of energy. People from all over the world walk on its streets, play in its parks,
and eat its wonderful food. I never feel bored or alone when I am there. I truly2
love New York City.
1
landmark: a historic building or other point of interest
2
truly: really; sincerely

a. My favorite city is New York City.

b. ew York City is a very busy city.
c. ew York City is also full of energy.

PARAG RAPH 2.5

Road Cycling

In road cycling, cyclists compete on public 1 roads. These

roads are usually good, but rain can make them very slippery.
Serious accidents are common during this weather. Cyclists
also ride very close together. If a rider falls, many of the others
around him also fall. These accidents can damage bikes and
hurt the riders. Finally, the cyclists are also in danger from
their fans. Spectators2 stand along the roads as the bikes
speed3 past. Fans often run next to the riders or try to touch
them, and this can cause terrible problems. Road cycling may
look like a safe sport, but it can be extremely dangerous.
1
public: meant for use by the people in the community
2
spectator: someone who watches an event
3speed: to move quickly

a. Road cycling can be a dangerous sport.

b. Road cycling fans can be a danger to bike riders.
c. Road cycling is an extremely exciting sport.

35
 @ ACTIVITY s I Writ i ng topic sentences
Read the paragraphs and write a topic sentence for each one. Remember to indent. Then read
the paragraphs again. Make sure that each topic sentence gives the main idea for the whole
paragraph.

WO R DS TO KNOW Paragraphs 2.6 to 2.8

check: (v) to look for information patient: (adj) calm; not easily u pset
connect: (v) to reach by phone or Internet plan: (v) to prepare for something
explaln: (v) to give information about; make clear taste: (v) to sense the flavor of food and liquids
organized: (adj) in good order

PARAG RAPH 2.6

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta

First, pasta tastes great. Sometimes I eat it plain 1 • However, I also like it with butter or
cheese. Another reason I like pasta is the variety. There are many types of pasta, but my
favorites are spaghetti, macaroni, vermicelli, and lasagna. In addition, pasta is very easy
to prepare. I can make pasta in less than 10 minutes. Finally, pasta is a very healthy food
for me. A plate of pasta has about 300 calories2 , but it has only three grams of fat. I love
to eat pasta every day.
1 plain: simple; with nothing added
1calorie: a measure of energy produced by food

PARAG RAPH 2.7

Why I Love My Tablet 1

First, it connects me to my school and class. I check my class website for daily
assignments and videos. In addition, I put all the due dates2 for tests and homework
into the tablet's calendar so that I am always ready for class. All my textbooks are also
on it. I do not need to carry many heavy textbooks anymore. Finally, I use the tablet to
complete all my writing assignments. When I finish them, I just email my work to my
teacher. I never go to school without my tablet.
1 tablet: a portable computer controlled by touch
2due date: the day something must be completed

36 U N IT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

 PARAG RAPH 2.8

Good Teachers

First, good teachers are patient. They explain things again and again. In addition,
they are organized. They plan for every class. Good teachers are also encouraging1 •
They help students understand the subject. Finally, good teachers are fail. They do
not give too much or too little work, and they grade students on how good their
work is. These are some important qualities3 of good teachers.
1 encouraging: giving strength or hope
2fair: just; reasonable
3quality: something typical of someone's character and personality

Parts of a Paragrap h : S u p po rt i n g Sentences

Every paragraph must have sentences that support the topic sentence. These sentences make up
the body of the paragraph and are called supporting sentences. They:

• give more information about the topic, such as details, examples, or reasons
• should not include ideas that are unrelated or unconnected to the topic

Read the paragraph below. The two underlined sentences are unrelated to the topic.

Making Chili
Chili is an easy dish to prepare. To make chili, cut u p one large onion. Then fry it in a
little vegetable oil. Next, add fresh g arlic and some chili peppers. When the onions are soft,
add one pound of g round meat. Stir until the meat is cooked. Sprinkle one tablespoon of red
chili powder on top. There are many types of chili powder. After that, add fou r cups of diced
tomatoes, one cup of water, and one can of red beans. Cover the pot and cook over low heat
for about one hour. Fried chicken also takes about an hour to prepare. This simple recipe
creates a delicious d i nner.

37
@ ACTIVITY 6 I Identify i n g u n related senten ces
Underline the topic sentence and cross out the two unrelated sentences in each paragraph.

PARAG RAPH 2.9

My Office

My office has everything I need to do my work. On the left side of the room,
there is a large desk. My computer sits on top of the desk, and the printer sits under

it. I keep important documents in its drawers. On the right side of the room, there are

two beautiful bookcases. They are full of books, magazines, and computer software. My

father makes bookcases and other wood furniture. A telephone and a fax machine are

on a small table next to my closet. I have trouble remembering my fax number. All my

office supplies are in the closet. I enjoy my office very much.

PARAG RAPH 2.1 0

An Energetic Neighbor

My 96-year-old neighbor, Mrs. Wills, lives alone and takes care of herself. My
grandmother lived to be 87. Mrs. Wills goes to the grocery store by herself, and she

does all her own cooking. She does not like to eat white rice. Mrs. Wills also cleans

her own house. She puts her heavy garbage can by the street for trash collection every

week. She exercises by walking on the beach. I hope to have that much energy when

I am 96 years old.

A Yupik elder woman harvests

grass for baskets in Alaska, USA.
 PARAG RAPH 2.1 1

Changing C elsius to Fahrenheit

Changing temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit is not difficult. First, multiply

the Celsius temperature by 9. Then divide this answer by 5. When you finish, add 32

to your answer. The result is the temperature in Fahrenheit. Most countries report

temperatures in Celsius, but the United States reports them in Fahrenheit. For

example, if the Celsius temperature is 20, you multiply 20 by 9. Then you divide the
answer, 1 80, by 5. The result is 36. If you get a different number, check your math

mistake. Next, add 32, and you have the correct Fahrenheit temperature, 68. ow you

can easily change a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

G ra m mar: Adjective + N oun

When you write, you can make a sentence much more interesting if you add descriptive words.
These descriptive words are called adjectives. They describe nouns (people, places, things, and ideas).

ADJECTIVE(S) NOU N
I have a heavy bag.

This is my new bicycle.

Michael goes to an excellent college.

Rachel draws small ink pictures.

Sometimes you can combine two short sentences by putting the adjective(s) before the noun.

TWO SHORT SENTENCES B ETTER WR ITI NG

n adj adj n
There is a volcano. It is huge. There is a huge volcano.

n adj adj n
Susan is an athlete. She is talented. Susan is a talented athlete.

adj n adj adj adj n

Sarni drives an old car. It is silver. Sarni drives an old silver car.

adj n adj adj n

Lisa collects small photographs. These Lisa collects small antique photographs.

n adj
photographs are antique.

For more information about order of adjectives, see the Writers Handbook.

39
 W R ITER'S NOTE Adjective Form

Adjectives have only one form. There is no plural form.

V The university has online classes.

X The university has onlines classes .

• ACTIVITY 7 I Desc ribing nouns with adjectives

Combine the related sentences into one sentence. Some words are not used. Use correct
capitalization and punctuation.

1. Rob owns a car. The car is red.

Rob owns a red ca r.

2. I do not like this weather. The weather is cold.

3. Paris is a city in France. This city is beautiful.

4. Ali has a job. The job is new.

5. They like to drink coffee. The coffee is very hot.

6. Nina reads stories. They are funny.

7. My mother grows roses. The roses are big. The roses are beautiful.

8. Juan works for a company. The company is large. The company is international.

9. My grandparents live in a town. It is a farming town. The town is small.

10. Sharon rents a house on Smith Street. The house is white. The house is tiny.

40 U N IT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

 G ra m m a r : L i n k i n g Ve rb + Adj ective
A linking verb connects the subject to the words after the verb. Be is a linking verb. Other
linking verbs are related to the five senses: sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing. If the main verb
of a sentence is a linking verb, the adjective comes after the verb.

I
S U BJ ECT LI N K I N G VER B ADJECTIVE

The boys are young.

I am sleepy.

That house is big.

Justin looks ill.

The grapes taste delicious.

The hot water feels good.

These flowers smell sweet.

Sohee's plan sounds interesting.

Tony and Ron seem nervous.

@ ACTIVITY s I Id entify i n g adjectives

There are ten adjectives in the paragraph. Find and underline them. Circle any linking verbs.

WOR D S TO KNOW Paragraph 2 . 1 2

culture: (n) ideas, activities, and behaviors that dream: (n) a hope for something
are special to a people, country, or region

PARAG RAP H 2.1 2

My Dream Vacation
I have a dream to visit Alaska. The weather is beautiful there. I love cold

weather. When the temperature is low, I have energy! I also want to visit Alaska

because I love nature. Alaska looks so pure 1 . I dream about its amazing snowy
mountains. In addition, there are unique2 animals to see. Finally, I want to learn

about the native3 people of Alaska. Their culture sounds very interesting to me. I

really want to visit this wonderful state soon.

1pure: clean; not dirty or polluted
2unique: one of a kind
3native: coming from or belonging to a particular place

41
 @ ACTIVITY g I Writi n g sentences
Look at the photo and read the caption. Write seven to nine sentences about the photo. Use
there is/there are, prepositional phrases of place, and/or adjectives.

1 . The ma rket is in Indonesia.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Lok Bai ntan floating market in I ndonesia

 S e q u e n ce Wo rd s and Ph rases
We use sequence words and phrases to show the order of ideas in a paragraph. Notice the
sequence words in Paragraph 2 . 1 , "The Best Place to Relax."

My back porch is my favorite place to relax. First, it has a lot of comfortable chairs with soft
pillows. . . . My back porch is also very qu iet. . . . Finally, in the evening, I can sit on my porch
and watch the sunset.

Some other sequence words and phrases are next, in addition, then, and last.

• ACTIVITY 1 o I O rdering sentences

Put the supporting sentences in order from 1 to 8. The topic sentence (TS) is marked for you.

___ a. Doctors say that one hour of exercise each day can keep you in good shape.

___ b. First, you need to eat healthy food.

_T_
S_ c. It is easy to stay healthy if you follow some simple steps.

___ d. This allows your body to rest and become stronger.

___ e. The best types of food to eat are fruits and vegetables.

___ f. Exercise is also good for your mind.

___ g. Finally, you need to find time to relax.

___ h . You should eat a lot of them every day.

___ i. Next, you need to do some exercise.

43
 G ra m mar: Subject and O bject Pronouns
When you write about a topic, using the same noun again and again in your paragraph can
make your writing sound repetitive.

Alisa l ives i n the city. Alisa l ikes the noise and the crowds, but Alisa does not like the stress.
Alisa has many friends. She talks to these friends every day. She sees these friends
every weekend.

To make your writing more interesting, replace some nouns with pronouns.

Subject pronouns come before the verb.

S I NG U LAR S U BJ ECT PRONOU N PLU RAL S U BJ ECT PRONOU N

I live in Panama We live in Panama.
You work in a bank. You work in a bank.
He/She/It is from Turkey. They are from Turkey.

In the following sentence, the subject pronoun she takes the place ofAlisa.

Alisa l ives in the city. She likes the noise and crowds, but she does not like the stress.

Object pronouns usually come after the verb.

S I NG U LAR OBJ ECT PRONOUN I PLU RAL OBJ ECT PRONOU N

Mona likes me. Mona likes us.

I know you. I know you.

Kevin understands him/her/it Kevin understands them.

In the following sentence, the object pronoun them takes the place offriends.

Alisa has many friends. She talks to them every day. She sees them every weekend.

An object pronoun can also come after a preposition.

PR EPOS ITION OBJ ECT PRON O U N

Assad walks with me.

to
us.
They give help you.

Jessica lives near

him/her/it.
them.

Only use a pronoun when the noun it is replacing is clear. In the following sentences, it is not
clear which noun they replaces, scientists or experiments.

The scientists do experiments in the lab. They are very i nteresting.

In this case, it is better to use the noun.

The scientists do experiments in the lab. These experiments are i nteresti ng.

44 UNIT 2 • Parag raph Basics

 I
@ ACTIVITY 1 1 U s i n g subject pro n o u n s
Replace the noun(s) in parentheses with a subject pronoun.

PARAG RAPH 2. 1 3

Two Conservationists
Vitor Becker and Clemira Souza are interesting people. Vitor is a scientist.
1 ________ (Vitor Becker) is married to Clemira. 2 ________ (Clemira

Souza) is a professor. 3 ________ (Vitor and Clemira) are also conservationists.

4 ________ (Vitor and Clemira) work to protect the rain forest and its animals

in Brazil. 5 ________ (Vitor and Clemira) created the Serra Bonita Reserve

on old farmland. 6 ________ (The Serra Bonita Reserve) is in the rain forest. 7

________ (The Serra Bonita Reserve) is Vitor and Clemira's home. Scientists and
students visit the Serra Bonita Reserve. 8 ________ (The scientists and students)

study the plants and animals of this special part of the rain forest. Tourists also visit Serra

Bonita. 9 ________ (The tourists) explore and learn about the reserve. Vitor
and Clemira work hard every day of the week to help these visitors. 10 ________

(Vitor and Clemira) love their important home in the rain forest.
 @ ACTIVITY 1 2 I U s i n g obj ect pro n o u n s
Replace the noun(s) i n parentheses with a n object pronoun.

PARAG RAPH 2. 1 4

M y Best Friend
My best friend Gretchen is a very interesting woman. I met 1 ________

(Gretchen) ten years ago. She is from Alabama. She comes from a very large family.

She has four brothers and three sisters. She does not live with 2 ________

(her brothers and sisters). They live in Alabama with their parents. Gretchen studies

veterinary medicine 1 in another state. She loves 3 ________ (veterinary medicine)

because she really cares about animals. Gretchen has three pets. She has a cat, a small bird,

and a large horse, Hal. She likes 4 ________ (her pets) all very much. However,

she likes Hal the best. In her free time, Gretchen plays tennis, reads books, and cooks.

I love 5 ________ (Gretchen) like a sister. I hope that our friendship will stay

with 6 ________ (Gretchen and me) for many years.

1 veterinary medicine: medicine that deals with the care of animals

I) ACTIVITY 1 3 I U s i n g p ro n o u n s
This paragraph uses the same nouns too many times. Cross out some nouns, and replace them
with subject or object pronouns.

PARAG RAPH 2.1 5

O ur Big Move
Andy and I have a busy day today. Andy and I are very excited because we are moving into
We

a new apartment. Andy and I have many big things to move. I have a large flat screen television.

Andy and I plan to put the television next to the window. Andy's sister and her friends will

help Andy and me move today, too. Andy's sister and her friends will move our large couch
and chairs and put the couch and chairs in front of the television. Finally, Andy's sister and her

friends will move our beds. Our beds may take a long time to move because our beds are so big.

However, Andy and I are not worried because Andy's sister and her friends will help Andy and

me quickly finish everything on our long moving list.

46 U N IT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

 G ra m m a r : Po ssessive Adj ectives
When you want to talk about something that belongs to someone o r something, you can use
a possessive adjective. A possessive adjective answers the question Whose? as in Whose house?
Whose books? and Whose television ?

A possessive adjective comes before the noun that it describes.

S U BJ ECT PRONOUN POSS ESSIVE ADJECTIVE EXAM PLE

I my My house is on Mariposa Avenue.

you your Do you have your ticket for the airplane?

he his Nick lives with his father.

she her Her purse is red and black.

it its A butterfly moves its wings quickly.

we our We write all our papers on a computer.

they their The students will bring their CDs.

For information on possessive pronouns, see the Writer's Handbook.

e ACTIVITY 1 4 I U s i n g possessive adjectives

Fill in each blank with the correct possessive adjective.

PARAG RAPH 2.1 6

Kate and Her S iblings

Kate has a lot of siblings. She has two sisters and one brother.

________ names are Ashley, Julia, and Nick. Ashley and Julia live with
2 _______ parents. They are high school students. Ashley likes to play

sports. 3 ________ favorite sport is softball. She is a very good player. Julia

does not like sports, but she loves music. She plays 4 ________ guitar every

afternoon after school. Ashley and Julia have the same friends. 5 ________

friends go to the same school. 6 ________ brother, Nick, is in college.

7_ _ _ _ _ _ _ major is business administration. Kate's brother and sisters are

all very different, but she loves 8 ________ siblings very much.

47
 @ ACTIVITY 1 s I U s i n g s u bject pro n o u n s and possessive adjectives
Choose the correct subject pronoun or possessive adjective.

PARAG RAPH 2. 1 7

My Grandmother

A very important person in 1 (I / my) life is 2 (I / my) grandmother. 3 (She / Her)

name is Evelyn Anna Kratz. 4 (She / Her) life is very interesting. 5 (She / Her) is 89 years

old. 6 (She / Her) comes from Poland. 7 (She / Her) speaks English well, but 8 (she / her)

first language is Polish. My grandmother comes from a large family. 9 (She / Her) has three

sisters. 10
(They / Their) names are Karina, Dorota, and Maria. 11 (I / My) grandmother
has one brother, too. 12 (He / His) name is Peter. When 13 (they / them) talk about 14 (they

/ their) lives, 15 (I / My) love to listen. In 16 (I / my) opinion, they are the most interesting
stories in the world.

Parts of a Parag rap h : Th e C o n cl u d i n g Sentence

In addition to a topic sentence and body, a good paragraph has a concluding sentence.
The concluding sentence:
• ends the paragraph with a final thought
• often expresses the same idea as the topic sentence using different words
• does not give any new information about the topic
Look at the topic sentences and concluding sentences from a few paragraphs in this unit. Notice
how they express the same ideas in different ways. Words that are important to the topic may be
repeated.

TOPIC S E NTENCE CONCLU D I N G S ENTENCE

M� back f20rch is my favorite Rlace to relax. I can relax in many places, but my back f20rch is the best.

The Shanghai Tower is an amazing building. The Shanghai Tower is amazing inside and out.

I have a dream to visit Alaska. I really want to visit this wonderful state soon.

48 U NIT 2 • Paragraph Basics

@ ACTIVITY 1 s I Analyz i n g conc l u d i ng sentences
Write the topic sentence and concluding sentence from each paragraph indicated. Then
underline the similar information. Discuss your answers with a partner.

1. Paragraph 2.3

Topic sentence:

Concluding sentence:

2. Paragraph 2.4

Topic sentence:

Concluding sentence:

3. Paragraph 2.5

Topic sentence:

Concluding sentence:

t} ACTIVITY 1 7 I Identifying concl u d i n g sentences

Read each paragraph and choose the best concluding sentence.

WOR DS TO KNOW Paragraphs 2 . 1 8 to 2. 1 9

I
carefu l: (adj) aware of danger; cautious celebrate: (v) to do something to mark a special event

PARAG RAPH 2.1 8

B uying a Car
Buying a car requires careful planning. First, you must decide to buy a new or
a used car. ew cars can be expensive, but they are reliable. Used cars are cheaper,
but they often need repairs. You must also decide on what type of car to buy. You can
research different types of cars on the Internet to help you choose. The final decision
is where to buy your car. Some places charge you more money than others.

a. It is important to think about all of these things when you are buying a car.
b. The most important thing is the kind of car that you want to buy.
c. You can buy your new car from a friend or a car dealer.

49
 PARAG RAPH 2. 1 9

Hanami
Hanami, or flower viewing, is a popular Japanese tradition. Every spring, thousands
of cherry trees bloom all over Japan. For two weeks during Hanarni, friends and
families gather in parks and the countryside to see the beautiful flowers and celebrate
the beginning of spring. People make a lot of food and have picnics under the trees.
There is a lot of music and dancing, and large groups of people walk through the parks
together. The celebrations often go into the night.

a. People like to be with their family and friends during Hanami.

b. Looking at flowers during Hanami is interesting.
c. Hanami is a Japanese custom many people love.

PARAG RAPH 2.20

Mondays
I hate Mondays for many reasons. One reason is work. I get up early to go to work
on Mondays. After a weekend of fun and relaxation, I do not like to do this. Another
reason that I do not like Mondays is that I have three meetings every Monday. These
meetings last a long time, and they are extremely boring. Traffic is also a big problem
on Mondays. There are more cars on the road on Mondays. Drivers are in a hurry, and
I must be more careful than usual when I drive.

a. Mondays are worse than Tuesdays, but they are better than Sundays.
b. I do not like meetings on Mondays.
c. These are just a few reasons why I do not like Mondays.

50 U N IT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

@ ACTIVITY 1 s I Writing a paragraph
Look back at Activity 10. Write the sentences in paragraph order. Remember to indent the
topic sentence. Then write a concluding sentence for the paragraph.

Staying Healthy
 B U I L D I N G B ETT E R VO CA B U LA RY
WOR DS TO KNOW

energy (n)r..i.VlJ
accident (n) compete (v) during (prep) organized (adj)
amazing (adj) connect (v) patient (adj)
bother (v) cu lture (n) mi explain (v) plan (v)
careful (adj) damage (v) explore (v) relax (v) mi
celebrate (v) danger (n) extremely (adv) taste (v)
check (v) dream (n) fan (n) traffic (n)
comfortable (adj)

• ACTIVITY 1 9
I Word associations
Circle the word or phrase that is more closely related to the bold word on the left.

1 . amazing very boring very interesting

2. bother help annoy
3. careful cautious worried
4. celebrate do an everyday activity do something special
5. compete try to finish try to win
6. danger something difficult something unsafe
7. during at the time after the time
8. extremely rarely really
9. fan love hate
10. plan finish prepare

I) ACTIVITY 20 I Col locations

Fill in the blank with the word that most naturally completes the phrase.

I culture dream explain patient relax

1 . be ________ while waiting

2. clearly ________ the directions

3. ________ after a long day

4. my biggest _______

5. ancient Chinese ________

52 U N IT 2 • Parag rap h Basics

 accident check explore taste traffic

6. delicious

7. the dictionary

8. new places

9. a senous car

1 0. heavy

ACTIVITY 2 1
• I Word forms
Complete each sentence with the correct word form. Use the correct form of the
nouns and verbs.

NOUN l vERB I ADJECTIVE SENTENCE PRACTICE

I

comfort comfort comfortable 1 . My new dress is extremely

2. Parents often crying children.

connection connect connected 3. People can with each other

easily through the Internet.

4. I study at this library all the time because the WiFi

here is very good.

damage damage damaged 5. High-heeled shoes

wooden floors.

6. The car does not work.

energy energize energetic 7. Young children can be very

8. Riders need a lot of to

complete a race.

organization organize organized 9. There are many ways to a closet.

1 0. My boss is a very woman.

53
@ ACTIVITY 22 I Vocabu lary i n writ i n g
Choose five words from Words to Know. Write a complete sentence with each word.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

B U I L D I N G B ETT E R S E N T E N C E S

@ ACTIVITY 23 I Ed iting from teacher comments

Read the teacher's comments. Then rewrite the paragraph correctly on a separate piece of paper.

PARAG RAPH 2.21

Aspirin
word order
Aspirin is an incredible type of medicine. This small white pill is not a drug new. We do
ca pita I ization
not know exactly why or how it works. however, millions of people use aspirin every day.
incorrect pronoun missing linking verb incorrect pronoun
They take them for many reasons. Aspirin_good for headaches, colds, and pain. They can help
capitalization word order
with so many different health problems. �spirin is a simple medicine, but it so important is.
@ ACTIVITY 24 I Ed iti n g sentences
Find and correct the errors. The number in parentheses tells how many errors each
sentence has.

1 . Amal a student at Seattle Community College. ( 1 )

2. There i s 15 floors i n this building. ( 1 )

3 . Jim's backpack difficult to carry. ( 1 )

4 . M e shirt favorite i s not clean. (2)

5. Mysteries are a popular type of book ( 1 )

6 . The sun damages skin unprotected. (1)

7. The Shanghai Tower a building tall. (2)

8. Is not raining today. ( 1 )

9 . There are a lot o f information about the project (2)

1 0. Everyone loves him beautiful smile. (1)

@ ACTIVITY 2s I Com b i n i n g sentences

Combine the ideas into one sentence. You may change the word forms, but do not change or
omit any ideas. There may be more than one answer. See Unit 1 for more information.

1 . There is a meeting.
The meeting is important.
The meeting in on a calendar.
The calendar is Linh's.

2. Carlos rides a bike to work.

The bike belongs to Carlos.
Carlos rides the bike every day.

3. I have friends.
These friends are new.
These friends are in my English class.

55
 WR ITI N G

ACTIVITY 2s I Writing a parag raph

•
Write an original paragraph. Follow the instructions.

• Answer the questions in the chart below. Use complete sentences or notes.
• Use at least two vocabulary words or phrases from the unit.
• Copy your sentences into paragraph form on a separate piece of paper. Underline
vocabulary from the unit.
• Give your paragraph a title.

Topic 1 . Who is the most interesting person you know? (This is your topic sentence.)
Sentence The most interesting person I know is

Body 2. Why is this person interesting? List three reasons. Give an example to support each reason.
Use adjectives in your descriptions. (These are your supporting sentences.)

Reason 1 : __________________________

Exam ple 1 : __________________________

Reason 2: __________________________

Example 2: __________________________

Reason 3: __________________________

Example 3: __________________________

Concluding 3. Write a concluding sentence that gives information similar to the information in your topic
Sentence sentence. Use an adjective other than interesting.

• Ed iting
After you finish writing, check your work for errors. Use the checklist below to help you.

D The paragraph has a title.

D I wrote a topic sentence and a concluding sentence. They are connected in meaning.
D I indented the first line of the paragraph.
D My supporting sentences are related to the topic.
D I used adjectives in my descriptions.
D I used subject and object pronouns to add variety.
D I used possessive adjectives to show ownership.

56 U N IT 2 • Paragraph Basics
ACTIVITY 2 1 I Peer Ed iting
Exchange books with a partner and look a t Activity 26. Read your partner's paragraph. Then
use Peer Editing Form 2 in the Writer's Handbook to help you comment on your partner's
paragraph.

Ad d it i o n al To p i cs for Writi n g
Choose one or more of the topics to write about. Follow your teacher's directions.

TOPIC 1 : Review your Freewrite response for this unit. Who are you a fan of? Why do you
like this person?

TOPIC 2: What are the qualities of a good friend? Why are these qualities important for a
good friend to have?

TOPIC 3: Write about your phone, computer, or other electronic device. How often do you
use it? What do you use it for? Do you like it? Why or why not?

TOPIC 4: Write about your favorite kind of entertainment. Why do you like this
entertainment? How do you feel when you experience it?

TOPIC 5: Write about something you do not like. What is it? Give three reasons why you do
not like it. Provide examples to support your reasons.

TEST P R E P

You should spend about 25 minutes on this task. Write a paragraph with six to ten sentences.

TI P
Before you start to write, read the question carefully. Then write a strong topic sentence that
answers the question. Use words from the question i n your topic sentence. The rest of the
paragraph should explain or give reasons to support your topic sentence.

Some people believe that success in life comesfrom taking risks or chances. Others believe that
success resultsfrom carefulplanning. In your opinion, what does success comefrom ? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.

Remember to indent the first line of your paragraph. Include a topic sentence, supporting
sentences, and a concluding sentence. Check your work for correct use of pronouns
and adjectives.

57
 0

Alsholpan Nu.-galv Is the first female eagle

hunter in her family, and the first female
to compete in and win the Golden Eagle
Festival In Mongolia.