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EL5001 RW Paragraph Writing

The document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs. It recommends that a paragraph should: 1) Focus on one main idea in the topic sentence. 2) Include supporting sentences that provide details and evidence about the main idea. 3) Conclude by restating the main point. Proper paragraph structure and linking words help create coherence. Upcoming sessions will focus on paraphrasing skills needed for the assessment.

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Mahmood Arafat
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98 views

EL5001 RW Paragraph Writing

The document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs. It recommends that a paragraph should: 1) Focus on one main idea in the topic sentence. 2) Include supporting sentences that provide details and evidence about the main idea. 3) Conclude by restating the main point. Proper paragraph structure and linking words help create coherence. Upcoming sessions will focus on paraphrasing skills needed for the assessment.

Uploaded by

Mahmood Arafat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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EL5001 RW Paragraph Writing

Week 1 / Session 2
Recap from last session:
• The first assessment will be RW synthesis writing.
• You will read two articles of about 400 words each and then you
write a synthesis of about 300-350 words.
• To write an effective synthesis, you must be able to paraphrase and
summarize reading texts or articles.
• The reading and summary writing will focus on this genre:
Paragraph Writing 101:

• Paragraphs are an essential tool to ensure that your writing is clear and can be understood easily. Good,
organized paragraphing helps the reader enjoy your writing.

• A paragraph basically contains chunks of related details about a single or main idea.

• Keeping one idea to one paragraph is the most basic rule of good paragraphing. 

• Chunks of related details are called “supporting sentences” and the main idea is “topic sentence” of a
paragraph.

• If you have multiple ideas or unrelated details in one paragraph, it becomes unclear.
Which part of a burger makes it delicious?
Now, if a paragraph was a burger, what would make it “taste” good?

Burger A

Burger B
What makes a good paragraph?
Answer: All of them- altogether! 

1. Topic Sentence (TS)- where the main idea is (states the topic and the main idea about the
topic).

2. Supporting Sentences (SS)- where the details that explain the main idea are written (provides
relevant info about the main idea; they could be examples, facts, details, explanation).

3. Concluding Sentence (CS)- where the main idea is restated and closed. 

4. Linking words and vocabulary- makes paragraph coherent, organized and fluent.
What is a Topic Sentence?
• A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph.
• The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
• It tells the reader what the paragraph is about (the topic) and the idea of
the topic (the controlling idea).
• All sentences after the topic sentence should give more information
about that sentence by offering facts or details.
Examples of Topic Sentence:

Read the following topic sentences and identify (find) the topic and the
controlling idea.

1-There are many reasons why pollution in China is bad.

2-Cooking requires a number of different skills.


Examples of Topic Sentence:
1-There are many reasons why pollution in China is bad.

The controlling Idea  The topic of the sentence

2-Cooking requires a number of different skills.

The topic of the sentence The controlling Idea


Activity:
Read the following topic sentences, then find the topic and the controlling idea in each one:

1. There are many devastating problems with global warming.


2. To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics.
3. Graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.
4. There are several causes for crimes in poor areas.
5. Car pollution can be solved in various ways.
Tip: The Controlling idea is your opinion about the topic; it usually involves words like reasons, problems,
solutions, causes, steps, effects, ways … 
Activity: ANSWERS
Read the following topic sentences, then find the topic and the controlling idea in each one:

1. There are many devastating problems with global warming.


2. To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics.
3. Graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.
4. There are several causes for crimes in poor areas.
5. Car pollution can be solved in various ways.

Tip: The Controlling idea is what you want to state about the topic; it usually involves words like reasons,
problems, solutions, causes, steps, effects, ways … 
Activity:
Read the short paragraph, then answer
the questions

Example

Example
There are three reasons why Canada is the best country in the world. The first reason is
that Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical
services at a reasonable price. The second reason is that Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue
studying at university. In addition, education is free for all citizens. The most important
reason is that Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have
many parks and lots of space for people to live. For instance, Montreal has about seven
huge public parks for all public to enjoy. In conclusion, Canada is a desirable place to
live.
Moodle Practice
For further practice on paragraph writing, please complete the activity
which is available in our Moodle page (Week 1 ,Session 2)
Summary:
• Your paragraph should only talk about one topic.
• You should start with a topic sentence (make sure to mention the topic
and the controlling idea).
• Follow your topic with supporting sentences (giving details, explanation,
facts..).
• End with a concluding sentence which restates the topic sentence.
• Add linking words in your paragraph to help with the flow of your ideas.

In the next sessions the focus will be on paraphrasing

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