What is a paragraph?

• A paragraph must focus on ONE

point or ONE purpose

• A paragraph must answer a

question or provide comments on

a statement

A PARAGRAPH CONSISTS OF…

One topic sentence3-5 supporting sentencesOne concluding sentence

(optional)

TOPIC SENTENCE

A topic sentence has two parts: a topic and a controlling idea

The topic gives the subject that the paragraph will examine (English learning, inflation, living overseas,etc) and the controlling idea states what aspects of the topic the paragraph will discuss

EXAMPLE

A good topic sentence is not too specific nor too general

In pairs or groups, write topic sentences using the following topics

1. Public transport

2. Mobile phones

3. Studying the English language

4. Shandong Province  

5. Chinese food

SUPPORTING SENTENCES

elaborate or explain

give examples

support with evidence, e.g.

facts, statistics

Remember:•Turn the topic sentence into a question to achieve cohesion•Link supporting sentences by using signpost words

Example

There are many reasons why millions of Americans move every year.

How many reasons are there?

Many men are now employed in what were traditionally women’s jobs.

What were the traditionally women’s

jobs that employ men now?

There are many reasons why millions of Americans move every year. Some move to find better jobs or to advance their careers. Others are attracted to places with better weather. Still others want to move to place with less crime. Finally, many people want to move to a place with a lower cost of living.

EXAMPLE

Many men are now employed in what were traditionally women’s jobs. For example, there are now twice as many male nurses as there were ten years ago. Since 1972, the number of male telephone operators has almost doubled and the number of male secretaries is up about 24 percent.

EXAMPLE

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

Summarize the paragraph

orLead into the next paragraph

Remember:•A concluding sentence is optional•Use signpost words

COMMONLY USED LINKING WORDS FOR CONCLUSIONgenerally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

given these points in summary as shown aboveas has been noted ordinarily for the most part

as can be seen in fact in the long run

in conclusion in short in a word

in essence overall after all

to summarize by and large on the whole

all in all altogether in any event

in either case in brief usually

on balance to sum up indeed

eventually specifically as a final point

Model body paragraph

Topic: NZ is an ideal tourist destination New Zealand attracts visitors due to its coastline and mountains. First, there are beautiful, unspoilt, beaches and clear bays throughout New Zealand. For example, visitors can go swimming or kayaking at Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel. In addition, travellers can surf at Whangamata. Second, there are a number of incredible mountains that travellers can experience. For instance, the South Island is famous for its climbing, skiing, and paragliding. In addition, tourists can go trekking in the volcanic mountains in the North Island.

In pairs. Add a concluding sentence

You try/homework:

• Study the course book pp26-27• Study linking words in the

coursebook, p15• Write a short paragraph (between

50-80 words)on the topic: the importance of referencing

• Moodle online quizzes, forum discussion and oral presentation practice