Paragraphs

Writing

Adriana Valencia

The paragraph is a

series of sentences

that develop one

topic.

Definition

PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH…

PARTS OF A

PARAGRAPH

Topic sentence

A. Support

B. Support

Concluding sentence

Topic Sentence

• First sentence in a paragraph

• Introduces the main idea

• Gives the reader a clear

sense of the content

• Contains words or phrases

called controlling ideas

Supporting Details

• Supporting details

build upon the claim

made in the topic

sentence

Supporting Details

“Body” of a paragraph gives details to

develop the the topic sentence by:

Giving reasons

Examples

Facts

Statistics

Concluding sentence

• Last sentence of a paragraph,

• Restate the topic sentence in

different words.

• A clincher sentence or concluding

sentence wraps up the point made

in the paragraph.

• It summarizes the paragraph.

SUMMARIZING….Every paragraph should have

• A number of basic individual and business rights must exist

for free enterprise to work. For example, individuals must

have the right to own property and to pass this property on

to their heirs. This right motivates people to work hard and

save to buy property. Besides, individuals and business

have the right to earn profits and to use the profits as they

wish, within the constrains of their society’s laws and

values. Moreover, They both must have the right to make

decisions that determine the way the business operates.

Although there is government regulation, the philosophy in

countries like the United States and Australia is to permit

maximum freedom within a set of rules of fairness.

Furthermore, individuals must have the right to choose what

career to pursue, where to live, what goods and services to

purchase, and so on. Thus, these rights make possible the

open exchange of goods and services.

• In Saudi Arabia, parents have different responsibilities for raising

their children. The father, for example, has the duty to provide

complete financial support for his family. He therefore works at a

job to earn money, and he buys the clothing and food for his

family. He also has the authority to make all the decisions

concerning his children: What school they should attend, what

friends they should have, and whom they should marry. The

mother’s most important responsibility for her children is to stay

home and take care of them. She cares for their everyday

activities, like cleaning the house, and preparing the meals for

them, and she provides love and friendship for them. She also

teaches her children moral virtues such as friendship, generosity,

and courtesy. With the authority of their father and the love of

their mother, the children grow to maturity.

In Saudi Arabia, parents have different responsibilities for raising their

children.

The father The mother

Economical

SupportDecision

Making

Staying at home and taking

care for her children

Buying

clothes

and food

Choosing

schools

Choosing

to whom

children

should

marry

Providing

love and

friendship

Teaching

moral

virtues

Taking care

of her

children

needs

Cleaning the

housePreparing

meals

Friendship Generosity

Choosing

friends

CHARACTERISTICS

OF THE PARAGRAPH

1. Unity in the Paragraph

Every sentence in a paragraph should support

the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.

2. Coherence in a Paragraph

• Stick to the point: The ideas have a

clear and logical relation to each other.

• Put details or examples or incidents in

logical order.4

3

2

1

chronological

in relation to each other

in order of importance

3. Cohesion

Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph

chronological

order

first

meanwhile

later

afterwards

Finally

objects in relation to

one another

next to

in front of

beside

between

behind

in order of

importance

however

furthermore

as a result

in fact

yet

Transition words

Types of Transition Words

Sequence Addition

Contrast Exemplification

Summarizing Cause and effect

TOPIC SENTENCE

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

Coordination

Subordination

Addition

Contrast

Sequence

Exemplification

Cause-Effect

ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS OF

PARAGRAPHS

• Sequence

• Listing (argumentative text)

• Comparison-Contrast

• Cause and effect

• Problem/Statement solution

Adapted from: María Teresa Serafini

• In a listing paragraph, specific examples are used to clarify

and support a general statement.

• Topic Sentence makes a general statement.

• Support Sentences give one or more specific examples.

• Concluding Sentence (usually unnecessary).

• Useful Transition Words and Phrases:

Argumentative text

• for example,

• for instance,

• an illustration of

this,

• another example

• also,

• moreover ...

• in addition to

that ...

• above all ......

• what is more ...

• Additionally

• Besides

• Moreover

• Furthermore

• Then

• too,

ExampleThere are three reasons why Canada is one of the best

countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health

care system. All Canadians have access to medical services

at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard

of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers

and are encouraged to continue studying at university.

Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.

Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for

people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Important Swiss Customs for Foreigners

Three important Swiss customs for tourists to know deal with religion, greeting, and

punctuality. The Swiss people are very religious, and Sunday is their holy day. On

Sunday, people rarely work in the garden, in the house, or even on the car. Foreign

tourists should know that the most drugstores, supermarkets, and banks are closed on

Sunday. The Swiss are also a formal people. For example, they seldom call

acquaintances by their first names; the German “Herr” and French “Monsieur” are

much more frequently used in Switzerland than the English “Mister” is used in the

United States. A tourist should therefore say either “Herr” or “Monsieur” when greeting

an acquaintance, and only use the person’s first name if he is a close friend. In addition,

Switzerland is the land of watches and exactness. It is important to be on time to

parties, business, meetings, and churches because Swiss hosts, factory bosses, and

ministers all love punctuality. It is especially important for tourists to be on time for

trains: Swiss train conductors never wait for late arrivers. (summary sentence) In

summary, Swiss customs are very easy to follow and very important to remember!

• I have three reasons for studying xxx at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali.

• First of all, / because ……… .• One reason is …/

• Second, …… . For example, ………. .

• Secondly,• Another reason is …

• Besides, …

• Finally, due to/because of ….. .

• In addition,

• In addition to xxx and xxxx,

23

Type A: Contrast

Topic sentence: Present both

sides of the issue

Bsupporting details : Discuss

the positive and

negative side of

the issue

Conclusion: Express your

own opinion

Type B: Opinion

Topic sentence: Write the main

idea of the paragraph (why)

Supporting details: Discuss

aspects of why

your topic is important

Conclusion: Summarize;

paraphrase;

restate the topic

sentence

COMMON TYPES OF PERSUASIVE

OR EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS

BRAINSTORMING

If you could make two important

changes in the university you are

attending, what changes would

you make? Use reasons and

examples to support your answer.

BEFORE WRITING A DRAFT

Rewrite the question: “ __________________”

5. Write the main idea: “__________________”

4. Supporting idea a Supporting idea b

2. KEY WORDS

3. Brainstorming

___

2__________________________

3___________________________

4___________________________

Supporting idea c

___

___

1

1___________________________

5___________________________

BRAINSTORMING

Some people think that it is important

to live in the USA or another English

speaking country to learn English

well. Other people believe it is

possible to learn English in the home

country. Which do you think is

better?

STEPS IN THE WRITING PROCESS

WRITING A DRAFT:

Choose a good title

Write the body sentences or supporting details

Pay attention to the beginning and ending

REVISING:

Focus on larger elements on the paragraph

Revise sentences

EDITING:

Check grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and

spelling

Prepare a final copy

BRAINSTORMING

Students at the PUJ, Cali have different ways

of escaping from the stress and difficulties

of mid-terms. Some read, some exercise,

others go to the movies. What do you think

are the best ways of reducing stress during

mid-term exams? Use specific details and

examples to support your choice.

BRAINSTORMING

If you could make an important

change in the university you are

attending, what change would you

make? Use reasons and examples

to support your answer.

BRAINSTORMING

Some people think that it is important

to live in the USA or another English

speaking country to learn English

well. Other people believe it is

possible to learn English in the home

country. Which do you think is

better?

TOPIC SENTENCE

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

Coordination

Subordination

Addition

Contrast

Sequence

Exemplification

Cause-Effect