Paragraphs

   A Paragraph is a group of connected sentences that is generally made up of one main idea and a
   group of supporting sentences. Paragraphs are the basic unit for building longer pieces of
   writing, e.g. essays, reports, assignments etc.

   Paragraphs contain three main parts:

     o A topic sentence - contains the main idea of the paragraph. It's often but not always the
       first sentence of the paragraph. It helps the reader to understand quickly what the
       paragraph is going to be about. Allows the writer to clearly develop the paragraph that
       follows.
     o Supporting sentences - these sentences develop or give details about the topic sentence.
       They can:

          o expand on the main point
          o offer explanations
          o give examples
          o give additional details.

     o A concluding sentence which summarises the paragraph or may provide a link to the next
       paragraph. This sentence is not always necessary in a paragraph.

                Below is a list of useful language that could be used in your concluding
   statement(s).

         Finally

         In conclusion

         In summary

   Therefore

   Thus

   As a result

   Indeed

   Clearly

   It is clear that



                               Paragraph unity — sentence connectors

   All sentences need to relate to the main idea / topic sentence in the paragraph. The reader
   should be able to see how each sentence flows from the previous one and how each is connected
   to the topic sentence. Sentence connectors weave sentences together to create a cohesive
   paragraph. They order and sequence ideas, theory, data etc. The following tables list useful
   connectors.

Useful sentence connectors

   Logical order                                Order of importance             
                                                                                
     o firstly, secondly, thirdly etc             o more importantly            
     o next, last, finally                        o most significantly          
     o in addition                                o above all                   
     o furthermore                                o primarily                   
     o also                                                                     
     o at present / presently                                                   
   Contrast                                     Comparison                      
                                                                                
     o however                                    o similarily                  
     o on the other hand                          o likewise                    
     o on the contrary                            o also                        
     o by (in) comparison                         o too                         

Useful connectors within paragraphs

   Comparison                         Contrast                                  
                                                                                
     o like                             o although                              
     o and                              o though                                
     o both                             o while                                 
     o alike                            o even though                           
     o similar (to)                     o whereas                               
     o the same (as)                    o yet                                   
     o Not only                         o but                                   
     o compared to                      o more than                             
     o in comparison to                 o different / differ from               
     o so...that                        o unlike                                
                                                                                
                                                                                

                                    Steps for paragraph writing

Step1 — write an outline

   When writing a paragraph, first write an outline of the paragraph and include:

     o the topic
     o supporting information.

Step 2 — write the topic sentence

   Write a topic sentence.

Step 3 — write supporting sentences

   Next write a supporting sentence for each point. Use facts or examples to support your points.

Step 4 — concluding sentence

   Then write a concluding sentence to sum up.

Step 5 — final paragraph

   Write the final paragraph.

   Final paragraph structure

                          Activity  - Identifying the paragraph structure:

   Read the following paragraphs and find the topic sentences, the supporting sentences, and the
   concluding sentences:

   Making the best use of study time is important. There are several ways to make the best use of
   the study time available. These include limiting interruptions, setting achievable goals,
   getting into a study „habit“. Another way to make study time more profitable is to set a time
   limit with regular breaks. All of these techniques help to maximise concentration.

   

   Many people are afraid of snakes. However, snakes are shy creatures that avoid contact with
   humans. Snakes generally hide under logs or rocks. If approached they move away rapidly. In
   addition, snakes only attack when under threat. If snakes are left alone they are usually not
   a problem.

   

   Many writers make grammatical errors when they experiment with different ways of putting
   sentences together. They may arrange words in the wrong order, use the wrong forms of
   particular words, or leave out important punctuation marks altogether. However, there is
   nothing wrong with making mistakes like these when you write your first draft, as long as you
   carefully edit your final copy.

   TASK: write a paragraph on a chosen topic.