The document discusses the key features of writing paragraphs, including that a paragraph focuses on a single topic, is organized with a topic sentence followed by explanation, examples, and a concluding tieback sentence. It provides an example paragraph about the two important economic resources of the Waikato River in New Zealand, namely its eight hydroelectric dams that generate 13% of the country's electricity, and providing water to towns and cities along its route.

1. Paragraph
writing
• Know the features of a
paragraph
• Use these features when
writing

2. What is a paragraph?
 A paragraph is a series of sentences that are
all related to a single topic.
 Almost every piece of writing you do that is
longer than a few sentences, should be
organized into paragraphs.
 Paragraphs show when different there is a
new topic or idea

3. What do I write?
 The first sentence is usually a topic sentence.
 Then comes an explanation (think … how,
when, where, why)
 Give and example if you can, or more details
 and finally … a general comment to tie back
your ideas to the topic, yourself or society in
general (think … ‘so what?)

4. TEXT - A way to remember
 Topic
 Explanation
 eXample
 Tieback

5. Here is an example for you.
The Waikato River has two important
economic resources.
This is my topic sentence. This clearly states what my
paragraph will be about.

6. The Waikato River has two important economic
resources. Firstly, there are 8 hydro-
electric dams along its length. The first was
built in 1929 to supply electricity for the
Martha Goldmine in Waihi.
Now I explain one of the economic importances

7. The Waikato River has two important economic
resources. There are 8 hydro-electric dams
along its length. The first was built in 1929 to
supply electricity for the Martha Goldmine in
Waihi. Between them, they generate 13% of
New Zealand’s total electrical generation.
I give some more details, facts/figures - an example of the
importance of the river.

8. The Waikato River has two important economic
resources. There are 8 hydro-electric dams
along its length. The first was built in 1929 to
supply electricity for the Martha Goldmine in
Waihi. Between them, they generate 13% of
New Zealand’s total electrical generation.
Another economic use of the river is to
supply the water towns and cities along its
route, as well as for Auckland.
This is another explanation sentence. You can have a number
of these.

9. The Waikato River has two important economic
resources. There are 8 hydro-electric dams
along its length. The first was built in 1929 to
supply electricity for the Martha Goldmine in
Waihi. Between them, they generate 13% of
New Zealand’s total electrical generation.
Another economic use of the river is to supply
the water towns and cities along its route, as
well as for Auckland. Although there are many
other economic activities, these are two of
the most important.
In this case, the tie-back summarises the paragraph.

10. Now it is your turn to write yours.
Notice every sentence is related only to the
topic of the paragraph.