Paragraph Structures AES

1. Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, you will know:
– What makes an effective paragraph
– Basic paragraph structure
– Where to place a new paragraph
– Paragraph writing practice

2. Paragraphs
• Discuss in groups:
1. How long is a typical academic paragraph
(how many lines)?
2. How do you know when to start a new
paragraph?
3. Why is good paragraphing so important?
4. What is considered the typical paragraph
structure in the UK?
5. Does this differ from your own country?

3. Understanding what makes a
paragraph
• Paragraph theme (Point)
• Not too specific
• Your words
Topic sentence
• Evidence - example, quotations etc.
• Explain - include discussion (in your
words)
Support sentences
• Link back to essay question/to the
next paragraph.
• Or sum-up
Concluding or
linking sentence

4. Supporting
paragraphs
Paragraph
Topic sentence
Supporting ideas
Concluding sentence
Conclusion
Introduction
Essay structure 1.General statement
2. Thesis statement
3. Preview/scope/ route
map

5. Your turn
1. Match paragraphs with genres.
2. Identify: topic sentence
concluding sentence
supporting evidence/ explanation
3. Underline sources cited in paragraphs A – F.
4. What is the difference in why the sources have been used
in paragraphs B and D?
5. What is the difference in how they appear in B and D?

6. Separating a text into paragraphs
• Separate the text into clear paragraphs and
add punctuation.

7. Homework
• SSH handout pg 192 – 194
• http://www.uefap.com/writing/ - paragraphs