A presentation about a series of exercises to practice how to analyze and improve paragraphs. First, a text about how to stop soring needs to be divided into paragraphs. Later, a paragraph about pesticide suicide needs to be organized/sequenced in a logical way. Next, some sentences in a paragraph about elderly people living on a reduced income need to be omitted or eliminated. Finally, in two paragraphs, people need to work out the topic and the topic sentence. Additionally, one sentence needs to be omitted or eliminated.

1. DISTRITAL UNIVERSITYSCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND EDUCATIONLEBEI ENGLISH COMPOSITION ANALYZING PARAGRAPHS YAMITH JOSÉ FANDIÑO MA IN TEACHING

2. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY Thispresentationwascreatedwithexercises and materialstakenfrom http://www.uefap.com/writing/exercise/exwripar.htm http://www.victoria.ac.nz/llc/academic-writing/pbuild4.html http://www.fauxpress.com/kimball/w/1.htm Itsmainpurposeistohelp EFL studentsunderstandkeypoints in writingparagraphs. Themain idea of this series of exercisesisto show studentshowtoworkonwritingcoherent and appropriateparagraphs.

3. HOW TO STOP SNORING Snoring is caused when the airway at the back of the nose and throat becomes partially obstructed. This is usually due to the loosening of the surrounding oropharyngeal muscles, but the reasons why this should occur are varied. The most common are smoking, obesity and the consumption of relaxants such as alcohol and sleeping pills. As with any common ailment, there are a host of "miracle" cures advertised - but you should first try a few simple steps to see if you can halt the snoring before adopting more drastic measures. Lifestyle changes can be the most effective. If you are overweight, a loss of weight will help to reduce the pressure on your neck. You should also stop smoking and try not to drink alcohol at least four hours before you go to bed. Beyond this, try to change your regular sleeping position. Raise the head of your bed with a brick, or tie something uncomfortable into the back of your pajamas to encourage you to sleep on your side. Both of these will help to alter the angle of your throat as you sleep, and may thus make breathing easier for you. It is also important to keep your nasal passage clear and unblocked. Allergies, colds and hay fever can temporarily cause you to snore; nasal decongestants may help, but you are not advised to use such remedies for long periods. Nasal strips, as worn by sportspeople, have been proven to reduce nasal airway resistance by up to 30 per cent, so consider these as a long-term alternative. If this fails, then you may wish to look at the varied snoring aids that are on the market. They range from neck collars that stop your neck tilting, through to mandibular-advancement devices (such as gumshields) which reduce upper airway resistance, and tongue-retaining devices. You can also buy essential-oil products that are added to warm water and infused or consumed before bedtime. They claim to tone up your palate and unblock your nasal passage. Finally, if your symptoms persist, visit your GP or contact the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (01737 557 997) for advice. If you do not, your partner might. (Mark Irving, Esquire, March 1999)

4. HOW TO STOP SNORING Snoring is caused when the airway at the back of the nose and throat becomes partially obstructed. This is usually due to the loosening of the surrounding oropharyngeal muscles, but the reasons why this should occur are varied. The most common are smoking, obesity and the consumption of relaxants such as alcohol and sleeping pills. As with any common ailment, there are a host of "miracle" cures advertised - but you should first try a few simple steps to see if you can halt the snoring before adopting more drastic measures. Lifestyle changes can be the most effective. If you are overweight, a loss of weight will help to reduce the pressure on your neck. You should also stop smoking and try not to drink alcohol at least four hours before you go to bed.Beyond this, try to change your regular sleeping position. Raise the head of your bed with a brick, or tie something uncomfortable into the back of your pajamas to encourage you to sleep on your side. Both of these will help to alter the angle of your throat as you sleep, and may thus make breathing easier for you.It is also important to keep your nasal passage clear and unblocked. Allergies, colds and hay fever can temporarily cause you to snore; nasal decongestants may help, but you are not advised to use such remedies for long periods. Nasal strips, as worn by sportspeople, have been proven to reduce nasal airway resistance by up to 30 per cent, so consider these as a long-term alternative. If this fails, then you may wish to look at the varied snoring aids that are on the market. They range from neck collars that stop your neck tilting, through to mandibular-advancement devices (such as gumshields) which reduce upper airway resistance, and tongue-retaining devices. You can also buy essential-oil products that are added to warm water and infused or consumed before bedtime. They claim to tone up your palate and unblock your nasal passage. Finally, if your symptoms persist, visit your GP or contact the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (01737 557 997) for advice. If you do not, your partner might. (Mark Irving, Esquire, March 1999)

5. HOW TO STOP SNORING Snoring is causedwhen the airway at the back of the nose and throat becomes partially obstructed. This is usually due to the loosening of the surrounding oropharyngeal muscles, but the reasons why this should occur are varied. The most common are smoking, obesity and the consumption of relaxants such as alcohol and sleeping pills. As with any common ailment, there are a host of "miracle" cures advertised - but you should first try a few simple stepsto see if you can halt the snoring before adopting more drastic measures. Lifestyle changes can be the most effective. If you are overweight, a loss of weight will help to reduce the pressure on your neck. You should also stop smoking and try not to drink alcohol at least four hours before you go to bed. Beyond this, try to change your regular sleeping position. Raise the head of your bed with a brick, or tie something uncomfortable into the back of your pajamas to encourage you to sleep on your side. Both of these will help to alter the angle of your throat as you sleep, and may thus make breathing easier for you.

6. HOW TO STOP SNORING It is also important to keep your nasal passage clear and unblocked. Allergies, colds and hay fever can temporarily cause you to snore; nasal decongestants may help, but you are not advised to use such remedies for long periods. Nasal strips, as worn by sportspeople, have been proven to reduce nasal airway resistance by up to 30 per cent, so consider these as a long-term alternative. If this fails, then you may wish to look at the varied snoring aids that are on the market. They range from neck collars that stop your neck tilting, through to mandibular-advancement devices (such as gumshields) which reduce upper airway resistance, and tongue-retaining devices. You can also buy essential-oil products that are added to warm water and infused or consumed before bedtime. They claim to tone up your palate and unblock your nasal passage. Finally, if your symptoms persist, visit your GP or contact the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (01737 557 997) for advice. If you do not, your partner might. (Mark Irving, Esquire, March 1999)

7. PESTICIDE SUICIDE A. Most of the farmers are extremely poor. Attracted by cheap loans from pesticides traders and the prospect of a quick buck, they borrowed heavily to raise cotton on small plots of land. B. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the crop losses and destruction in Andhra Pradesh arose from the repeated application of excessive amounts of chemicals - a practice actively encouraged by pesticides traders. C. The suicide of SamalaMallaiah in Nagara village grabbed media headlines. He owned one acre of land, leased two more and grew cotton on all three. After making a loss in the first year, he leased yet more land in an attempt to recover. Confronted with falling prices, mounting debts and pest attacks, he committed harakiri. ‘Cotton has given us shattered dreams,’ said one old farmer in Nagara village. D. As many as 60,000 small farmers in the region of Andhra Pradesh, southern India, have taken to farming cotton instead of food crops. Some 20 of them have recently committed suicide by eating lethal doses of pesticide. E. Whitefly, boll weevils and caterpillars multiplied and destroyed their crops, despite the constant application of pesticides. The average yield of cotton fields in Andhra Pradesh fell by more than half in just one year. Now the farmers are in no position to repay the loans or feed their families. F. Nearly half the pesticides used in India go into protecting cotton, the most important commercial crop in the country. However, pests have shown increased immunity to a range of pesticides. Last year there were heavy crop losses due to leaf-curl, which is caused by the dreaded whitefly. This nondescript, milky-white fly sucks sap from the cotton leaves, making them curl and dry up. The fly struck first in Pakistan and north-western India. Then it turned south.

8. PESTICIDE SUICIDE A. Most of the farmers are extremely poor. Attracted by cheap loans from pesticides traders and the prospect of a quick buck, they borrowed heavily to raise cotton on small plots of land. B. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the crop losses and destruction in Andhra Pradesh arose from the repeated application of excessive amounts of chemicals - a practice actively encouraged by pesticides traders. C.The suicide of SamalaMallaiah in Nagara village grabbed media headlines. He owned one acre of land, leased two more and grew cotton on all three. After making a loss in the first year, he leased yet more land in an attempt to recover. Confronted with falling prices, mounting debts and pest attacks, he committed harakiri. ‘Cotton has given us shattered dreams,’ said one old farmer in Nagara village. D. As many as 60,000 small farmers in the region of Andhra Pradesh, southern India, have taken to farming cotton instead of food crops. Some 20 of them have recently committed suicide by eating lethal doses of pesticide. E. Whitefly, boll weevils and caterpillars multiplied and destroyed their crops, despite the constant application of pesticides. The average yield of cotton fields in Andhra Pradesh fell by more than half in just one year. Now the farmers are in no position to repay the loans or feed their families. F. Nearly half the pesticides used in India go into protecting cotton, the most important commercial crop in the country. However, pests have shown increased immunity to a range of pesticides. Last year there were heavy crop losses due to leaf-curl, which is caused by the dreaded whitefly. This nondescript, milky-white fly sucks sap from the cotton leaves, making them curl and dry up. The fly struck first in Pakistan and north-western India. Then it turned south.

9. PESTICIDE SUICIDE C.The suicide of SamalaMallaiahin Nagara village grabbed media headlines. He owned one acre of land, leased two more and grew cotton on all three. After making a loss in the first year, he leased yet more land in an attempt to recover. Confronted with falling prices, mounting debts and pest attacks, he committed harakiri. ‘Cotton has given us shattered dreams,’ said one old farmer in Nagara village. = INTRODUCTION BASED ON A SPECIFIC CASE TO ESTABLISH PROBLEMS SMALL FARMERS SUFFER IN INDIA. D. As many as 60,000 small farmers in the region of Andhra Pradesh, southern India, have taken to farming cotton instead of food crops. Some 20 of them have recently committed suicide by eating lethal doses of pesticide. A. Most of the farmers are extremely poor. Attracted by cheap loans from pesticides traders and the prospect of a quick buck, they borrowed heavily to raise cotton on small plots of land. E. Whitefly, boll weevils and caterpillars multiplied and destroyed their crops, despite the constant application of pesticides. The average yield of cotton fields in Andhra Pradesh fell by more than half in just one year. Now the farmers are in no position to repay the loans or feed their families. = PRESENTATION OF SSUES SMALL FARMERS HAVE WITH THEIR CROPS. B. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the crop losses and destruction in Andhra Pradesh arose from the repeated application of excessive amounts of chemicals - a practice actively encouraged by pesticides traders. F. Nearly half the pesticides used in India go into protecting cotton, the most important commercial crop in the country. However, pests have shown increased immunity to a range of pesticides. Last year there were heavy crop losses due to leaf-curl, which is caused by the dreaded whitefly. This nondescript, milky-white fly sucks sap from the cotton leaves, making them curl and dry up. The fly struck first in Pakistan and north-western India. Then it turned south. = RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CROP LOSSES AND PESTICIDES.

10. PESTICIDE SUICIDE C.The suicide of SamalaMallaiahin Nagara village grabbed media headlines. He owned one acre of land, leased two more and grew cotton on all three. After making a loss in the first year, he leased yet more land in an attempt to recover. Confronted with falling prices, mounting debts and pest attacks, he committed harakiri. ‘Cotton has given us shattered dreams,’ said one old farmer in Nagara village. = INTRODUCTION BASED ON A SPECIFIC CASE TO ESTABLISH PROBLEMS SMALL FARMERS SUFFER IN INDIA. A. Most of the farmers are extremely poor. Attracted by cheap loans from pesticides traders and the prospect of a quick buck, they borrowed heavily to raise cotton on small plots of land. D. As many as 60,000 small farmers in the region of Andhra Pradesh, southern India, have taken to farming cotton instead of food crops. Some 20 of them have recently committed suicide by eating lethal doses of pesticide. E. Whitefly, boll weevils and caterpillars multiplied and destroyed their crops, despite the constant application of pesticides. The average yield of cotton fields in Andhra Pradesh fell by more than half in just one year. Now the farmers are in no position to repay the loans or feed their families. = PRESENTATION OF SSUES SMALL FARMERS HAVE WITH THEIR CROPS. B. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the crop losses and destruction in Andhra Pradesh arose from the repeated application of excessive amounts of chemicals - a practice actively encouraged by pesticides traders. F. Nearly half the pesticides used in India go into protecting cotton, the most important commercial crop in the country. However, pests have shown increased immunity to a range of pesticides. Last year there were heavy crop losses due to leaf-curl, which is caused by the dreaded whitefly. This nondescript, milky-white fly sucks sap from the cotton leaves, making them curl and dry up. The fly struck first in Pakistan and north-western India. Then it turned south. = RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CROP LOSSES AND PESTICIDES.

11. ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING ON A REDUCED INCOME Another problem facing a number of elderly people is living on a reduced income. When they retire, old people may receive a pension from their company or a benefit from the government. The amount of their monthly income is often significantly less than they received when they were fully employed. All of a sudden, retirees find that they can no longer continue the life style that they had become accustomed to, even if that life style was a modest one. Many find, after paying their monthly bills, that there is no money left for a movie or dinner out. Of course, sometimes they can not go out because of their health. They may have arthritis or rheumatism and it is painful for them to move around. This can also limit their lifestyle. For some elderly people, however, the small amount of money they receive will not even cover their monthly bills and basic needs.

12. ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING ON A REDUCED INCOME Another problem facing a number of elderly people is living on a reduced income. When they retire, old people may receive a pension from their company or a benefit from the government. The amount of their monthly income is often significantly less than they received when they were fully employed. All of a sudden, retirees find that they can no longer continue the life style that they had become accustomed to, even if that life style was a modest one. Many find, after paying their monthly bills, that there is no money left for a movie or dinner out. Of course, sometimes they can not go out because of their health. They may have arthritis or rheumatism and it is painful for them to move around. This can also limit their lifestyle. For some elderly people, however, the small amount of money they receive will not even cover their monthly bills and basic needs.

13. ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING ON A REDUCED INCOME Another problem facing a number of elderly people is living on a reduced income. When they retire, old people may receive a pension from their company or a benefit from the government. The amount of their monthly income is often significantly less than they received when they were fully employed. Many find, after paying their monthly bills, that there is no money left for a movie or dinner out. For some elderly people, however, the small amount of money they receive will not even cover their monthly bills and basic needs.

14. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph A (1) Of the many types of energy, one major category is kinetic energy or the energy of motion. (2) An example of energy in motion is when a bat hits a baseball. (3) The bat exerts a kinetic force that causes the ball to fly in the air. (4) Mechanical energy is a type of kinetic energy applied to objects. (5) Thermal energy is the energy of molecules in motion. (6) More and more students are doing research on energy these days.

15. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph A (1) Of the many types of energy, one major category is KINETIC ENERGY OR THE ENERGY OF MOTION. (2) An example of energy in motion is when a bat hits a baseball. (3) The bat exerts a kinetic force that causes the ball to fly in the air. (4) Mechanical energy is a type of kinetic energy applied to objects. (5) Thermal energy is the energy of molecules in motion. (6) More and more students are doing research on energy these days.

16. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph A (1) Of the many types of energy, one major category is kinetic energy or the energy of motion. (2) An example of energy in motion is when a bat hits a baseball. (3) The bat exerts a kinetic force that causes the ball to fly in the air. (4) Mechanical energy is a type of kinetic energy applied to objects. (5) Thermal energy is the energy of molecules in motion. (6) More and more students are doing research on energy these days.

17. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph A (1) Of the many types of energy, one major category is kinetic energy or the energy of motion. (2) An example of energy in motion is when a bat hits a baseball. (3) The bat exerts a kinetic force that causes the ball to fly in the air. (4) Mechanical energy is a type of kinetic energy applied to objects. (5) Thermal energy is the energy of molecules in motion. (6) More and more students are doing research on energy these days.

18. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph A Of the many types of energy, one major category is kinetic energy or the energy of motion. An example of energy in motion is when a bat hits a baseball. The bat exerts a kinetic force that causes the ball to fly in the air. Mechanical energy is a type of kinetic energy applied to objects. Thermal energy is the energy of molecules in motion.

19. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph B (1) Medical scientists are finding a significant difference in how men and women develop HEART PROBLEMS. (2) Statistics show that women on average develop heart disease later in life than men. (3) One theory is that younger women who give birth to children develop wider coronary arteries, and this helps women to avoid heart attacks as they get older. (4) Most men do not believe this, however.

20. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph B (1) Medical scientists are finding a significant difference in how men and women develop heart problems. (2) Statistics show that women on average develop heart disease later in life than men. (3) One theory is that younger women who give birth to children develop wider coronary arteries, and this helps women to avoid heart attacks as they get older. (4) Most men do not believe this, however.

21. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph B (1) Medical scientists are finding a significant difference in how men and women develop heart problems. (2) Statistics show that women on average develop heart disease later in life than men. (3) One theory is that younger women who give birth to children develop wider coronary arteries, and this helps women to avoid heart attacks as they get older. (4) Most men do not believe this, however.

22. PARAGRAPH ANALYSIS Paragraph B Medical scientists are finding a significant difference in how men and women develop heart problems. Statistics show that women on average develop heart disease later in life than men. One theory is that younger women who give birth to children develop wider coronary arteries, and this helps women to avoid heart attacks as they get older.

23. REFERENCES http://www.uefap.com/writing/exercise/exwripar.htm http://www.victoria.ac.nz/llc/academic-writing/pbuild4.html http://www.fauxpress.com/kimball/w/1.htm