This document provides guidance on writing effective paragraphs. It discusses starting writing through free writing, brainstorming, or clustering. It explains that the topic sentence is the main idea of the paragraph and should be discoursable. Supporting details can include examples, reasons, and personal observations. A paragraph should have unity, coherence in logical order, and variety.

1. Writing
Composition

2. Writing effective Paragraphs

3. Writing is always the hardest at the
beginning when the page is blank, we
start to write, find the going slow, and
imagine our secret fears of our inability
to write.
How to Start Writing?

4. The truth is that for nearly everyone, writing is
hard and slow work. The only solution to the
slow work is to get started quickly.
There are three things you can do to start yourself
writing.
 Free writing
 Brainstorming
 Clustering
How to Start Writing?

5. A good warm-up exercise for the writer is
freewriting. To freewrite is to write about a topic
for a timed period of about ten minutes. Forget
about grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Just
sit and write freely. Here is an example of
student freewriting.
I go to school every day. Then I go to work. I have
no time for myself. I can’t think of anything to say.
That reminds of the party I attended last week. It
was an interesting party.
It shows that you are writing and thinking
freely.
Freewriting

6. Brainstorming is an exercise in thinking. You list
every thought that pops into your head about a
subject. Jot down words and phrases. Don’t try to
write in sentences or worry about logic, style,
punctuation and grammar. Above all don’t judge
ideas that flow onto the page. Later, after the
storm has passed, you can decide which ideas
are worthwhile. Here is an example of
brainstorming on “my neighborhood.”
noisy
lots of traffic
there are few trees
most people take the bus to work
a park down the street
Brainstorming

7. Clustering is thinking with the help of a diagram.
As with brainstorming, you don’t worry about
grammar, or wording. You simply think about your
subject or topic, writing down your ideas in
circles.
One aim of clustering is to narrow a broad subject
to a manageable topic.
Clustering
Friendship Fair-weather
friends
My Dad
John
Jim
Older
friends
My neighbor
Smith
Best friend
Joe

8. The topic sentence is a single sentence that
sums up the main point of your paragraph. It is
usually the opening sentence and must not be
dry. Here is an example of a weak and good
topic sentence.
Weak: I own a blue Honda Civic.
Good: A Honda car is an ideal car for a student.
A weak topic sentence is a dead end and difficult
to write about. For example, after you say, I own
a blue Honda Civic, what else can you say?
Noting comes to your mind without head-
scratching effort.
Topic Sentence

9. How can you tell if your topic sentence is
discussible enough for a paragraph? You tell by
using common sense. If your topic sentence offers
noting to discuss, you will have trouble writing the
paragraph. You will suffer head-scratching and
pen-chewing.
Circle a good topic sentence that would be easiest to
write a paragraph about.
1. a. Chicken burger is a nourishing food.
b. Last week, I ate a chicken burger.
c. The chicken burger looks old.
2. a. I went to university yesterday.
b. University life builds your character.
c. I play football in university.
Topic Sentence

10. A typical paragraph consists of three main
parts: a topic sentence, supporting details
and a concluding sentence. The topic
sentence – usually the opening one – that
states the main point of the paragraph.
Supporting details are sentences that back
up the topic sentence with specifics.
Paragraph Writing

11. Paragraph Writing
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a
paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the
body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main
idea of the paragraph.

12. Concluding Sentence:
In formal paragraphs you will sometimes
see a sentence at the end of the paragraph
which summarizes the information that has
been presented. This is the concluding
sentence. You can think of a concluding
sentence as a sort of topic sentence in
reverse.
Paragraph Writing

13. The Cheeseburger Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentences
Concluding Sentence

14. There are several advantages of using a
computer. First of all, it is especially beneficial in
the workplace, where employees can do their
work far faster that they could in the past. In
addition to this, computers can be educational
and fun. From a very young age, children can
gain basic computer skills by the help of
programs which help them to learn, draw, paint,
and play. As a result, in today’s technological
world, this knowledge can only help them in the
future. To sum up, computers are useful for our
fast-fast moving world of high technology.
Sample of a Paragraph

15. There 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.
Sample of a Paragraph

16. What kinds of supporting details do
paragraph writers often use? That depends
on the topic sentence. A good topic
sentence suggests the kinds of details
needed for its support. Basically there are
three kinds of supporting details :
1. Examples
2. Reason
3. Personal observation
Supporting Details

17. An example is a part used to represent
the whole. You say that working at
McDonalds is hard. Someone asks you,
“What do you mean by hard?” For
example, you say, employees must work
12-hour shift without a break. Working
long hours without break is one example
that supports your point.
To use examples, simply introduce them
with suitable phrase, such as
for example and for instance.
1.Examples

18. Topic sentence: Ahmad always gets
first position in his class.
First example: He comes to class
regularly.
Second example: He studies his every
subject seriously and hard at home.
1.Examples

19. Some topic sentences are best supported by
reasons – explanation based on common
sense, good judgment, clear thinking and logic.
In the following paragraph, reason is used to
support the writer’s argument that cafeteria food
should be prepared on campus and not by off-
campus caterers.
2. Reasons

20. Cafeteria food should be prepared in campus
kitchen, not trucked in by off-campus caterers.
Common sense tells us that a sandwich made to
order and served immediately is going to taste
fresher and better than one made miles away and
trucked to the campus for sale. Even if the
sandwich is prepared elsewhere the same day. It
is going to lose some of its taste in being
refrigerated and transported. Fresh food tastes
better because it’s fresh, not half-fresh. If we want
cafeteria food, we should insist that it is prepared
on campus, where it is eaten.
Sample paragraph

21. Topic Sentence: University students should
take their studies seriously.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Use reasons to support the topic sentence

22. Some topics are strictly personal and
must be supported mainly by your own
personal observation. That old stand-by
topic, “ Write about how you spent your
summer vacation.” is an example of a
personal topic. You must draw entirely
on you own personal observations for
support.
Personal observation includes descriptive
details and examples. Here is an example of
both in a paragraph.
3. Personal Observation

23. Last summer I spent a week hiking and
discovered that I hate it. To begin with,
we got caught in a two-day rain on the
Appalachian Trail. The tent turned out not
to be waterproof, and for one whole night
I tried to sleep with water dripping on my
face. When I moved, it dripped on my
arms and legs. I also found out that aside
from weather problems, hiking is
unhealthy for you. For example, I ate so
poorly that I was starving. Next time I go
camping, it will be Winnebago.
Sample paragraph

24. Discuss what types of supporting details
the topic sentence requires.
– Everyone should play sport.
– Doctors are too quick to give people drugs.
– Good health depends on taking responsibility
for yourself.
– Some TV programs are not good for
children.
– A favorite time of the year.
Activity for practice

25. Essential Qualities of a Paragraph
The essential qualities of a good
paragraph are;
1. Unity.
Unity means that the paragraph deals with
only one main point or topic.

26. Unity in the Paragraph
Every sentence in a paragraph should support
the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.

27. Essential Qualities of a Paragraph
2. Coherence/ sequential order
All the sentence forming a paragraph
must be placed in a logical order so that
one sentence leads naturally to the
others.

28.  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
Coherence in a Paragraph

29. Essential Qualities of a Paragraph
3. Variety
A third principle of paragraph
construction is variety which is necessary
to avoid monotony.

30. Topic sentence: Choosing a college or university
can be difficult.
Supporting ideas: 1. Good Location, 2. Affordable,
3. Good preparation for major
– We decided to order these supporting ideas
according to importance as shown in the outline
below.
– Now we put this information into outline form and
added some reasons, examples, names, numbers,
and senses for each supporting idea.
How to put sentences in order

31. A. Good preparation for your major
1. Hard curriculum
2. Qualified professors
B. Affordable
1. be able to pay tuition and living expenses
2. Possibility of scholarships
C. Good Location
1. Study environment
2. Possibilities of part-time job in your major
 Concluding sentence: You should consider these points
carefully so you can choose the most appropriate college
or university for yourself.
How to put sentences in order

32. Choosing a college or university can be difficult. The most
difficult part is finding a university that prepares you well for your
future career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is
taught must be thorough and up-to-date. In addition, the
professors must be highly qualified and respected in their fields.
Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is
affordability. You need to be able to pay the tuition fees and
living expenses. Some institutions might be able to offer you
scholarships if you cannot afford the fees. A good location is also
very important when choosing a school. The environment should
be safe and quiet to facilitate studying. Moreover, there should
be possibilities near the school for part-time or summer jobs in
your major, so you can get some practical work experience. You
should consider all of these points carefully so you can
choose the most appropriate college or university for you.
CHOOSING A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

33. Types of Paragraphs
 The narrative paragraph
 tells a story
 The persuasive paragraph.
 tries to convince the audience
 The descriptive paragraph
 describes something
 The expository or explanatory
paragraph
 gives information or explains something

34. 15–34

35. – Have the point of the story in mind.
– Start with a general sentence (i.e. usually,
with once upon a time under the blue sky…)
– Develop sentences that build upon each other
and they all lead to an interesting point called
suspense.
– Follow chronological or time order by using
transitions or logical connectors to maintain
coherence,, unity and smooth flow of ideas.
Steps to Write a Narrative Paragraph

36. Once upon a time there were two friends.
They were walking in a jungle. Suddenly, a
bear attacked on the friends. One of the
friends escaped and left the other to the bear
alone. The bear came close to the guy,
smelled him and went away. The boy smelled
by the bear came to know that ‘A friend in
need is a friend indeed.’
Narrative Paragraph

37. Expository Paragraph
15–37

38. – Begin your topic with a few sign post questions
to make the reader interested in your topic.
– Write your topic sentence (that should contain
a controlling idea).
– Develop supporting sentences
– Use transitions to maintain logical such as
chronological or logical order.
– End with a restatement.
– Your details should be factual and logical.
Steps to Write an Expository Paragraph

39. In an expository paragraph the writer
explains the subject to the readers. Details
in an expository paragraph are informative, clear
and carefully arranged so that the readers can
understand it easily.
(Sample of an Expository paragraph)
T.V is a source of information. It gives lots of
information about the world. Sitting in our house,
we can know about the rest of the world through
Television.
Expository Paragraph

40. Persuasive Paragraph
15–40

41. – Decide on your topic whether you support or
oppose it.
– Write your topic sentence and include your
controlling idea too.
– Develop supporting sentences in which you
should present a few logical and factual reasons
in support of your stance or position.
– Use logical connection.
– Use transitions.
– Give the best idea at the end.
– Restate your stance or controlling idea.
Steps to write a persuasive paragraph

42. Even though our population is increasing
and land is needed for housing and
development. I would hope that our
country could save the land in its natural
state for future generations to enjoy. This
land would be good for promoting tourism,
for preserving the environment, and for
remembering our history. Thus, the land
ought to be preserved in its natural state.
Persuasive Paragraph (Sample)

43. The city should build a shelter at each bus
stop in the business district. First of all,
shelters along busy streets would make the
stops easy to find. Shelters also would
provide a new way for business to advertise.
Finally, shelters would give protection from
the weather; commuters could wait for their
buses in greater comfort. Workers in the
business district would welcome shelters
along the bus routes.
Persuasive Paragraph (Sample)

44. Descriptive Paragraph
15–44

45. o Choose the description manner.
o Have the topic related sentence.
o Use specific sensory words
o Follow a spatial order
o Use place related transitions
o Present a clear word picture of the
place, thing and person
Steps to write a Descriptive paragraph

46. Last week we had a trip to a very beautiful place.
The road which leads to the place is very beautiful. It
has got trees on both sides. Lots of birds come and
sit in the trees. The chirping of the birds attracts the
mind of every one to the charming scene out there.
And there a river flows near the trees, which has
very crystal water. The sound of the water can be
heard on the road. The place is surrounded by rocky
mountains. It is a very good place to be seen.
Descriptive Paragraph

47. Importance of University Education
People attend university to prepare for a career, to attend for
personal fulfillment and to make more money in the job
market. First of all, some attend university in order to prepare for a
career. They learn about a particular subject in depth there. In
addition to this, employers want employees who have very
specific knowledge. Secondly, some attend for personal
achievement. Adults may attend university just for the joy of
learning. Students also may feel a sense of success by learning
new things. Finally, some attend in order to make more money in
the job market. Because, If one has specialized skills, one can
make more money in the job market. In short, people attend
college for many reasons some of which include desire to
prepare for a career, personal fulfillment and financial rewards.
Argumentative Paragraph sample

48. (Effects) Negative Effects of Televisions
Television negatively influences people's behavior in a
number of ways. First of all, advertisements force people to
buy things they may not need. For example, those who buy
camping equipment, but they never go camping. Someone who
buys a new car but can't really afford it. Also, someone who buys
a new computer even though his or her old computer works fine.
The most important negative effect is that television may lead
to violence. When children see terrible things on TV and
sometimes act them out. They may not be able to understand
right from wrong and think that violence is ok. In conclusion,
television influences everybody’s behavior in negative ways.
Therefore, people should consider those effects before they start
to watch television programs.
Cause and Effect Paragraph samples

49. (Causes) Studying Outside
There are many reasons why students choose to attend
schools or universities outside their home countries. To get
a college degree from a university outside their home country
may be prestigious for students. Many people think that students
may get a better education outside their home country.
Moreover, students may get more money in their job if they have
a degree from outside the country. Furthermore, some students
may get scholarships to study abroad. Therefore, they may pay
less to study abroad and the programs can be better abroad. In
short, students study abroad for a number of reasons. Most
students get a good education wherever they go if they are
strong-minded to achieve something in their studies.
Cause and Effect Paragraph samples

50. 1. Similarity and Differences
Classroom Behavior Rules
There are some similarities and differences in the classroom
behavior rules between North America and my country, Turkey.
First, there is the student’s right to speak. In North America, students
can ask the teacher questions. They can even ask questions when the
teacher is giving a lesson. Similarly, in my country students have the
right to ask questions. However, they can only ask questions at the end
of the class. Next, students respect their teachers. In North America
students look up to teachers and respect them. For example, when the
teacher asks them to speak they must look into the teacher’s eyes to
show respect. Likewise, in my country, Turkey, students respect
teachers; however, when a teacher asks us to speak we look down to
show respect. We do not look into their eyes. In conclusion, there are
both similarities and differences in the way students behave toward
their teachers in the classroom.
Compare and Contrast Paragraph sample

51. Two Different Educational Systems
The educational systems of Europe and the United States are
similar in a number of ways. To begin with, elementary school
classes look the same everywhere. There are about twenty to
twenty-two pupils per class, and the classes are coeducational.
Also, there is one teacher for all subjects for each grade (except in
Scandinavia), and the majority of elementary school teachers are
women. In addition, the subjects which are taught at the
elementary level are basically the same everywhere: reading and
writing, mathematics, introductions to the sciences, music, sports,
and art. The only major difference in the elementary curriculum is
that most Europeans study a foreign language in elementary
school, but most American children do not. As a result, American
and European educational systems differ in some ways
Compare and Contrast Paragraph sample

52. The End