Paragraph structure - how to write a good paragraph

HOW TO
WRITE A
PARAGRAPH
Learn the Basics of Building a Strong
Paragraph!

WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
A paragraph is a
group of sentences
about one topic. It
has four key parts:
1. Topic Sentence:
The topic and
controlling idea of
the paragraph.
2. Pee 1: Point,
Explanation,
Example (First
supporting idea).
3. Pee 2: Point,
Explanation,
Example (Second
supporting idea).
4. Concluding
Sentence:
Summarizes the
paragraph or gives
a final thought.

1.Topic sentences should always contain both
a topic and a controlling idea. The topic typically
occurs before the verb and is “what the paragraph is
about”, while the controlling idea is “what you want
to say about the topic”.
2.The controlling idea should be repeated
(preferably, in “subject” position) in each
of the sentences that follow the topic sentence

3.Topic sentences should always contain both a topic and
a controlling idea. The topic typically occurs before the verb
and is “what the paragraph is about”, while the controlling
idea is “what you want to say about the topic”.
4. The controlling idea should be repeated (preferably, in
“subject” position) in each
of the sentences that follow the topic sentence.

PRACTICE: READ THE FOLLOWING FIVE SENTENCES. ONE OF THEM IS A STRONG TOPIC
SENTENCE, WHILE THE OTHERS ARE EITHER TOO SPECIFIC, TOO BROAD, OR OFF-TOPIC.
IDENTIFY THE BEST TOPIC SENTENCE AND EXPLAIN WHY IT IS THE BEST CHOICE.
1. Traveling allows people to experience new cultures, try different foods,
and meet new people.
2. Many tourists visit Japan every year to see famous landmarks like
Mount Fuji.
3. I went to Thailand last summer and enjoyed the street food.
4. Some people like traveling by plane, while others prefer taking a train.
5. There are many countries in the world with beautiful landscapes.
6. Many people like eating pizza.
7. Some people follow vegetarian diets.
8. Some people prefer texting over calling because it is convenient.

IDENTIFY A TOPIC SENTENCE IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES
• Passage 1: The Importance of Sleep
• Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining
good health. When people do not sleep enough, they
may feel tired and have trouble concentrating.
Studies show that sleep helps the brain process
information and improves memory. Additionally, lack
of sleep can lead to health problems like high blood
pressure and a weakened immune system.

9
• Passage 2: The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
• Learning a second language can open many opportunities in
life. People who speak multiple languages can communicate
with more people and understand different cultures. In
addition, bilingual individuals often have better problem-
solving skills and memory. Some research also suggests that
learning another language can help delay cognitive decline
as people age.

• Passage 3: The Impact of Social Media
• Social media has changed the way people interact and
communicate. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and
TikTok allow users to share their thoughts, pictures, and
videos instantly. While social media helps people stay
connected, it can also be addictive and negatively impact
mental health. Many people spend hours scrolling
through their feeds, which can lead to decreased
productivity and sleep issues.

11
• Passage 4: Why Exercise is Important
• Regular exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. It helps
strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and
boost energy levels. People who exercise regularly are also
less likely to develop chronic diseases like diabetes and
heart disease. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins,
which help reduce stress and improve mood.

EXERCISE: WRITING A TOPIC SENTENCE
1. Exercise – health – benefits
2. Technology – communication – impact
3. Travel – culture – experience
4. Reading – vocabulary – learning
5. Social media – influence – teenagers
6. Fast food – health – effects
7. Climate change – environment – global
8. Education – future – success
9. Music – emotions – relaxation
10.Sports – teamwork – skills

READ EACH PASSAGE CAREFULLY. WRITE A STRONG TOPIC SENTENCE THAT INTRODUCES THE MAIN
IDEA OF THE PARAGRAPH.
• Passage 1: The Benefits of Drinking Water
• Water helps the body function properly by keeping organs hydrated
and aiding digestion. It also helps regulate body temperature and
flush out toxins. Doctors recommend drinking at least eight glasses
of water a day to maintain good health. Staying hydrated can also
improve skin condition and boost energy levels.
• ✏ Your Topic Sentence: _____________________________________________

• Passage 2: The Advantages of Public Transportation
• Taking buses and trains can help reduce traffic congestion
and air pollution. It is often cheaper than driving a personal
car, especially when considering fuel and parking costs.
Many cities offer well-connected public transport systems,
making it easy for people to commute efficiently.
Additionally, using public transportation allows passengers
to relax, read, or work while traveling.
• ✏ Your Topic Sentence:
_____________________________________________

• Passage 3: The Impact of Fast Food on Health
• Eating fast food regularly can lead to health problems such
as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many
fast foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, which
can negatively affect the body. While fast food is convenient,
it often lacks essential nutrients that the body needs to stay
healthy.
_____________________________________________

• Passage 4: The Importance of Recycling
• Recycling helps reduce waste and prevents harmful
materials from polluting the environment. It also conserves
natural resources by reusing materials like paper, plastic,
and metal. Many governments encourage citizens to recycle
by providing bins and organizing waste collection programs.
Small actions like separating trash and reusing items can
have a big impact on the planet.
_____________________________________________

• Passage 5: Why Reading Books is Beneficial
• Reading can expand knowledge and improve vocabulary
skills. It helps develop creativity by allowing readers to
explore different worlds and perspectives. Studies also show
that reading reduces stress and improves focus. People who
read regularly tend to have better critical thinking skills.
_____________________________________________

BODY PARAGRAPH
Learning English is one of the most important ways to better our future. Firstly,
studying English is good for our future because it helps us get better jobs and
allows us to travel easily. Many big companies need workers who can speak
English because it is used all over the world. For example, if a student in Vietnam
learns English well, they can work for a company like Google or Samsung and
earn more money. Secondly, English makes traveling easier because it is spoken
in many countries. If we go to places like the USA, Thailand, or Japan, we can use
English to ask for directions, order food, and make new friends. In conclusion,
learning English gives us more chances to have a good job and explore the world.

• Learning English is one of the most important ways to better our future. Firstly,
studying English is good for our future because it helps us get better
jobs and allows us to travel easily. Many big companies need workers
who can speak English because it is used all over the world. For
example, if a student in Vietnam learns English well, they can work for a
company like Google or Samsung and earn more money. Secondly,
English makes traveling easier because it is spoken in many countries. If we
go to places like the USA, Thailand, or Japan, we can use English to ask for
directions, order food, and make new friends. In conclusion, learning English
gives us more chances to have a good job and explore the world.

FILL IN THE BLANKS
(1)_______________do not only bring about benefits. To store food
over a long transporting process, manufacturers likely need to
apply different (2) _____________methods. These methods often
prioritize durability over (3)________, which can affect the natural
taste and quality of the food. For example, fruits can be harvested
before they are ripe for greater durability, because of which the
flavours may not be at their best when delivered to (4)_____________
Consumers/ imported foods/ preservation/ freshness

STRUCTURE OF A PARAGRAPH
1. Topic Sentence: States the topic and controlling idea.
Example: 'Reading books is a great way to relax and learn new things.'
2. PEE 1 (Point, Explanation, Example):
- Point: First reason or idea.
- Explanation: Details or reasons supporting the point.
- Example: For example, a mystery novel can keep you engaged and entertained.
3. PEE 2 (Point, Explanation, Example):
- Point: Second reason or idea.
- - Explanation: More details supporting this point.
- - Example: For instance, biographies teach us about inspiring lives.
4. Concluding Sentence: Restates the main idea or gives a final thought.
Example: 'That’s why reading is a great activity for both relaxation and education.'

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH OUTLINE
• Topic Sentence: Imported foods do not only bring about benefits.
• Pee 1:
• Point: To store food over a long transporting process, manufacturers often
need to apply preservation methods.
• Explanation: These methods prioritize durability over freshness, which
can impact the natural taste and quality of the food.
• Example: For instance, fruits may be harvested before ripening for
greater durability, which affects their flavor when delivered to consumers.

• Pee 2:
• Point: Preserving food for a long period requires advanced technology and strong
manufacturing capability.
• Explanation: Not all companies have access to such technology, and failure to
manage transportation and preservation costs can drive up prices for consumers.
• Example: For example, higher prices can cause importing businesses to lose their
competitive edge against local producers.

• Concluding Sentence: However, these challenges with food importation are likely
to diminish over time, as the continued globalization makes advanced technologies
more accessible and affordable than ever before.

RECAP
• Remember:
• Every paragraph has a topic sentence, Pee 1, Pee 2, and a
concluding sentence.
• Stick to one idea per paragraph.
• Use explanations and examples to support your points.

Paragraph structure - how to write a good paragraph

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