The document is a lecture on paragraph writing, outlining the structure of a paragraph which includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. It provides examples of main ideas and controlling ideas, along with exercises for identifying them. The document also includes an assignment for students to create a topic sentence based on suggested topics.

1. Lecture One: Paragraph writing
(Part One)
C O U R S E : W R I T I N G 3
B E N G H A Z I U N I V E R S I T Y
E N G L I S H D E P A R T M E N T / F A C U L T Y O F E D U C A T I O N
S P R I N G - 2 0 2 4
D E S I G N E D B Y : A R E E G E E L D O U M I

2. What is a Paragraph?
A. Paragraph:
A paragraph is a group of sentences that discuss one main idea.
Three main parts of a paragraph are:
1. Topic sentence.
- My great grandfather was a brave man
2. Supporting sentences (details).
#1- He fought the Italian invasion when he was young.
#2- He killed more than 11 soldiers and saved his village from
the enemy many times.
#3 - Because of his bravery, his people selected him to be the leader of the village.
3. Concluding sentence: My great grandfather was a proud and strong man.

3. Parts of a paragraph:

4. Topic sentence:
A topic sentence tells the reader the main idea.
Elements of a topic sentence:
A. the main subject (topic)
B. a controlling idea. Topic
sentence
Main
subject
Controlling
idea

5. Examples:
- Television can improve a child’s overall knowledge.
- One of the most valuable tools for students is the computer.-
- A really good place to study is the library in my school.

6. Note: more examples p.5
Main subject Controlling idea
Television can improve a child’s overall knowledge.
computer One of the most valuable tools for students…
the library in my school A really good place to study

7. Identifying the main idea
The Storm
The rain began early in the
morning. It fell as hard drops,
one after another. The sky
was full of dark purple clouds.
Thunder began as a soft
rumble and became louder
and louder. Lightning crashed
every few minutes, making the
sky a brilliant white.

8. What is the main idea? Circle the correct answer.
A. The farms needed the rain.
B. The thunder hurt the people’s ears.
C. Lightning made the sky bright.
D. The storm was very strong.

9. Exercise One:
Read the paragraph. Then choose the answer that best states the main idea.
.
Making a healthy snack is easy. You can use fresh fruits or vegetables. One healthy snack is carrots with dip. You can make another healthy snack out of apple slices with
peanut butter, or you could make a mix of grapes and strawberries. Some cereals can also be used to make a healthy snack. One of my favorites is Cheerios mixed with raisins
and chocolate chips.
Which answer best states the main idea of the paragraph?
a. Some cereals can also be used to make a healthy snack.
b. One healthy snack is carrots with dip.
c. Making a healthy snack is easy.

10. Controlling idea:
Controlling idea: shows from which angel the writer will discuss the main subject. It also sets the
supporting sentences in a paragraph.
Examples:
1. Many different jobs require English.
2. Public schools have several advantages.
3. Leaders have five important characteristics.

11. Main subject Controlling idea
English Many different jobs require knowing English.
Public Schools several advantages
Leaders several important characteristics

12. Friendly Companions
•
Cats are very good pets for several reasons. They are naturally good
•
Topic sentence
•
caregivers because they take care of their kittens. So they want to take care of their
owners as well. Cats are quiet easy to handle, and if you train them to use a litter box
box they require almost no cleanup in their areas. For this, cats are well-thought
animals and can be convenient in many ways.
•
Topic= Cats Main subject=are good pets for several reasons

13. Assignment:
Choose one of the following suggested topic to form a topic
sentence:
1. What freedom means to me.
2. A holiday.
3. Weddings in my country.
4. the ideal job.
5. Why I don’t like math.