This document provides instruction on writing paragraphs. It defines a paragraph as a group of related sentences discussing one main idea. A paragraph includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences that develop the main idea, and an optional concluding sentence. Learners are guided through exercises to write paragraphs based on given topic sentences, with prompts to brainstorm supporting points and draft, edit, and check their work against criteria for effective paragraphs. The goal is for learners to practice structuring paragraphs with a clear main point and coherent development of ideas.

1. Success with Writing
Online Workshop
Part 3: Paragraphs
Created by: Jane Mangano

2. Moving on... Perfect paragraphs
• In the task box, write a few sentences
answering this question: What is a paragraph?
• This should take you about three minutes.

3. Perfect Paragraph
• “A paragraph is a group of related sentences
that discuss one (and usually only one) main
idea. A paragraph can be as short as one
sentence or as long as ten sentences. The
number of sentences is unimportant;
however, the paragraph should be long
enough to develop the main idea clearly.”
(Oshima & Hogue, 2006, p 2)

4. Perfect Paragraph
• A paragraph has three parts.
• Topic sentence
• Supporting sentences
• Concluding sentence – be careful here.
Sometimes the final supporting sentence
provides a sense of closure for the paragraph.

5. Go back to your sentence
• ‘A successful student is organised, intelligent
and motivated.’
• Use that sentence as your topic sentence.

6. Writing a paragraph
• Take the three attributes (organised,
intelligent and motivated) and write one
sentence on each of them.
• Put it all together and you will have written a
paragraph!
• Spend some time proofreading and editing,
until you have the ‘perfect paragraph’.
• This should take about 15 minutes.

7. Checklist
Do all of your support sentences support the
topic sentence with evidence and/or
examples?
Are all of your sentences correctly structured?
Is the meaning clear?
Have you included information that is not
relevant?

8. Did your paragraph look like this?
• A successful student is organised, intelligent and
motivated. The student who is organised
usually follows a time management plan that
helps the student complete work on time. Being
intelligent helps the student understand the
complex content of each unit of study. A sense
of motivation assists the student to follow the
time management plan, and make the most of
the intelligence with which he or she has been
gifted.

9. Your Turn
• Choose one of the topic sentences from the
next slide.
• Brainstorm until you have three points that
directly support the topic sentence.
• Write one sentence on each point.
• Write a concluding sentence.
• This will take about 20 minutes.
• Write this in the task box.

10. Possible Topic Sentences
Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness.
OR
Signing up for tutorials and lectures can be a
frustrating experience for university students.
N.B. Remember, you only have to pick one
topic sentence, and then write one paragraph.

11. Checklist
Do all of your support sentences support the
topic sentence with evidence and/or
examples?
Are all of your sentences correctly structured?
Is the meaning clear?
Have you included information that is not
relevant?

12. Congratulations!
• You have completed the first part of the
Success with Writing online workshop
• I would suggest you take a break of about 15
minutes before continuing.

13. End of Part 3
Please ensure you have completed
each of the tasks in section 3
online.