PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

1. PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT BBI2421 GENERAL WRITING SKILLS

2. Three parts of paragraph: • Topic sentence (it has a controlling idea) • Supporting sentences • Supporting details (explanation, examples) • Concluding sentence

3. Basic Paragraph Outline TopicSentence Supporting Sentence 1 SupportingSentence 2 SupportingSentence 3 ConcludingSentence

4. Topic Sentence • The most important sentence in the paragraph. • It states the topic and the controlling idea of the paragraph. • Three important points to be remember about a topic sentence: • A topic sentence is a complete sentence • It controls or guides the whole paragraph. When you read the topic sentence, you know what to expect in a paragraph. • Topic sentence contains topic and controlling idea. • The most general statement in the paragraph because it gives only the main idea. • A good topic sentence is not too general nor too specific.

5. Topic Sentence • A good topic sentence is not too general nor too specific. • E.g. • Tea is delicious = TOO GENERAL • Green tea has many health benefits = GOOD topic sentence. • By the third century AD many stories were being told and some written about tea and the benefits of tea drinking, but it was not until the Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 906 AD) that tea became China's national drink and the word ch'a was used to describe tea. = TOO SPECIFIC

6. Controlling idea • A good topic sentence has controlling ideas= words or phrases that help guide the flow of ideas in the paragraph. • Controlling idea limits the topic to a specific area to be discussed in the space of a single paragraph • Example: Deceptive advertising can cost consumers both their money and their time.

7. Controlling idea • Convenience foods are easy to prepare. • Malik is popular due to several reasons. • A university education helps in career advancement.

8. Controlling idea • The best season for kids is winter, - the reader expects the paragraph to give reasons and examples why winter is the best season for children. • Football is popular for many reasons. -the readers expects the paragraph to give a variety of information about football and why it is popular around the world.

9. Supporting Sentence/Point • Supporting sentences are the facts and ideas that explain or prove the topic sentence or the main idea. • It presents details, facts, examples, quotes, and arguments that support the main idea. • In each supporting sentence/point, there are details that support the sentence.

10. Topic Sentence: Animals living in modern zoos enjoyed several advantages. S.S. 1 : The first advantage is that zoo animals are separated from their predators. Detail= They are protected, so they live without risk of being attacked. S.S. 2: Another advantage is that someone feeds them regularly, so they do not have to hunt for food. Detail= Also, they do not suffer times when food is hard to find. S.S. 3: A third advantage is that veterinarians give animals regular checkups. Detail= Sick animals get prompt medical attention. Concluding Sentence: In conclusion, because all their needs are taken care of, most zoo animals are healthy and contented.

11. Supporting Sentence/Point Write 3 supporting sentences for each of the topic sentences below: • Owning a small car has several advantages. • A good friend has three important qualities. • A college education is important for some reasons.

12. Concluding Sentence • It signals the end of paragraph • It is the last sentence of the paragraph. • It should summarize what has already been said and leaves the reader with the most important ideas to remember. • Conclude the paragraph by summarizing the main points of the paragraph or repeating/paraphrase the topic sentence in different words.

13. Conclusion signals • In conclusion, ___________________ • In short, ____________________ • To summarize, _______________ • To conclude, ________________ • In brief, ____________________ • In summary, _________________ • To sum up, __________________ • It is clear that ________________

14. Topic Sentence:________________________________________________. •   Supporting Sentence: A._______________________________________. •                           Supporting Detail: 1._________________________. •                           Supporting Detail: 2._________________________. •     Supporting Sentence: B._______________________________________. •                           Supporting Detail: 1._________________________. •                           Supporting Detail: 2._________________________. •      Supporting Sentence: C._______________________________________. •                           Supporting Detail: 1. _________________________. •                           Supporting Detail: 2. _________________________. • Concluding Sentence :___________________________________________.

15. Unity • Unity means a paragraph discusses only one main idea from beginning to the end. • E.g Topic sentence: (paragraph writing) There are many advantages of self-directed learning. • Every supporting sentence must directly explain or prove the main idea in the topic sentence.

16. Coherence • “cohere” – means hold together. • The sentences in your paragraph writing or essay writing must hold together; that is the movement from one sentence to another must be logical and smooth. • There must be no sudden jump of ideas. Each sentence should flow smoothly into the next one.

17. Coherence 4 ways to achieve coherence in your writing: • Repetition of key nouns. • Use consistent pronouns. • Use transition signals to link ideas. (refer to page 192 for transition signals. • Arrange your ideas in logical orders.