PARAGRAPH WRITING

A paragraph is a group of sentences that develop one topic or idea. It has three main parts. The first part
is the topic sentence. It is called the topic sentence because it states the topic or the subject of the
paragraph. The second main part is the supporting sentences. The supporting sentences develop the
topic. This means that they explain the topic sentence in detail. The last part is the concluding sentence.
The concluding sentence summarises the paragraph and/or adds a final comment. A clear academic
paragraph requires all of these parts.

Sample Paragraph 1:

Problems in Big Cities

(1) All around the world living in big cities creates serious 1 THE TOPIC SENTENCE
problems for people. (2a) The first problem is air pollution.
For example, in Istanbul, many people have cars and cars are
one reason why the air is polluted. (2b) Secondly, traffic is an 2 SUPPORTING SENTENCES
important problem for the people living in big cities.
Nowadays there are more and more cars on roads, and this
causes traffic jams in many parts of the cities. For this reason,
many inhabitants waste their time in traffic, and they are
negatively affected by this situation. (3) To sum up, air 3 THE CONCLUDING SENTENCE
pollution and traffic jams are two important problems that
people living in big cities have.

Sample Paragraph 2:
Bicycles are popular today in many countries for three reasons. First, most of the people use bicycles to exercise.
Topic Sentence Supporting Sentence 1

To illustrate, in Holland, people think riding a bicycle is a better way of keeping fit and staying healthy than
other sports. The second reason is money. Generally, bikes are not expensive to buy, and they are quite
Supporting Sentence 2
Cheap to fix. Finally, they are suitable for city life. In cities, many people prefer bikes to cars because
Supporting Sentence 3
unlike cars, with a bicycle, they never have to wait in traffic. In brief, having a bicycle is beneficial for people
for different reasons.
The Concluding Sentence

Bicycles are popular today in many countries for three reasons. First, most of the people use bicycles
to exercise. To illustrate, in Holland, people think riding a bicycle is a better way of keeping fit and
staying healthy than other sports. The second reason is money. Generally bikes are not expensive to
buy, and they are quite cheap to fix. Finally, they are suitable for city life. In cities, many people prefer
bikes to cars because unlike cars, with a bicycle, they never have to wait in traffic. In brief, having a
bicycle is beneficial for people for different reasons.

II. THE TOPIC SENTENCE

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph. It contains the main idea which is developed
in the rest of the paragraph. A topic sentence must be a complete sentence, a statement of intent, opinion
or a mixture of both. It should be neither too broad (Football is very popular in the world) nor too narrow
(Gold is very valuable). The topic tells us the subject (what the paragraph is about) and the controlling idea
makes a specific comment about the topic (what the paragraph is going to say about the topic / the writer’s
attitude or idea about the topic). In other words, the controlling idea shows the reader what the rest of
the paragraph will say about the topic; it limits the topic to a specific area to be discussed in a single
paragraph.

A topic sentence has two main parts: topic and the controlling idea.

Topic Sentence = topic + controlling idea

Caffeine has several harmful effects on health.

In this example the topic is “caffeine”. A specific comment is then made about the topic: “it has several
harmful effects on health”. From this topic sentence, the reader immediately knows that the supporting
sentences will explain or prove how harmful caffeine can be.
The controlling idea may be found:
at the beginning of the topic sentence
There are two main advantages of working at home.

at the beginning and at the end of the topic sentence, separated by the topic
The two main advantages of working at home are its flexible hours and its comfort.
Controlling Idea Topic Controlling Idea
at the end of the topic sentence
Working at home is advantageous because of its flexible hours and its comfort.

WRITING ESSAYS
What is an essay?
A paragraph develops only one idea. Similarly, an essay, which is a piece of writing with several paragraphs, is also about one
topic. Often, topics are too complex and too broad to be developed in a single paragraph. In this case, you have to divide the
topic into several paragraphs, one for each major point. Writing an essay isn't more difficult than writing a paragraph except that
an essay is longer. The chart below shows you how the parts of a paragraph correspond, to the parts of an essay.

TOPIC SENTENCE
  INTRODUCTION
General Statements + Thesis Statement

SUPPORTING DETAIL 1
 BODY PARAGRAPH 1
Topic Sentence+Supporting Details (+conclusion)

SUPPORTING DETAIL 2
  BODY PARAGRAPH 2
Topic Sentence+Supporting Details (+conclusion)
SUPPORTING DETAIL 3
  BODY PARAGRAPH 3
Topic Sentence+Supporting Details (+conclusion)

CONCLUDING
SENTENCE
  CONCLUSION
Restatement of the main points; final comment

A.PARTS OF AN ESSAY
I. THE THESIS STATEMENT
The essay is controlled by one main idea which is called the thesis statement. The thesis statement is
similar to the topic sentence in paragraph, but it is broader and gives a general idea about the subject
of the whole essay. it is usually the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. Each of the topic
sentences in the body paragraph should relate to the thesis statement.
Always remember that a thesis statement
a. must be a complete sentence:
The benefits of the computer. (not a thesis statement)
The computer can help students do research in many ways. (thesis statement)
b. cannot be a question:
What are the advantages of credit cards? (not a thesis statement)
Credit cards are convenient to use for two main reasons. (thesis statement)
c. should be an opinion rather than a fact, because facts cannot be argued.
Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen. (not a thesis statement)
The water in our homes may contain harmful chemicals. (thesis statement)
d. should not be a detail or an example.
In Hong Kong, number eight is lucky. (not a thesis statement)
There are many superstitious beliefs about numbers around the world. (thesis statement)
e. may state or list how it will support an opinion.
Television has a bad influence on children for three reasons. (thesis statement)
The choice of food we eat during our New Year's festival in India is influenced by tradition and religion.
(thesis statement)
f. contains a single topic / one main subject.
Radioactive waste from nuclear power has several destructive effects on people, on plants and on our
environment in general. (thesis statement)
Radioactive waste from nuclear power and burning of fossil fuel have several destructive effects on
people, on plants and on our environment in general. (not a thesis statement because it has two
subjects and you cannot develop both of them successfully in one essay.)
g. is neither too general nor too narrow to be covered in an essay:
The Civil War had a tremendous effect on the American culture. (this is too general, it should be the
topic of a report or a research paper)
Meat is the most important source of protein. (this is too narrow for an essay. You can write one
paragraph about this, so it could be a topic sentence.)
h. is precise and clear. Vague words like fun, important, wonderful, terrible should not be
used because they do not give clear information.
A hobby is fun. (how?)
Money is important. (in what ways?)
Smoking is unhealthy. (why?) (these are not thesis statements)
A hobby can be an extra source of income.
Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause several different diseases. (these are thesis statements)
i. often includes specific aspects of what you will discuss.
Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause several different diseases.
Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause narrowing of the arteries, heart problems and lung cancer. (this is better because the
writer gives more specific information about the causes that lead to being unhealthy.)

II. THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

The function of the introduction is to serve as a "map" of the essay, outlining to your reader the main
argument and points which you develop in your essay. Most introductions begin with an orientation in
the form of a brief general statement that leads the reader into the topic showing how the specific
topic relates to bigger issues or to the discipline field. This is followed by your thesis statement, which
is your concise response to the essay question.
The introductory paragraph is like an inverted pyramid ( ). (the funnel theory)
General Statement
More specific
More specific
More specific
Thesis Statement
In general, a good introduction accomplishes three purposes:
1. It attracts the reader's interest.
2. It provides the reader with background information.
3. It includes the Thesis Statement, which focuses the reader's attention on the main idea of the essay.
III. THE BODY PARAGRAPHS
Body paragraphs are the heart of the essay, because their function is to explain, illustrate, discuss or
prove the thesis statement. The number of body paragraphs may change depending on the thesis
statement.
Each body paragraph discusses one aspect of the main point.

Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that states the point to be detailed in that
paragraph.

The controlling idea in the body paragraphs should echo the central idea in the thesis statement.

e.g.: Thesis statement: "There are many advantages of living in the school dorm."
The topic sentence of each paragraph should be about one advantage of living in the school dorm.
e.g.: Topic sentence: "The first advantage of living in the school dorm is ... "
The body paragraphs should have coherence and unity. The order of your paragraphs should be the
same as the order in the thesis statement.

As your sentences need to flow smoothly, your paragraphs need to flow smoothly too. This can be
achieved through the use of transitions.

e.g.: Thesis statement: "I love Istanbul because it has historical and natural beauty."
1st body paragraph, topic sentence: "The first reason why I like Istanbul is its historical beauty."
2nd body paragraph, topic sentence: "The other reason of my love for Istanbul is its natural beauty."
IV. THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
The final paragraph of an essay is the conclusion. In this paragraph you tell the reader that you have
completed the essay. This is achieved by either writing a summary of the main points discussed in the
body of the essay or by rewriting the thesis statement in different words. Then you add your final
comments on the subject. Since this is your last opportunity to make your point, you should write a
strong, effective message that the reader will remember.
The concluding paragraph does three things:
1. it signals the end of the essay.
2. it summarizes the main points. (but not just repeating your words, analyzing your ideas and
supports.)
3. it leaves the reader with the writer's final thoughts on the subject.
To signal the end of an essay, use a conclusion transition signal such as in conclusion, in summary, to
summarize, in brief, or in short. Then, either summarize the main points of the essay or rewrite the
thesis statement:
Thesis statement: Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business
practices in the past twenty years.
Concluding Sentences: In brief, the computer age has arrived, and it is changing our lives. Computers have made communication
and doing business faster and more convenient, and they have greatly increased our access to information.
Name: ________________________Course, year & section: ________________________Date:______

Midterm Examination

I. Sentence Structure
A. Determine which of the following word groups are sentence fragments and which are complete
sentences. If the group of words is a complete sentence, write S. If the group of words is a
fragment, write F.
1. S Antarctica has the highest average elevation of the seven continents.
2. F No native people on Antarctica.
3. S Because it is too cold.
4. F Although scientists and other workers live in Antarctica for about a year at a time.
5. F These people there to study many things.
6. F Examine the ozone layer, sleep patterns, and fish survival in subzero temperatures.
7. S Ninety-five percent of Antarctica covered with ice.
8. S Antarctica approximately 70 percent of the world's fresh water in its ice.
9. S Even though Antarctica is covered in ice and snow, it can be considered a desert.
10. F A desert an area that gets very little precipitation.
11. S Antarctica receives only two inches of rain each year.
12. F Also has very high winds.
13. F Sometimes winds as high as 200 miles per hour.
14. F Many animals in the ocean around Antarctica.
15. S Include whales and seals.
16. S One type of bird found on Antarctica is the penguin.
17. S Antarctica so isolated that its snow and ice are very pure.
18. S The continent is far away from pollution.
19. F A mountain range across the continent.
20. F Antarctica's Mount Ere bus an active volcano.

B. In the numbered spaces, write F for fragment, R for run-on, or C for correct.
1 ___ In The Magic of Thinking Big, Dr. D. J. Schwartz presents many good ideas for
becoming successful. 2 ___ He believes one of the most important principles is that progress is
made one step at a time. 3 ___ For example, he writes about a group of injured soldiers who faced
a 140-mile trek through thick jungle, August heat, and monsoon rains to safety. 4 ___ Because
many of the men had leg or foot injuries. 5 ___ At the beginning, they feared they could not walk
140 miles, and they were sure they would die in the jungle. 6 ___ Each day, however, they were
determined to make it to the ridge, the next river crossing and village. 7 ___ Which is all they really
had to do to eventually make it to safety. 8 ___ The soldiers concentrated on a daily goal, they
were successful.
9 ___ The step-by-step method will work on the job and at school, furthermore, Dr. Schwartz
thinks it is a good formula for quitting smoking. 10 ___ Instead of trying to reach the goal just by
deciding never to smoke again. 11 ___ The smoker resolves not to smoke for another hour, when
the hour is up, he aims to make it the next hour without smoking. 12 ___ Later, the time is
extended to two hours, half a day, and then a day until the goal is reached.
 15 ___ Reaching any worthwhile goal, however difficult it may seem. 16 ___ Requires a
step-by-step method and a determination to carry out the steps one by one.
17 ___ Finally, there is the Dr. Schwartz’ 10 day improvement plan. 18 ___ Which begins with the
writing of a “to do” list, a list that can include habits to change, goals to accomplish, etc. 19 ___
After 30 days, the person reviews the list, he/she makes a new one to work on for the next month.
20 ___ Trying to make progress day by day and month by month is, according to Dr. Schwartz, the
sensible way to success.

C. Join the following pairs of sentences together to make compound sentences.

1. People have been conducting policy research for millennia. Policy studies emerged as a field of
intellectual enquiry less than fifty years ago.

Answer:

People have been conducting policy research for millennia, yet policy studies emerged as a field of
intellectual enquiry less than fifty years ago.

2. Problems do not just exist. They must be defined.

Answer:

Problems do not just exist; they must be defined.

3. In the early 1870s there were large numbers of Chinese and European miners on the Bannockburn
field. Their activities have proved difficult to trace in the physical remains in the landscape.

Answer:

In the early 1870s there were large numbers of Chinese and European miners on the Bannockburn
field, but their activities have proved difficult to trace in the physical remains in the landscape.

II. Paragraph Development

A. These are mixed sentences of a paragraph. Put each sentence below in the correct place in the
chart to form the paragraph. The topic sentence is h.
a) Thirdly, because of financial problems, some students fail university classes.
b) For example, students who have to take jobs don’t have as much time to study, so they may fail classes.
c) The first reason is that they fail because their academic background is weak.
d) Finally, there are students who fail because their energies are not directed toward their classes.
e) For example, one student might not have had enough mathematics course at high school, so he fails his university
math class.
f) The second reason is that most of the students don’t understand the importance of regular attendance.
g) Others may worry because they have too little money, and they may not be able to concentrate on their
studies.
h) There are some reasons why a lot of students fail in college.
i) Because some students don’t attend classes regularly, they may not be able to pass the test in class
because they don’t know the answers.
j) In conclusion, due to all these problems, numerous students fail in college every year.
k) For example, some of these students are not interested in college and they spend their day doing other
things.

Topic sentence : H
Supporting idea 1 : h) There are some reasons why a lot of students fail in college.

Minor detail 1 : c) The first reason is that they fail because their academic background is weak.

Supporting idea 2 : e) For example, one student might not have had enough mathematics course at
high school, so he fails his university math class.

Minor detail 2 : f) The second reason is that most of the students don’t understand the importance
of regular attendance.

Supporting idea 3 : i) Because some students don’t attend classes regularly, they may not be able to
pass the test in class because they don’t know the answers.

Minor detail 3 : a) Thirdly, because of financial problems, some students fail university classes.

Minor detail 3 : g) Others may worry because they have too little money, and they may not be able
to concentrate on their studies.

Supporting idea 4 : b) For example, students who have to take jobs don’t have as much time to study,
so they may fail classes.

Minor detail 4 : d) Finally, there are students who fail because their energies are not directed
toward their classes.

Conclusion : j) In conclusion, due to all these problems, numerous students fail in college every
year.

B. Put each sentence below in the correct place to form two different paragraphs.
a) Firstly, it is always sunny and warm all around the year.
b) All in all, I do my worst not to do my homework.
c) So, you can sunbathe on the beach in summer or enjoy a walk in the warmth of winter breeze.
d) To sum up, Hawaii is an ideal place for a good holiday.
e) For instance, whenever the phone rings or there is someone at the door, I rush to answer before anybody else in
the house.
f) Secondly, the beaches are gorgeous with soft white sand and beautiful blue water promising everyone different
water sports.
g) I also stop studying to investigate any noise I hear while studying.
h) There in the kitchen I make myself an omelet or a cheese sandwich and eat it very slowly.
i) I usually have several reasons to stop doing my homework.
j) In addition, nearly all of the hotels offer cheap accommodation and various Hawaiian food, along with terrific
entertainment.
k) There are several reasons why I usually go to Hawaii on holiday.
l) First of all, as soon as I begin to do my homework, I always start to feel hungry and go into the kitchen
to eat something.
m) While I’m studying, I try to listen to music on my walkman or watch television too.
n) For instance, you cannot help windsurfing or sailing. You would also enjoy swimming or building sandcastles like
children.
Paragraph 1 Answer
Topic sentence: k) There are several reasons why
I usually go to Hawaii on holiday.
Supporting idea 1 :
Minor detail 1 : a) Firstly, it is always sunny and
warm all around the year.
Supporting idea 2 : c) So, you can sunbathe on the
beach in summer or enjoy a walk
in the warmth of winter breeze.
Minor detail 2 : f) Secondly, the beaches are
gorgeous with soft white sand
and beautiful blue water
promising everyone different
water sports.
Supporting idea 3 : n) For instance, you cannot help
windsurfing or sailing. You would
also enjoy swimming or building
sandcastles like children.
j) In addition, nearly all of the
hotels offer cheap
accommodation and various
Hawaiian food, along with terrific
entertainment.
Conclusion : d) To sum up, Hawaii is an ideal
place for a good holiday.
Paragraph 2 Answer
Topic sentence: i) I usually have several
reasons to stop doing my
homework.
Supporting idea 1 :
Minor detail 1 : l) First of all, as soon as I
begin to do my homework, I
always start to feel hungry
and go into the kitchen to
eat something.
Supporting idea 2 : h) There in the kitchen I
make myself an omelet or a
cheese sandwich and eat it
very slowly.
Minor detail 2 : g) I also stop studying to
investigate any noise I hear
while studying.
Supporting idea 3 : e) For instance, whenever
the phone rings or there is
someone at the door, I rush
to answer before anybody
else in the house.
Conclusion : b) All in all, I do my worst
not to do my homework.
C. Which can be the concluding sentence of the paragraph?
1. California is the most wonderful place to visit because of its weather and its beautiful
nature. Visitors to California can find the weather they like; cool temperatures in the summer
and warm weather in the winter. They can also find the nature they like. They can see high
mountains and green lands. Visitors can enjoy a huge forest and a beautiful coast at the same
time. _________________.
a) So, California’s weather and beautiful nature make it a fantastic place to visit.
b) So, you can do different activities in the winter in California.
c) So, the high mountains and forests affect the weather of California a lot.
d) So, the warm weather and beautiful coasts in California help you have the best summer
holiday.
2. In my opinion, travelling by plane cannot be compared with any other type of
transportation. To start with, there is no faster way to travel. You can go from one country to
another in a few hours. Also, you always feel well looked after on a plane. You are served drinks
and meals and offered newspapers and blankets, which will make the journey more comfortable.
However, air travel can be expensive and there are often long delays in airports, which can be
tiring. What’s more, many people are afraid of flying and turbulence, so they think travelling by
plane is unsafe. _________________.
a) To sum up, although it has some negative points, air travel will always remain popular because
of its speed and comfort.
b) In conclusion, air travel has always been a second or third choice for people because of its
many disadvantages.
c) All things considered, different types of transportation have both good and bad points.
d) In conclusion, few people will continue to prefer air travel because of its cost and turbulence.
3. New York City is a great place because there is a lot to do there. It is the cultural
centre of the USA, so it attracts many foreign and local tourists. In fact, there are many museums
and buildings to visit in New York. One of them is Metropolitan Museum, and people can find the
works of many famous artists there. In New York visitors can spend a wonderful time at the
restaurants and bars. They offer different food from all over the world. __________________.
a) In short, New York is a cultural and historical city.
b) In short, New York is famous for its museums and parks.
c) In short, New York is a great city with a variety of activities.
d) In short, New York is a great place if you like trying different kinds of food.
E. Read the texts below and UNDERLINE the correct linking word.
The purpose of this report is to learn about the facilities and the services provided at the Bridge
Hotel for our travel agency. First of all, the hotel offers a variety of facilities. There’s a cosy café, a dinner
hall, a large pool, a tennis court, and a luxurious spa. There is 1_______ a shop on the hotel premises
where you can buy souvenirs and small gifts. 2_______, the hotel offers a variety of activities, especially
during winter months. But, the basic problem is that both the spa and the tennis court are closed to the
public 3_______ there isn’t enough equipment and staff. As far as the staff is concerned, they are very
friendly and ready to help guests with any problems that might occur. 4_______, they don’t always know
exactly what they should do because they don’t have enough experience. 5_______, sometimes the
meals are served late or the rooms are cleaned up at inconvenient times. 6_______ it has some
problems, I’m sure that with a few training seminars, these minor problems will be overcome. The hotel
will be a good place in a short time and it will be successful.
Choose your answer here.
1. a) unlike b) also c) what’s more d) on the other hand
2. a) Consequently b) Despite this c) As a result of d) Besides
3. a) because b) but c) so d) for example
4. a) Even though b) For this reason c) As a result d) However
5. a) In contrast b) In conclusion c) Therefore d) In spite of this
6. a) Likewise b) Although c) Similarly d) Despite

Final Examination

Choose one of the topics below and write a two-three page for & against essay. In
the essay, underline the thesis statement and the conclusion.

 advantages and disadvantages of camping holidays

 globalization
 living in a flat
 being famous
 a topic of your choice