Formal Paragraph Writing
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CHAPTER I PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH
A paragraph is a group of closely related sentences developing one topic. Good writers always express themselves in a clear and orderly manner. They have learned to make every paragraph tell about one topic only. Topic Sentence or Beginning Sentence
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence, which attracts attention, is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. It gives an idea of what is to follow.
How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
EXERCISE I.1 Write a good beginning or topic sentence for each of the following titles:
1. My Highschool Life __________________________________ 2. My Favorite Teacher __________________________________ 3. The Community’s Outstanding Leader __________________________________ 4. My Most Unforgettable Experience __________________________________ 5. The City Park __________________________________
Supporting Details or Middle Sentences
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write them?
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.
Example: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
EXERCISE I.2 Given below are topic sentences. Develop the middle sentences:
1. Our school, which is located in the heart of a busy city, presents an attractive appearance to the pupils who daily approach its entrance. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________
2. Mr. And Mrs. Robin worked hard to prepare a home for their little ones. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ 3. My mother’s face is the sweetest picture in my mental album. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
Closing or Ending Sentence
What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
EXERCISE I.3 Examine the ending sentences in the following paragraphs and tell why they are good:
1. A HAPPY COUNTENANCE
Jean can be recognized immediately by her healthy, beaming countenance. Two bright eyes sparkle merrily from under her well-shaped blond brows. Her nose, though long and thin, is usually wrinkled with laughter. Clean, shining teeth, which can be seen between her half-parted lips, indicate careful and regular brushing. Sincere, earnest, and cheerful, Jean’s entire expression radiates happiness. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ 2. CIRCUS TIME
Maytime is circus time in our time. Each year about this time an old weed-choked field not far from our home becomes a miniature village of enchantment. Billboards everywhere about town feature graceful jugglers, docile jungle animals, or daring exploits of skill and strength. Newspapers parade dancing elephants, trained seals, and bicycle-riding monkeys. Excitement reigns high as crowds of people, young and old, jam streetcars and busses that speed toward the wonders of Circusland. How eagerly we anticipate this annual festival.
_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________
