Module 4: Writing skills

Unit 4: Compose effective paragraphs

Learning outcomes
After studying this unit, you should be able to
1. Point out the parts of the paragraphs;
2. Understand the essence of writing an effective paragraphs, and
3. Compose an effective paragraphs.

Activity 1. Which is your reaction when you asked to write a paragraphs? State your reason
in (1-2 sentences).
 THREE PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH

A paragraph is a group of related sentences about a single topic. The topic of a paragraph in
one, and only one, idea. A paragraph has three main parts:
Topic sentence: the first sentence in a paragraph that names the topic and tells what the
paragraph will explain about the topic.
Supporting sentences: supporting sentences give examples or other details about the topic.
Concluding sentence: a concluding sentence often repeats the topic sentence in a different way
or summarizes the main points.

TOPIC SENTENCE:
The most important sentence in a paragraph is the topic sentence. It is called the topic
sentence because it tells the reader what the topic of the paragraph is. In other words, it tells
the reader what he or she is going to read about. The topic sentence is usually the first
sentence in a paragraph.
Examples:
The world population is strongly impacted by a lack of access to water.
Many deep areas of the Pacific Ocean have never been studied by humans.
A topic sentence has two parts: a topic and a controlling idea. The topic part names the topic.
The controlling idea part tells what the paragraph will say about the topic. It promises what
aspect of the subject the writer will discuss. It tells the reader: This paragraph will discuss these
things-and only these things-about this topic.

Examples:
Hong Kong has a fascinating mixture of European and Asiatic traditions.
This topic sentence promises the reader that the paragraph subject is Hong Kong. The
controlling idea promises the reader that a discussion of Hong Kong’s European and Asiatic
traditions will follow. Indeed, the paragraph will not cover Hong Kong’s crime rate, economy, or
population. Other paragraphs may do that, but not this one.
To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics.
The topic is “To be an effective CEO” and the controlling idea is “certain characteristics.”
Obviously, this paragraph will cover the characteristics that qualify a CEO to be effective in his
job.
There are many possible contributing factors to global warming.
The topic is “global warming” and the controlling idea is “contributing factors.”

HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE TOPIC SENTENCE:

Limit the subject and the controlling idea. Do not promise a reader more than you can
deliver. Topic sentences should not be too general or you will not be able to contain the
development within a single paragraph. You must limit your topic sentence by making it less
general and more specific.

General topic sentence: Bolivia is unstable.

Limited subject: Bolivia’s military government is unstable
Limited controlling idea: Bolivia’s military government is being threatened by peasant
revolutionaries in the countryside.

 Write a topic sentence that can be developed. The controlling idea of a topic
sentence must lend itself to development; that is, it has to be one that can be
developed and illustrated.
 The most important part of topic sentences is clarity. Even if you get the reader
excited and eager to read more, it won’t matter if they don’t know what they’re
reading about.

EXAMPLE OF A DEVELOPED PARAGRAPH WITH A TOPIC SENTENCE AND A CONTROLLING

IDEA:

Beaches offer different pleasures to different kinds of people. Solitary people can enjoy
sunbathing or reading. Social people can usually find someone to talk to or take a walk with.
Curious individuals can collect seashells or study the habits of seashore creatures, such as
sand crabs or seagulls. Athletes can swim, surf, jog, or play football or volleyball. Indeed,
every type of person can find enjoyment at a beach.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
The middle sentences of a paragraph are the supporting sentences. Supporting sentences
explain or prove the idea in the topic sentence. They are used to support, explain, illustrate,
or provide evidence for the idea expressed in the topic sentence.
Supporting sentences should focus on the following:
– They should provide the main supporting points for the paragraph’s main idea (topic
sentence)
– There are usually 2 – 4 supporting sentences in a paragraph.
– They should be arranged in a logical order.
– They should NOT begin a new topic or introduce a new idea.

Example:
Good roommates have four characteristics.
Potential supporting ideas:
 They are neat, tidy
 They are cheerful
 They share housework
 They pay their share of the rent on time
Along with the topic sentence, these supporting ideas will be expanded to develop a full
paragraph.
TRANSITIONS:
A transition signal is a word or phrase that shows how one idea is related to another idea.
They are used to move smoothly from one idea to another.
 In a listing-order paragraph, use transition signals such as First, Second, and Third to
tell your reader that these are main points.
 To introduce an example you can use: To illustrate, for instance, for example, to
demonstrate, specifically, etc.
 To introduce an additional idea you can use: As well as, in addition, also, besides,
moreover, furthermore, etc.

PARAGRAPH UNITY:

A paragraph must follow the rule of unity. All the sentences in a paragraph are about one
main idea. Another way of expressing the rule of unity is to say that all the supporting
sentences in a paragraph must be relevant. Relevant means “directly related to the main
idea.” For example, if your paragraph is about the education system in England, an idea
about the weather or population is not relevant because your paragraph is about England’s
education system, and not the weather!
THE CONCLUDING SENTENCE
1. Paragraphs that stand alone (that is, paragraphs that are not part of a longer
composition) often have a concluding sentence at the end. A concluding sentence
closes the paragraph so that the reader is not left expecting more.
2. Sometimes a concluding sentence reminds the reader of the main point by restating the
topic sentence in different words. Sometimes it summarizes the main points.
3. Use a transition signal to tell your reader that this is the end of your paragraph such as:
 to summarize, in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, in brief, in short, etc.
4. Do NOT introduce a new idea in your concluding sentence. Just review or repeat the
ideas you have already discussed. Don’t add anything new!

Source: https://doulkifl.com/parts-of-paragraphs/

Activity 1. Identify the parts of the paragraph.

There are several health hazards directly linked to smoking. The linked between smoking
and cancer is well known. As well smoking is linked to other lung diseases like emphycema
and bronchitis. Smokers also have a greater risk of heart disease later in life. This is
evidenced in recent court cases in the USA where smokers have been awarded damages
from tobacco companies, further, there is substantial research that even passive smokers
can have long term effects of health. Clearly smoking is a dangerous habit and should be
avoided.

What Makes a Good Paragraph?

A good paragraph is composed of a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant

supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence. This structure is key to
keeping your paragraph focused on the main idea and creating a clear and concise
image.

While creative writing does not necessarily follow the traditional paragraph structure,
it’s more about scene building and continuing a narrative. Efficient, well-written
paragraphs are a staple of good flash fiction and short fiction writing, as short stories
need to stay more focused on a central idea. As long as your sentences form cohesive
ideas and connect to one another, you can write a good paragraph.

5 Tips for Structuring and Writing Better Paragraphs

 Whether you’re writing a short paragraph or a long paragraph, each should follow the
same basic rules of structure. While this format is not as rigid when writing fiction as
it is for non-fiction, the information or story you craft must logically or sequentially
relate to the next paragraph. These elements help the coherency of your body
paragraphs, tying them together to unify around an idea, or set up a narrative story.

1. Make the first sentence of your topic sentence. The first line of your first
paragraph sets up what information is to come as your audience reads on. Even in
fiction, the introduction of a paragraph either establishes an idea or scenario or
continues one from the paragraph before. Regardless of what format or genre you’re
writing for, every good paragraph starts with a central focus that the rest of the
paragraph will aim to support.
2. Provide support via the middle sentences. These sentences include follow-up
information to your key sentence or previous paragraph. Whatever idea you aim to
convey, these sentences are where you convince your reader to believe or envision
what you do, and give them everything they need to see your point of view.
3. Make your last sentence a conclusion or transition. Even if it’s not at the end of
the piece, a conclusive sentence can refer to the last line of its own paragraph, which
concludes a particular idea or train of thought before moving on to start a new line
for the next paragraph. This next paragraph can continue on the same idea, but the
ending of each paragraph should briefly summarize the information that was provided
before moving on.
4. Know when to start a new paragraph. A paragraph break is necessary when
starting a new topic, introducing a new speaker, contrasting other POVs or ideas, or
providing white space to give readers a pause from a longer paragraph. For example,
in a novel, you may start a new paragraph when bringing in a new character, or
specify when a different character is speaking, which can help the reader separate
action text from dialogue more readily. Paragraph breaks can control the pacing of
your writing, and generate particular feelings or moods for your reader. While there is
no set amount of sentences required per paragraph, in some instances, a single
paragraph may consist of a single sentence, but it is acceptable as long as it supports
your central idea, and doesn’t overwhelm your audience with too much information.
5. Use transition words. Transition words help tie together separate paragraphs,
connecting them to form a coherent idea. Phrases like “in addition” or “moreover”
can help readers track your ideas and understand how they relate to each other,
making for a smoother, more pleasant reading experience. This is especially useful for
essay writers and bloggers, who often focus on a singular idea at a time to share with
their audience.

Source: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-perfect-paragraph
Retrieved August 24, 2021
Activity 1. From the added information you have read, explain the characteristic of an
effective paragraph.

Activity 1. Write a paragraph in your life in about 100 words. Identify the parts of the
paragraph by underlining the ( Topic sentence, Supporting sentences, and Concluding
sentence).

Activity 1. What did you learn from the topic?