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. It lays out the story.
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 a great country. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. Every Canadian can receive medical service for very low price. Second, Canada has a very low standard of poor people. Everyone there works very hard and they are fairly paid in their jobs. Finally, Canada has an elevated system of education. Children study very hard and are motivated to continue studying at college or university. 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:
- My High School Life
- My Favorite Teacher
- The Community's Outstanding Leader
- My Most Unforgettable Experience
- 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 a great country. First Canada has an excellent health care system. Every Canadian can receive medical service for very low price. Second , Canada has a very low standard of poor people. Everyone there, work very hard and they are fairly paid in their jobs. Finally, Canada has an elevated system of education. Children study very hard there and also are motivated to go continue studying at university. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
EXERCISE I.2 Given below are topic sentences. Develop the middle sentences:
- Our school, which is located in the heart of a busy city, presents an attractive appearance to the pupils who daily approach its entrance.
- Mr. And Mrs. Robin worked hard to prepare a home for their little ones.
- 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 a great country. First Canada has an excellent health care system. Every Canadian can receive medical service for very low price. Second , Canada has a very low standard of poor people. Everyone there, work very hard and they are fairly paid in their jobs. Finally, Canada has an elevated system of education. Children study very hard there and also are motivated to go continue studying at university. 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.