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Pertemuan 12The Paragraph

Matakuliah : Writing 1

Tahun : 2006-2007

Versi : 6

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Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this session the students are expected to be able to:– Understand what a paragraph is– Identify the parts of a paragraph– Write a simple but well written paragraph

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Outline of the Materials

• What is a paragraph?

• Parts of a paragraph

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What is a paragraph?

Definition:

A paragraph is a collection of sentences, where all the sentences are inter-related and support one main idea.

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Parts of a paragraph

• Topic Sentence:– The topic sentence is usually the first

sentence in the paragraph.– It tells the reader what the paragraph is about– Sometimes, it also give the readers an

indication of how the information is arranged.

• Supporting sentences:– The sentences that support and elaborate

more on the main idea in the topic sentence

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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.

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• In the example, the main idea is – (There are three reasons why) Canada is one

of the best countries in the world.

• The supporting ideas:– Canada has an excellent health care system.– Canada has a high standard of education.– Canada's cities are clean and efficiently

managed.(Note: examples follow the supporting

sentences)

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Conclusion

A good paragraph

• Should have only one main idea (all sentences are inter-related)

• Should have enough supporting ideas

• Should have examples, anecdote, or explanation on the supporting sentences

• Should have correct punctuation, capital letters, spelling and grammar