Paragraph Structure

Overview of Paragraphs Statement and Example

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Debbie LahavBusiness EnglishRuppin Academic

Center

Overview of Paragraphs

•Purpose•Topics sentences

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A paragraph is…

• a group of sentences put together for a reason.

• like an individual, each with his or her own ideas. However, like a team, sentences must also work together to link ideas.

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What do paragraphs do?

•They divide a text into blocks of separate thoughts or main ideas.

•The work together to support the main idea or main claim of the entire text.

•They support the reader’s understanding of the text.

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What are the two parts of a good paragraph?

1. The topic sentence

2. The supporting sentences

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The Topic Sentence…• is ONE SENTENCE

that introduces the main idea of the whole paragraph.

• is usually the first or second sentence of the paragraph.

• gives the reader clues as to what to expect.

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Topic sentence

support support support

Example 1

I would appreciate it if you could open a current account

for me under my trading name R & S Fashions Ltd.

Enclosed you will find two sample signatures, my own

and that of my partner Ms. Kathy Sider. Both signatures

will be required on all cheques. I also enclose a

reference from Mr. Allan Young, who banks with your

branch, and a cheque for $457.00 with a paying-in slip.

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Topic sentences can state the purpose of paragraph.

Example 2

From the moment we arrived, there were problems with

the service. First, a very unfriendly desk clerk couldn’t

find our reservation. After waiting almost half an hour, we

were led by another unfriendly clerk to our room. The

room, which had a view of the parking lot instead of the

sea, had not yet been cleaned, so we found dirty towels

on the beds and trash on the floor. This was not a

weekend we had been looking forward to.

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Topic sentences can make a claim or a judgment.

Dear Mr. Roberts,  What do you do when a terrific film clashes with a great football match on TV and you want to see one and other members of your family are determined to watch the other? You could record them for later viewing, but supposing yuou want to watch at the scheduled time? Luckily there is an answer. You rent a brand new, portable TV from TV Rentals from only $8.75 a week and your problem is solved.  (Topic sentence) You can watch what you want, wherever you want. Keep up to date with your favorite soap in the kitchen. Relax in bed with a late-night film.  (Topic sentence) Like a sleep timer in case you nod off in front of the TV. A child lock. A built-in alarm clock radio that can wake you up in three different ways in the morning…

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Class Task:

Statement and Example

•Statement of with examples that support the statement•Supporting sentences should be elaborated – give details

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Organization

• Present the point you would like to “prove.”

• Give strong supporting information and elaborate giving details.

• Organize your information using a list organizer.

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Statement (Topic Sentence)

elaboration

Support #1

Support #3

Support #2

elaboration

elaboration

Suppor

t

Ing

detai

ls

Concluding sentence

Supporting Sentences

•To make an idea clear to the reader, you must ELABORATE on it (develop it in greater detail).

▫Use facts and/or statistics—information that is proven to be true (with or without numbers).

▫Use examples—specific instances or illustrations of a general idea.

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Homework Task

•Organize your information before writing. •Type your paragraph in Word. When you finish, check your work.•Then copy and paste it into the text box on the task. Remember to click the icon changing the paragraph direction to left to right.

Read the list of developments that threaten the survival of the traditional company. Choose one and explain why it is a threat. Write a paragraph including a topic sentence and supporting sentences.

• Developments in technology• Growth in the power of consumer groups• Expansion of e-commerce• Increase in shareholder power• Financial scandals• Transfer of money and jobs to cheaper countries (foreign

outsourcing)• Weakening trade unions