Paragraphs Structure.

What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of related
sentences that discuss one (and
usually only one) main idea.
A
paragraph can be as short as one
sentence or as long as ten sentences;
however, the paragraph should be long
enough to develop the main idea
clearly.
In academic writing you often write a paragraph to answer a question,
and it may also be part of a longer piece of writing such as an essay or
a book.
We mark a paragraph by indenting the first word about 1.30
centimeters (a tab on a typewriter or computer) from left margin.

The Three Parts of a Paragraph

All paragraphs have

Topic sentence

Supporting sentence

Concluding sentence

The first Part of a Paragraph

The Topic Sentence

What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a
paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph.
Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be
about.

In short
The topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph.
It does not only name the topic of a paragraph, but it
also limits the topic to one specific idea that can be
discussed completely in the space of a single
paragraph. The part of the topic sentence that
announces the specific area to be discussed is called
the controlling idea.
Lets see and example:
Topic
Gold, a precious
characteristics.

metal,

is

prized

for

two

important

Controlling Idea

The topic sentence in a

paragraph!
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. And third, 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.

The Second Part of a Paragraph

The Supporting 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.

In short
The supporting sentences develop the topic sentence. That is,
they explain or prove the topic sentence by giving more
information about it. The following example shows how the
topic is developed by using supporting sentences.
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 welltrained teachers and are encouraged to continue
studying at university. And third, 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.

The Third Part of a Paragraph

The Closing 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.

In short
The concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and
leaves the reader with important points to remember.
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. And
third, 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.

Writing Paragraphs

Introduction
(topic sentence)
Body
(supporting sentences)

What is the writing stage?

Conclusion

The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.
Five Writing Steps:
1. Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing
sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to
express your ideas.

Reference

Oshima, A., Hogue A. (2006). Writing Academic

English. White Plains, NY. Pearson Education, Inc.
Fourth Edition.