THE

PARAGRAPH
Presentation By Marisol Domínguez Duarte

MS
 MS

Today’s Presentation

Discussion Points

 The paragraph
 Topic Sentence
 Supporting sentence
 Concluding sentences
 Characteristics of a paragraph
 Example of paragraph
 The paragraph:

A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized

and coherent and are all related to a single topic.

M¿MS
 Cohesion:
A paragraph

contain: Refers to connectivity in a text.

should

Coherence:
Refers to how easy it is to
understand the writing.
Before writing a paragraph.

1. On what topic am I supposed to be writing?

2. What do I know about this topic already?

3. If I don’t know how to respond to this assignment, where can I go to

find some answers?

4. What does this assignment mean to me? How do I relate to it?

 Parts of a Paragraph:
C
TS SS
S

Supportin Concludin
Topic
g g
Sentence
Sentence Sentence
 Topic Characteristics
Sentence:
Purposes
1. The most important sentence.

2. Clearly states the subject.

3. The first sentence. Examples

 Make it clear Be emphatic

Specific language and Within persuasive

avoids the use of vague,
empty words.
Keep it concise
A tightly written topic
sentence succinctly
conveys its message.
paragraphs, effective topic
sentences strongly indicate
Do not boring
the writer's position.
Including interesting or
surprising facts within the
topic sentence can spark Use active voice
readers' interest. That active voice, as
opposed to passive voice, is
more direct and forceful.
"Blueberries are good for you" is a weak topic sentence that
says very little.

"Blueberries provide essential nutrients" clarifies what makes

blueberries good for you and lets the reader know that those
essential nutrients will be explored in further detail.

- Gives readers a preview of the information that follows.

- It needs to include a clear, controlling idea that the rest of
your paper will support with evidence and examples.
"Boston is a cosmopolitan city“.

"Boston is a city with people from many parts of

the world“.

- It uses fewer words to express the same

meaning.
"Individuals should consider decreasing their sugar
consumption since it could lead to health problems“.

Conversely, "Individuals should limit their sugar

consumption to avoid health complications“.

- Expressing the health risks associated with sugar

consumption.
- To check if your sentence uses active voice rather than
passive, make sure that the subject of the sentence
performs the action.
 1. Alert the reader to the topic or
‘main point’ of the paragraph.

Purposes: 2. Signify how the writer

approach the topic or main point
will

of the paragraph.
Topic Sentence: Dogs make Topic Sentence: Crime in Topic Sentence: Teen
wonderful pets because they poverty-stricken areas occurs pregnancy may be prevented
help you to live longer. as a result of a systemic by improved education.
discrimination.

The topic is "dogs make The topic is "crime in poverty- The topic is "teen pregnancy
wonderful pets" and the stricken areas" and the may be prevented" and the
controlling idea is "because controlling idea is "systemic controlling idea is "improved
they help you to live longer." discrimination." education."
Supportin 1. Contains facts, statements, examples-specifics which

g guide us to a full understanding of the main idea.

Sentence 2. They clarify, illuminate, explain, describe, expand

and illustrate the main idea.

Types

Useful
Example
Transitions
 Comparisons
Example: Skilled college
students are like the
unskilled students in their
desire for a diploma.
Contrasts
Example: Skilled students
are different from
unskilled students in that
they use a method to read
a textbook.
Graphs
Example: Figure 9-1 is one
type of graph.
Statistics
Example: 75 percent of
the students who do not
attend class regularly
receive grades of C or Vivid descriptions
worse. Example: The students
took the exam from the
professor’s hand, quickly
looked at the grade, gave
a sigh of relief and began
to smile.
To show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first
(second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place,
moreover, next, too.

To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to
illustrate.

To compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly.

To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even
though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary,
on the other hand, still, though, yet.
To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in
short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up.

To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before,
during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next,
since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while.

To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere,

farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.).

To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because,

consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then,
therefore, thus.
“Recent studies that compare student test scores show that children who are exposed to

structured learning activities outside the home environment are better able to adapt to

formalized instruction in grades kindergarten through third grade than children who remain

at home. (3) This is particularly true among children from low-income families and children

whose parents have a limited proficiency in English. (4) Children living in states that do not

provide early childhood programs, on the other hand, lag behind their peers”.
 Concluding Purposes
Sentence:
Characteristics
1. The last section of your paper.

2. A summary of the topic sentence

and the body. Example
 1. It restates the main idea or topic
sentence of the paper.

Purposes:
2. Draw a conclusion using the
information in the body.

3. States your stance or opinion on the

subject matter.

In summary. In short. In any event.

Therefore. In other words. All in all.
In brief.
 Narrative:
State and emphasize the
moral lesson.

Compare and contrast: Argumentative:

Summarize the differences Papers: reiterate the main
or similarities presented. argument.

Descriptive:

Provide a summary of the

info given.
Argumentative: “The primary cause of Anorexia Nervosa
is role modeling; young girls get attracted by how
celebrities look. To prevent the expansion of such
problem, it is necessary to limit access to social media”.
 Characteristics of a Paragraph

Unity Content Binding

Order Length Coherence Opening
Sentences
 Example of a
Paragraph:

M¿MS
 Example:
There are three reasons why I prefer jogging to other sports. One reason is
that jogging is a cheap sport. I can practice it anywhere at any time with no
need for a ball or any other equipment. Another reason why I prefer jogging
is that it is friendly to my heart. I don’t have to exhaust myself or do excessive
efforts while jogging. Finally, I prefer this sport because it is safe. It isn’t as
risky as other sports. For all these reasons, I consider jogging the best sport of
all.
M¿MS