Paragraph structure
I. The structure overview:
A. Topic sentence: This is the sentence that introduces the main idea or topic of
the paragraph. It should be clear and concise, and it should give the reader an
idea of what to expect in the rest of the paragraph. The topic sentence is
usually located at the beginning of the paragraph.
B. Supporting sentences: These are the sentences that provide more information
or details about the main idea or topic introduced in the topic sentence. They
should be related to the topic sentence and should help to develop and
support the main idea. Supporting sentences can include examples, facts,
statistics, or other types of evidence.
C. Concluding sentence: This is the sentence that wraps up the paragraph and
provides a sense of closure. It should summarize the main points made in the
paragraph and restate the main idea in a new way. The concluding sentence is
usually located at the end of the paragraph
Note to you ! ⭐
Struggling to come up with ideas for your next writing test? Don’t waste precious
seconds staring at a blank page! With these simple steps by Mr. Tuan, you’ll be able to
generate creative and interesting paragraphs in no time!
1. Start by identifying the main idea or topic of the paragraph.
2. Think about the main idea or topic and try to come up with one or two key
points related to it.
3. Use those key points as a starting point for generating more ideas.
4. Visualize different scenarios or examples related to the topic and try to
connect them to the main idea.
5. Come up with creative and interesting ideas that support the main idea.
6. Choose the most relevant and interesting ideas to include in your paragraph.
Question: In some countries, health experts advise that there should be taxes on unhealthy foods
(such as beverages with lots of sugar) so that it discourages people from consuming too much of
this type of food. Do you agree or disagree? Provide support from personal experience and/or
observation to support your opinion
=> Do you agree or disagree? there should be taxes on unhealthy foods
Rephrase the question in 20 seconds.
Rephrasing question:
1. In the educational system, failures can be seen as a very negative thing. Do you
think that it is important for students to experience failures in order to learn and
grow? Why or Why not?
=>
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_______________________.
2. People should only read books about real events, real people and proven facts.
Do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons for your answer.
=>
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________.
PRACTICE 1
1. Rearrange sentences below in the correct order:
a. It has made it easier for people to connect with each other from all over the world.
b. The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate.
c. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become an integral part of our daily
lives.
d. Cyberbullying and online harassment have become major issues.
e. They allow us to share our thoughts and ideas with others.
f. However, the internet also has its downsides.
g. It is important for us to use the internet responsibly and to be aware of the risks involved.
2. This time assign each sentence with their correct role:
This time assign each sentence with their correct role:
Topic sentence (TS) Supporting Sentence (SS) Concluding Sentence (CS)
How to write a topic sentence
A topic sentence is the opening sentence of a paragraph that introduces the main idea
of the paragraph and how it relates to the thesis statement of the essay. A good topic
sentence should be clear, concise, and relevant to the overall argument of the essay.
Here are some useful sentence structures for a nice topic sentence:
● Claim and reason: You can state your claim or opinion and then provide a reason
or evidence to support it.
- For example: Social media has a negative impact on mental health because
it exposes users to unrealistic expectations and constant comparison.
● Contrast and comparison: You can use contrast or comparison to show how two
or more things are similar or different in relation to your main point.
- For example: Unlike dogs, which are loyal and friendly, cats are independent
and aloof.
● Cause and effect: You can explain how one thing causes or affects another thing
in relation to your main point.
- For example: Global warming is a serious threat to biodiversity because it
alters the habitats and migration patterns of many species.
NEXT - SUPPORTING SENTENCES
Supporting sentences appear in the middle of a paragraph, following the main phrase and
preceding the conclusion sentence or transition.
They are introduced by words such as nevertheless, however, also, further, likewise,
therefore, also, still, yet, similarly, subsequently, then, first, next, finally, hence.
● Supporting sentences should provide:
- Examples
- Reasons
- or explanations to support your topic sentence.
They should also be relevant and specific to the main idea of the paragraph.
● You can use listing order transition signals such as First, Second, or Third to tell
the reader that the sentence has a main point or main idea.
- For example:
+ First of all, you can learn another language faster than studying it at
school by living in a foreign country.
+ In addition, nothing is more fun than sitting with a group of friends
around a big bonfire, talking, laughing, and singing on a clear winter
night.
+ Also, new students make friends more quickly in small colleges.
● You can also use other types of transition signals such as:
+ cause and effect (because, so, therefore)
+ comparison and contrast (however, on the other hand)
+ or time and sequence (after, before, meanwhile)
to show how your supporting sentences relate to each other and to the topic
sentence.
FINALLY - CONCLUDING SENTENCES
Step by step instructions:
● Step 1: Identify the main idea of your paragraph. This is usually the same as your
topic sentence or thesis statement.
- For example: Recycling is beneficial for the environment and the
economy.
● Step 2: Summarize the key points that support your main idea. These are usually
the supporting sentences in your paragraph.
- For example: Recycling reduces waste, saves energy, and creates jobs.
● Step 3: Choose a transition word or phrase that signals the end of your paragraph
and the summary of your main idea.
- For example: Therefore, To sum up, In conclusion, etc.
● Step 4: Write your concluding sentence by combining the transition word or
phrase, the summary of your main idea, and a final comment or implication.
- For example: Therefore, recycling is not only good for the environment, but
also for the economy.
