Paragraph Writing

To write a good paragraph, you should include three main elements. They are a topic sentence, supporting
sentences, and a concluding sentence. A paragraph should have at least 4 lines and no more than 10.

Sample paragraph about the importance of the Internet.

NOTE: in an essay the three supporting sentences should not only be mentioned, but developed in
individual paragraphs, after the introduction paragraph.
 The Internet has become really important for three main reasons. First, it enables people to access more
information than ever before. That is, people can read books, newspapers, or magazines online and for
free. Second, thanks to the Internet, people can communicate with others in every part of the world via
social networking websites like Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Twitter, Skype, Viber, Snapchat,
LinkedIn, Reddit, etc. Third, the Internet is a perfect tool to study and get certificates from well-known
top universities. In other words, now more than ever, anyone can do free online courses in a variety of
subjects. To conclude, the Internet is, beyond doubt, an essential and valuable tool nowadays.
 The topic sentence: The Internet has become really important for three main reasons.
 The supporting sentences: All the ideas used to support the topic sentence. (What comes between
the topic sentence and the concluding sentence)
 The concluding sentence: To conclude, the Internet is, beyond doubt, an essential and valuable tool
nowadays.
TOPIC SENTENCE
A topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of the paragraph and tells the reader what the rest of your
text is all about. The sentences that follow the topic sentence must relate and support the claim, main
point, opinion or position made in the topic sentence. 
For example:
 Topic Sentence: "Pets are important to many people because they can improve the overall health
of the pet owner." 
- Topic: "Pets"
- Claim: "Improve the overall health of the pet owner."
 Topic Sentence: "Coding requires a number of different skills."
- Topic: "Coding"
- Claim: "Requires a number of different skills."
 Topic Sentence: "There are many reasons why housing in Singapore is the best in the world." 
- Topic: “Housing in Singapore”
- Claim: "Housing in Singapore is the best in the world."
 Topic Sentence: "Drama class requires students to be collaborative and willing to take risks."
- Topic: "Drama class"
 - Claim: "Drama class requires students to be collaborative and willing to take risks." 
key qualities of a topic sentence:
 Brevity.
 Precision.
 Clarity.
 Should not be too general or too specific.
 Should not include details.
You must avoid:
 Using facts as your topic sentences. This must introduce your opinion or point,
 Talking only about the effect.
 Writing boring and plain phrases to introduce your topic.
Good Vs. Bad Topic Sentences
Bad: Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809.
It tells the reader very little about what you are going to say. It is not making a real point.
Good: Abraham Lincoln, born in 1809, was one of the most influential politicians in history.
With this topic sentence, you are making a strong point, which you will ideally support with plenty of
facts and good information. The reader also knows what to expect when you use this kind of statement.
Bad: I am going to discuss the Battle of Gettysburg.
While you are telling the reader what the topic is, you are still speaking in very broad terms with this kind
of statement.
Good: The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in 1863, was the turning point in the Civil War.
You are making a strong point with this kind of statement and narrowing down what you are going to talk
about. In this case, you are discussing why the Battle of Gettysburg was such an important battle.
Good topic sentences’ examples:
 Education is important in lowering crime rates.
This topic sentence introduces the point – that education is important – and tells the reader why that point
is important.
 To become a better athlete, you must learn a number of different skills.
This topic sentence is effective because it is easy to see why the topic is important. In addition, the reader
can tell what will follow the statement – a discussion of the skills needed to be a better athlete.

Other examples of good topic sentences:

Narrative topic sentences
 It was the moment when I found it, I realized must be a real treasure.
 We all thought we’d seen the worst that nature had to offer, but we were wrong according to the
final night of our adventure.
Argumentative topic sentences
 One of the most important strategies that all companies must implement to protect ships from
pirates is to provide armed security.
 The main reason why Romeo and Juliette should be considered the best romantic story is its plot.
What are good compare and contrast topic sentences?
 Dead Men Tell No Tales is very similar to Pirates of the Caribbean because of its cast.
 Irish drinking songs can easily compare to many sea chants of pirates.
Other examples:
 Abraham Lincoln is one of the most powerful and influential politicians of all times.
 Education plays a huge role in lowering crime rates.
 To be a good athlete, you need to master a set of different skills.
 I’ve never thought about becoming a police officer until my uncle fell a victim of a violent crime.
 Dogs are amazing pets as they help their owners live longer.
 Having the first baby is a tough experience due to major life adjustments.