8

English
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Effective Paragraph Writing
English – 8
Quarter 4 – Module 4: Effective Paragraph Writing
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

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English
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Effective Paragraph Writing
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the English Grade 8 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on
Effective Paragraph Writing.
The activities in this module are arranged sequentially to help the learners
understand the topic and develop the desired skill or learning competency.
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning.
Remind the learner that if there are things he/she doesn’t understand, he/she
must not hesitate to call for your help and assistance.

For the learner:

Welcome to the English Grade 8 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on
Effective Paragraph Writing.
The activities in this module are arranged sequentially to help you understand
the topic and develop the desired skill or learning competency.
As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own learning. Take
time to read, understand, and perform the different activities in the module. If there
are things you don’t understand, do not hesitate to call your facilitator / teacher for
assistance.
The following are some reminders in using this module:
1. Use the module with care. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Do not forget to answer Let us Try before moving on to the other activities
in the module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.
We hope that you will find meaningful learning as you go through the different
activities in this module.

Let Us Learn

Good day, learner! This module will make you appreciate more the beauty and
the essence of writing a paragraph by knowing more its parts and different features.
Writing an effective paragraph is very necessary in this regard since it provides a
structure for bringing together your ideas in a comprehensible order. Paragraph
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writing will allow you to move from one idea to another that can support to prove
your claim.
In this lesson, you will encounter series of engaging activities that will surely
aid you achieve on how to compose effective paragraphs.
Have fun and enjoy writing!

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Define paragraph and its parts and qualities;

2. Identify the topic sentence, the supporting details, and the concluding
sentence;
3. Analyze the paragraph if it has coherence, unity, and emphasis; and 4.
Compose an effective paragraph by writing an informative essay on
“Appreciating the Significance of Effective Writing”.

Let Us Try

Activity 1 Think, Rethink Tralse

DIRECTIONS: Read the set of statements found in the left column in the table below.
Respond to each statement, if it is TRUE or FALSE, by placing a check mark in the
answer box.

Statements True False

1. A paragraph is a group of words that expresses a complete

idea.
2. An effective paragraph is one which contains only a topic
sentence.
3. The basic function of a paragraph is to entertain the reader.

4. Unity is the least important characteristic of a good

paragraph.
5. Paragraph should be concerned with one and only a single
idea.
6. Within every paragraph, the sentence should be arranged and
linked in such a manner that the readers can easily follow
the thought.
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7. Another important characteristic of a paragraph is emphasis

that highlights the most significant thoughts or ideas in your
paragraphs.
8. Supporting sentence is the sentence that sums up the entire
paragraph.
 9. A paragraph should be coherent in such a way that the
writer’s thoughts or ideas are stated in a clear and logical
manner.
10. Concluding sentence is the sentence that explains the main
idea of the topic sentence.

I bet you are done with the activity. How was it? Good work!
I hope the first activity stimulated your knowledge in your previous lesson which is
about paragraphs. Oh great!
You just started your journey in writing effective paragraph. So, no worries, the
rest of this module will show you the guidelines on how to compose an effective
paragraph.

Let Us Study

Activity 2 Here’s the Scoop

Directions: State your observations about the COVID-19 in the Philippines. Fill in
the image below with word/s from the word pool.

A. Word Pool

pandemic amazing social-distance helpful

quarantine blessed contagious virus

faith pray contact tracing worry trust

wash hands hygiene alcohol heal

spread stop death hope life

isolate grieve hopeless believe

WHO(World Health Organization) vaccine chance

realization responsible facemask face shield

challenge lockdown

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Given Topic: The Outbreak of Covid-19

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 4

4.What is your
conclusion
about the
4.
topic?

3.

1-3. What can

you say about
the topic or
your 2.
observations?

1.

The Outbreak of COVID-19

Did you fill in all the ice cream scoops and the cherry on top? Well done! This time you
will answer the chart below based on the words you used in the previous activity. Have
fun!

B. Fill in the graphic organizer using the words above. Each word shall be used
in a sentence in relation to your given topic.
 1-3. What can you say about the topic or your observations?

1. 2. 3.

4.What is your conclusion about the topic?

4.

Are you pleased with the words you used? Do these words fit your thoughts
about Covid-19? Excellent! Your concepts in this activity will be very helpful in writing
an effective paragraph.

C. Write a complete paragraph using the topic sentence, the supporting details,
and the concluding sentence you wrote above.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

How was it? Were you able to express your thoughts successfully by following the
structure? Fantastic! The activities presented above is the best approach on how to
compose a paragraph. Let me refresh your idea about paragraphs.

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 A paragraph is the main unit of organization. Its fundamental role is to
present an idea. An effective paragraph is on which contains a topic sentence,
supporting details and a concluding sentence (Pascasio, et al. 1997). A paragraph
must have the following elements: unity, coherence, and emphasis. The parts of the
paragraph ought to join in stressing what is important.
 A topic sentence expresses to the reader the main idea of the paragraph. Normally,
the topic sentence is found at or near the beginning of a paragraph but not all the
time. The topic sentence also prepares the reader on what to expect with the content
of the paragraph.
Look at the example below.
Example 1: My best holiday was in Paris, France two years ago.

(The topic is the writer’s trip to France.)

Example 2: She has a wonderful family.

(The topic is the girl’s family.)

A paragraph is the main unit of organization. Its fundamental role is to present
an idea. An effective paragraph is on which contains a topic sentence, supporting
details and a concluding sentence (Pascasio, et al. 1997). A paragraph must have the
following elements: unity, coherence, and emphasis. The parts of the paragraph
ought to join in stressing what is important.
A topic sentence expresses to the reader the main idea of the paragraph. Normally,
the topic sentence is found at or near the beginning of a paragraph but not all the
time. The topic sentence also prepares the reader on what to expect with the content
of the paragraph.
See the example below:
Example 1: It was an amazing holiday!

(This concludes the paragraph about the writer’s best holiday.)

Example 2: She loves her family more than anything in the world.

(This concludes the paragraph about the girl’s family)

I hope you learned something important today. We will learn further about
paragraph and its parts and features as we go through with your module.

Activity 3 Scrutinize Me
Directions: Read the narrative paragraph below about the sport, running. Complete the graphic
organizer to note important details about the given paragraph.

There are three reasons why I prefer running from the rest of the sports. The first reason,
it is a low-cost sport that it is easily accessible. Second, it is a great way to improve
cardiovascular health and relieve stress. Finally, I prefer this sport because it is safe. It
isn’t as dangerous as other sports like racing or gymnastics. For these reasons, I consider
running as the best sport of all.

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 What is the
What are the 1.
Topic
Supporting
details?

2. 3. 4.

What is the
5. concluding
sentence?

In the previous discussion, the three essential parts of the paragraph were
introduced. Now, to better understand about paragraph and to become more a good
stead as an emerging writer, take a look at the the Hamburger Model below and
acquaint yourself with the different types or ways to construct a topic sentence and
supporting details.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/emages?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPQOYSODHEK-
LVIMyYdpSVa6s1AWIwC7s8NJAahPqTZINfzzcWu6W4&s=10
Types of Topic Sentence
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 It tells the reader precisely what the paragraph will be
1. List Statements about by listing three or more ideas.

e.g., The best books I read so far include Lord of the

Rings, Horry Potter, and the Alchemist.
2. Power Number This type of topic sentence does not tell the reader each
Statements of the ideas or details but uses number words (few,
many, several, several…) to present the general topic.

e.g., There are several things you can do to become a

better writer.
3. Two Nouns and Two nouns and two commas; always start with a noun
Two Commas (a person, place, or thing), describes it, and then makes
a statement about it (an appositive). The description
part of the sentence is surrounded by commas (one
before the description, and one after it).

e.g., Roald Amundsen, an explorer, was the first to find

the northwest passage.
4. Occasion This type of topic sentence starts with an occasion (a
Position dependent clause) and uses words like when,
whenever, although, even though, and it ends with the
writer’s position on the topic (an independent clause).

e.g., Whenever we celebrate the holidays, we always

include some special traditions.
5. Get their This topic sentence tries to grab the reader’s attention
Attention by making a statement that is thought-provoking,
controversial, or interesting.

e.g., The Italian Deli serves the pastrami sandwiches in

the country.
https://the-teacher-next-door.com/teaching-paragraph-writing -topic-sentences/

Supporting Details support your main ideas.

These details allow the writer to thoroughly
and comprehensively explain and provide
examples to confirm and establish your ideas.

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 Without the supporting
details, your paragraph
would be like a skeleton,
in need of some meat on
its bones.

https://the -teacher-next-door.com/teaching-paragraph-writing-color-coding-and-out/

For sure you have clearly understood now what a paragraph is. As mentioned
previously, a well-written paragraph has coherence, unity, and emphasis or (CUE).
These qualities should be always present in your paragraph.
Qualities of a Good Paragraph

Coherence literally means “to stick together.” Within every

paragraph, the sentence should be organized and linked in such a
manner that the readers can easily follow the train of thought.

Use transition words or phrases between sentences and

between paragraphs. Transitional expressions highlight the
relationships between ideas, so they help readers follow your path of
thought or see connections that they might otherwise miss or
misunderstand.
 Coherence

See the example paragraph below:

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 I don’t wish to deny that the flattened, minuscule head of the
large bodied “Stegosaurus” houses little brain from our
subjective, top-heavy perspective, but I do wish to assert that we
should not expect more of the beast. First of all , large
animals have relatively smaller brains than related, small
animals. The correlation of brain size with body size among
kindred animals (all reptiles, all mammals, for example ) is
remarkably regular. As we move from small to large animals,
from mice to elephants or small lizards to

Komodo dragons, the brain size increases, but not so fast

as body size. In other words, bodies grow faster than brains,

and large animals have low ratios of brain weight. In fact,

brains grow only about two-thirds as fast as bodies. Since

we have no reason to believe that large animals are

consistently stupider than the smaller relatives, we must

conclude that large animals require relatively less brain to do
as well as smaller animals. If we do not recognize the
relationship, we are likely to underestimate the mental power
of every large animal, dinosaurs in particular.

-Were Dinosaurs Dumb?, Stephen Jay Gould

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 Unity is a very important quality of an effective paragraph. A
paragraph must not only be complete in its development but also
unified in its structure, meaning one paragraph is about ONLY ONE
main topic. That is, all the parts of a paragraph - the topic sentence,
supporting sentence and sometimes concluding sentence- are all
stating the reader ONE main idea or topic.

 Unity
Read the following paragraph:

1Melissa has chosen five possible future careers. 2First, she wants
to become a journalist for an English Glimpse
3Her friends at campus plan to do much more magazine.
challenging job, anyway. 4Second, she might become a dress
designer. 5Finally, she possibly be a tourist guide.

This paragraph does not totally clarify what it must explain since
the paragraph does not state the five choices which the topic
sentence says.
Moreover, sentence number (3): “Her friends at campus plan to do
much more challenging job, anyway.” is irrelevant or not related to
the main topic. The 3rd sentence does not give/add beneficial
information in developing the topic sentence.

Emphasis is that principle of composition by means of which

important ideas are made to stand. Nordqvist (2013) defines it as “the
placement of words and ideas in key positions in a text to give them
special weight and importance”. Emphasis can also be reached by
 Emphasis the repetition of words and phrases.

“This great nation will endure as it has endured, will survive and will
prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm
belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…

For sure, you have refreshed your knowledge about an effective paragraph, its parts
and qualities. I’m sure you are now prepared to answer another set of activities that
would harness your comprehension about the topic. Have fun!

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 Let Us Practice Activity 4 Parts and Parcel
Directions: Read the paragraphs below. Then, supply the answers to the questions found
in the given table.

Although he is not expected to come up to adult standards, and the family is

still tolerant and indulgent in many ways; the child learns that there are areas
of development that the family emphasizes over the other.
Before he is three years old, he is spared from fulfilling many tasks which older
siblings are not spared of. Now he begins to sense that his family is
starting to expect more from him. For instance, he is no longer cajoled to
perform for friends and relatives but is punished when he disobeys. He is also
asked to run errands for his older siblings. Sometime then, at about
three years of age, the Filipino child becomes aware of authority over him
and what is expected of him.
Carmen Enrile Santiago
From “Growing Up Filipino”
in Filipino Heritage, Vol. 3 (1977)

A. What is B. What is C. What are the D. What is E. Do you think the

the main the topic supporting the paragraph has
sentence?
idea of the details? concluding coherence, unity,
paragraph? sentence? emphasis? Explain.

The one day I spent in Morocco, Africa, was an experience of a lifetime.

When I finally reached Morocco and got off the bus, there were four little girls
standing shoeless in the hot sun. After I swallowed my tears, I could not even try
to picture this in America as it is not something you often see in the U.S.
Meanwhile my tourist guide instructed me not to give them money as it
encouraged the children
to beg; however, I was wearing four silver bracelets. As I walked over to the girls,
their eyes watched my every move. Then I kneeled to their level while I gave each girl a
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bracelet. They stood there gleaming at me, for they were pleased. I felt completely in
disbelief that this tiny gesture could mean so much. Though this experience was
upsetting, and a huge culture shock, it will stay with me forever.

-Kayla Marie Anfinson, 2005

A. What is B. What is C. What are the D. What is E. Do you think

the main the topic supporting the the paragraph has
sentence?
idea of the details? concluding coherence, unity,
paragraph? sentence? emphasis?
Explain.

Let Us Practice More

Activity 5 Hamburger Writing

Directions: Compose a paragraph about “Your Memorable Experiences in this Tough
Times” using the Hamburger Paragraph model.
H

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 https://www.google.com/search?q=hamburger+writing+templates&oq=hamburger+writing+model+&aqs=chrom
e.3.69i57j0i22i30I4.10528j0j4&client=ms-android-samsung-gi-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-
8#imgrc=nZ6gfyjRQzpXCM

Well done! I am sure you are now ready to make a paragraph without the help of
the hamburger model. Good luck!

B. Directions: Compose a paragraph about “Social Media in this difficult Times.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Rubrics for Paragraph Writing

Criteria 4 3 2 1

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 Topic Interesting, Clearly stated Acceptable Missing,
sentence Original topic topic sentence topic invalid, or
sentence, reflecting presents one sentence inappropriate
thought and main idea. presents one topic sentence;
insight; focused on main idea. main idea is
one interesting missing.
main idea.

Supporting Interesting, Examples Sufficient Insufficient,

Details concrete, and and details number of vague, or
descriptive relate to the examples undeveloped
examples and topic and and details example.
details with some that relate to
explanations that explanation is the topic.
relates to the topic. included.

Organizing Thoughtful, logical Details Acceptable No discernible

and progression of are arrangement pattern of
Transitions supporting arranged in a of examples; organization;
examples; Mature logical transitions Unrelated
transitions between progression; may be details; no
ideas. appropriate weak. transitions.
transitions.
Style Appropriate tone, Appropriate Acceptable Inconsistent or
distinctive voice; tone; Clear tone; some inappropriate
pleasing variety in sentences variety in tone; awkward,
sentence structure; with varied sentence unclear, or
vivid diction, structures structures; incomplete
precise word effective adequate sentences;
choices. diction. diction and Bland diction,
word poor word
choices. choices.
Mechanics Consistent Some errors, A few errors Distracting
standard English but in usage, errors in usage,
usage, spelling, and nonmajor, in spelling, or spelling, or
punctuation. No usage, punctuation. punctuation.
errors. spelling, (3-4)
or
punctuation.
(1-2)
https://www/mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/RubricParagraphAssignment.html

Let Us Remember

Finally, you have grasped the gist of the entire topic. You can now change your initial
answers from the previous activity.

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Activity 6 Think, Re-think Tralse
DIRECTIONS: Read the set of statements found in the left column in the table below.
Respond to each statement, if it is TRUE or FALSE, by placing a check mark in the
answer box. If your answer is FALSE, expound your answer to prove your point on
the box provided.

Statements True False Expound

1. A paragraph is a group of words that

expresses a complete idea.
2. An effective paragraph is one which contains
only a topic sentence.
3. The basic function of a paragraph is to
entertain the reader.
4. Unity is the least important characteristic of
a good paragraph.
5. Paragraph should be concerned with one
and only a single idea.
6. Within every paragraph, the sentence
should be arranged and linked in such a
manner that the readers can easily follow
the thought.
7. Another important characteristic of a
paragraph is emphasis that highlights the
most significant thoughts or ideas in your
paragraphs.
8. Supporting sentence is the sentence that
sums up the entire paragraph.
9. A paragraph should be coherent in such a
way that the writer’s thoughts or ideas are
stated in a clear and logical manner.
10. Concluding sentence is the sentence that
explains the main idea of the topic sentence.

Let Us Assess

Activity 7 Easy Essay

Directions: Write an informative essay on “Appreciating the significance of Effective
Paragraph Writing”. You may create your own title.

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Criteria 4 3 2 1

Content The content is The content is The content is The content is

relevant to the relevant to the somehow not relevant to
topic and the topic. relevant to the the topic.
ideas are topic.
presented
coherently.

Style Includes a Includes a Includes The piece is

variety of variety of some limited words missing good
strong words words and and phrases word choices
and phrases phrases to to appeal to the and phrases
to appeal to appeal to the audience. to appeal to
the audience. audience. the audience.

Writing The output is The output has The output The output
Mechanics/ free of spelling one or two has 3 or more has a lot of
Grammar and errors in errors in errors in
punctuation spelling and spelling and spelling and
error. punctuation. punctuation. punctuation.

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 Organization The output is The output is The output is The sentences
organized and organized. organized but are
there is somewhat off inconsistent
effective use of to the topic. to the topic.
cohesive
devices.

Penmanship The The The The

penmanship is penmanship is penmanship is penmanship is
legible and legible. someho not legible.
neat. w legible.

Let Us Enhance

In a separate sheet of paper, you are encouraged to compose a

paragraph using your knowledge about effective paragraph
writing. Choose one from the given possible topics.
Possible Topics:
1. Learning at Home during Pandemic
2. Health is Wealth
3. Pandemic
4. Mother Earth

Let Us Reflect

Learning effective writing is very significant for our everyday lives. It

helps us in many ways especially in communication. But what can we really
appreciate in writing is that what we can’t express in words is easily expressed
through writing. Thus, we must always teach ourselves not just how to write
but how to write effectively.

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 References

Nerissa C. Gabelo, et al, Pathways to Effective Communication in English. (105

Engineering Road, Araneta University Village, Potrero, Malabon City:
Mutya Publishing House Inc. 2013), 169-183

Erlinda G. Tejero, Doorways to English Language Proficiency: A Self-Improvement

Program. (125 Pioneer Street Mandaluyong City1550: Cacho Hermanos,
Inc. 2008), 97-103

Apolinario S. Saymo, Effective Writing. (Trinitas Complex, Pantoc Road Pantoc,

Meycauayan 3020 Bulacan: Trinitas Publishing Inc. 2004) 52-61

Singh, E. (2021). Write a Paragraph on Covid-19 pandemic in 150 words. Retrieved

January 25, 2020 from https://www.carrer360.com/question-write-
aparagraph-on-covid-19-pandemic-in-150-words

Sentence and Paragraph Writing: Basic Skills to Improve Writing. PDF file. Retrieved
January 26, 2021. teflbootcamp.com>Sentence

Writing Good Paragraphs. PDF file. Retrieved January 26, 2021.

https://www.google.com/search?q=www.englishbooks.jp+%E2%80%BA+
catalogPDF+Writing+Good+Paragraphs++englishbooks.jp&oq=www.englis
hbook.jp++enlishbooks.jp&aqs=chrome.-android-samsing-
gjrev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile7ie+UTF-8

No Name. No Date. Examples of Paragraph. Retrieved January 26, 2021 from

https://sites.google.com/site/plugga24se/writing/examples-
ofparagraphs

https://www/mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/RubricParagraphAssignment.html
https://encrypted-
tbn0.gstatic.com/emages?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPQOYSODHEKLVIMyYdpSVa6
s1AWIwC7s8NJAahPqTZINfzzcWu6W4&s=10

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Davao City Division

Elpidio Quirino Ave., Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Telefax: (082) 224-3274, (082) 222-1672

E-mail Address: davao.city@deped.gov.ph

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