Department of Education

Region III
DIVISION OF MABALACAT CITY

Name: ____________________________ Grade & Section: ___________

School: _________________________________ Date: ________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

ENGLISH 8 (Q4-Wk 4)
Compose Effective Paragraphs

I. Introduction
In writing, paragraphs provide a structure to organize the ideas of the
writer in a logical order. It can help the reader to understand the writer’s
thoughts of a certain topic (University of Newcastle, Australia).

In these learning activity sheets, you will learn how to write an

effective paragraph by studying its definition, parts and elements of its
effectiveness.

II. Learning Competency

Compose Effective Paragraphs (EN8WC-11a-2.8)

III. Objectives
After going through the learning activity sheets, you are expected to:
1. identify the parts of the paragraph;
2. decide which supporting idea is appropriate for the topic
sentence; and
3. Compose an effective paragraph.

IV. Discussions
What is a Paragraph?
- It is defined as a subdivision of a written composition that consists
of one or more sentences.
- It is a complete short composition or note.
- It is a group of sentences discussing one topic with the purpose of
informing, giving an opinion, stating facts or explaining.
-

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 Parts of the Paragraph
In composing/constructing paragraphs, a writer must know first
the parts:

1. Topic Sentence – It states the main idea of the paragraph.

Features of a topic sentence:
a. It states the main idea: it addresses one aspect of the subject that
can be covered in one paragraph.
b. It controls other sentences in the paragraph
c. It is more general than the other sentences within the paragraph.

Positions of a topic sentence:

a. Beginning
Example:
The different distance modalities are the options of the
Department of Education to continue serving the learners during this
time of Pandemic where face-to-face classes are not allowed. Modular
Distance Learning is when a learner receives a copy of the module
and has a self-paced learning while Online Distance Learning is when
a learner is attending classes online using different platforms to have
live interaction with their teachers and classmates.
*The underlined statement of the given paragraph above is an example of a
topic sentence that is written at the beginning of the paragraph. Here, the
reader already knows what to expect in the whole text. The writer already
gave an idea of what he or she wants to discuss.

b. Middle
Example:
Google meet, Google classroom, Zoom meeting and other
virtual platforms are some of the tools that the learners and teachers
use for the online distance modality. On the other hand, the parents
are the ones who visit the school to receive the modules that are being
distributed by the advisers. These are the ways and means of
different distance learning modality. In this manner, the learner
would be able to reach out to their teachers not only to comply with
the activities of the lessons that are being offered but to gain
knowledge and continue their education despite the pandemic that is
going on.

*The underlined statement is the topic sentence of the paragraph. The writer
may place the topic sentence in the middle of the paragraph.

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 c. End
Example:
The learner would not be able to connect on the Synchronous
Online Classes due to slow internet connection. Bad weather can be a
hindrance with the parent or guardian and won’t be able to get or
retrieve the modules. Aside from that, the event of not being in the
school physically may lead to pressure and stress among the learners.
On the other hand, the learning process may continue at the comfort
of their homes. They will save more money with their daily allowance
instead of spending it with the commuting fee and snacks outside.
The given situations are some of the advantages and disadvantages of
doing distance learning during the pandemic.

*The underlined statement is the topic sentence of the paragraph. The writer
can place the topic sentence in the last part of the paragraph.

2. Body of the Paragraph – It is composed of the supporting sentences

that develop the main point. This is the part wherein the main topic is
discussed further by adding details.

Three-step process to identify supporting details

Step 1: Identify the topic
Step 2: Identify what the author is saying about the topic
Step 3: Identify the details that support or explain the main idea.

Example:
There are so many ways on how to survive the distance learning
modality setup. Whether it may be online or modular, a learner can
continue his or her education at home. First, he or she may create a
space in the house intended only for studying. Second, the learner
can create their own schedule to keep on track with the things to do
within the day. Third is to eat a healthy and balanced meal so that
the body will produce enough energy needed for studying. And lastly,
never forget to meditate to clear up all the unnecessary thoughts that
may hinder the learning process. These ways could help the learner to
sustain the learning process even at their own homes.

*The underlined set of sentences are the body of the paragraph. It gives the
readers specific details to make the topic clear and understandable.

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 3. Conclusion – it is a reasoned judgment. It is written in the last part of
the paragraph.
Example:
There are so many ways on how to survive the distance learning
modality setup. Whether it may be online or modular, a learner can
continue his or her education at home. First, he or she may create a
space in the house intended only for studying. Second, the learner
can create their own schedule to keep on track with the things to do
within the day. Third is to eat a healthy and balanced meal so that
the body will produce enough energy needed for studying. And lastly,
never forget to meditate to clear up all the unnecessary thoughts that
may hinder the learning process. These ways could help the learner to
sustain the learning process even at their own homes.

*Using the same example, the underlined statement on the last part of the
paragraph is the conclusion.

Elements of an Effective Paragraph

1. It has a clear topic sentence.
2. It has unity in each sentence within the paragraph.
3. It has sufficient development.
4. It has coherence.

V. Activities
Activity #1:
Identify the underlined parts of the paragraph. Write your answers on the
blank provided.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a

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newly discovered coronavirus. Most people are infected with the COVID-19

virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover

without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying
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medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory

disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

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 The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well
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informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it

spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing hands or

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using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touch your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or

discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s

important that you also practice respiratory etiquette. 5

Write your answers here:

1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
4. _____________________________________
5. _____________________________________

Activity #2:
Each outline below contains at least one unrelated idea. Read the sentences
or supporting ideas section of the outlines, and decide which ones do not
support the topic sentence. BOX the statement that has an unrelated idea.

1. Topic Sentence: My favorite food is pizza.

Supporting Ideas:
1. I love the crunchy crust and the melted mozzarella cheese.
2. The best thing I like to drink with it is a giant glass of soda.
3. It’s good either as a snack or as a main course.
4. My brother only likes pizza with anchovies and artichokes on it.

2. Topic Sentence: My most boring class is Math.

Supporting Ideas:
1. The work is too easy, and it doesn’t challenge me.
2. All we ever do is work, work, and more work!
3. I never have a free minute to myself
4. The teacher talks in a monotone that puts me to sleep.
5. The teacher tells the same jokes day after day.

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 6. Everything is in slow motion; attendance often takes up half
the time.
7. The teacher always picks on me.

3. Topic Sentence: This classroom is a mess.

Supporting Ideas:
1. In fact, the whole school is a mess!
2. dictionaries and papers on the floor
3. rows of desks out of order
4. writing on the desk tops
5. gum stuck on hall lockers
6. I keep my locker clean!

4. Topic Sentence: Bowling is the perfect sport.

Supporting Ideas
1. It develops coordination.
2. I always make it a point to be a member of a bowling team.
3. Bowling helps exercise a large number of muscles.
4. It provides a chance to interact with other team members.
5. It can be played indoors at any hour, during any type of weather

5. Topic Sentence: Sunset is the time of day when our sky meets the
outer space solar winds.
Supporting Ideas:
1. There are blue, pink, and purple swirls, spinning and twisting, like
clouds of balloons caught in a whirlwind.
2. The sun moves slowly to hide behind the line of horizon, while the
moon races to take its place in prominence atop the night sky.
3. People slow to a crawl, entranced, fully forgetting the deeds that
must still be done.
4. There is a coolness, a calmness, when the sun does set.
5. The sun is a part of the solar system.

Activity #3:
Compose your own paragraph. Make sure that the paragraph has complete
parts. Refer to the example paragraph on pages 2 and page 3.
Choose one of the topics that you want to write about:
a. The things I do during the quarantine.

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 b. My ways to study during the distance learning modality.
c. How to be physically and mentally healthy during Pandemic.
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VI. Assessment
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on the blank before the number.
__________ 1. A group of sentences that discusses one topic.
A. Paragraphs C. phrases
B. Topic Sentence D. grammatical signals
__________ 2. It is a statement that generally explains the topic.
A. Topic Sentence C. Detailed statement
B. Descriptive Statement D. Topic Phrase
__________ 3. It is part of the paragraph wherein the details are discussed to
let the readers understand the topic.
A. Topic Sentence C. Conclusion
B. Body D. Title
__________4. It is a part of the paragraph that generalizes the whole topic
after the writer discusses the specific details.
A. Topic Sentence C. Conclusion
B. Body D. Title
_________ 5. Which of the following is an element of an effective paragraph?
A. Clear Topic Sentence
B. It has unity
C. It has sufficient development
D. All of the above
__________ 6. Which of the following is a topic sentence?
A. My best friend is a great person
B. I can always count on her.
C. She is reliable and dependable
D. With just one call away, she will be there all the time.

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__________ 7. Here is the perfect system for cleaning your room. First, move
all of the items that do not have a proper place to the center of
the room. Get rid of at least five things that you have not used
within the last year. Take out all of the trash, and place all of
the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. Now find a location for
each of the items you had placed in the center of the room. For
any remaining items, see if you can squeeze them in under
your bed or stuff them into the back of your closet. See, that
was easy!
What part of the paragraph are the underlined statements?
A. Topic Sentence C. Conclusion
B. Body D. Title
__________ 8. Oceans and lakes have much in common, but they are also
quite different. Both are bodies of water, but oceans are very
large bodies of saltwater, while lakes are much smaller bodies
of freshwater. Lakes are usually surrounded by land, while
oceans are what surround continents. Both have plants and
animals living in them. The ocean is home to the largest
animals on the planet, whereas lakes support much smaller
forms of life. When it is time for a vacation, both will make a
great place to visit and enjoy.
What part of the paragraph is the underlined statement?
A. Topic Sentence C. Conclusion
B. Body D. Title
__________ 9. Global warming is the rise of average global temperature on
the surface of the earth. It has been recognized as a severe
threat to the environment since the 1950s. The rate of
increase in global temperatures has seen accelerated growth
for the last 5 decades. Climate change is real, and it holds the
potential to wipe out the human population from the surface
of the earth.
What part of the paragraph is the underlined statement?
A. Topic Sentence C. Conclusion
B. Body D. Title
__________ 10. “A friend in need is a friend indeed’, that is the definition of a
true friend who will never leave you during your hardships,
success, and failure. We can choose our friends. Real friends
always share and support each other. They feel joyful when we
are happy, and during our sadness, they also share sadness

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 with us. True friendship is all about sharing things, making
mistakes, fighting for silly things, but again hugging to
support each other. Friendship is an essential thing for a
happy life. Whenever you worry, a chat with a friend takes all
problems away. That is the strength of friendship.
What part of the paragraph is the underlined statement?
A. Topic Sentence C. Conclusion
B. Body D. Title

VII. Reflection

Throughout this lesson I have learned that __________________________

________________________________________________________________________

My realization in this lesson was/were ______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

I will apply what I have learned in this lesson by ____________________

________________________________________________________________________

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VIII. References

Video Lesson:
Composing Effective Paragraphs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-qdQp1s5BI&t=537s
Website:
“Paragraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paragraph.

“Conclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster,

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusion
“Coronavirus.” World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
https://teacherspondering.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/the-perfect-paragraph.pdf
https://patternbasedwriting.com/elementary_writing_success/paragraph-examples/
https://www.aplustopper.com/paragraph-on-global-warming/

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IX. Answer Key

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X. Development Team

Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheets

Writer: Charmaine S. Atienza
Editor: Elizabeth C. Miguel, EdD
Reviewer: Diana Cauguiran, Gloria T. Anam
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Juliane Nicole Paguyo
Management Team: Ericson S. Sabacan, EdD, CESO VI
Leandro C. Canlas, PhD, CESE
Elizabeth O. Latorilla, PhD
Sonny N. De Guzman, EdD
Elizabeth C. Miguel, EdD

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Mabalacat

P. Burgos St., Poblacion, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

Telefax: (045) 331-8143

E-mail Address: mabalacatcity@deped.gov.ph

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