WRITING A PARAGRAPH

ALDRIN D. PARICO
WHAT IS PARAGRAPH?

• It is a unit of writing containing a

main idea and a group of closely-
related sentences elaborating the
main idea. It exhibits a structure and
progression of ideas focusing on the
main point.
Structure
Most paragraphs have a three-part
structure —
introduction,
body, and
conclusion.
Introduction: the first section that includes the topic
sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of
the paragraph that give background information or
provide a transition.
Body: follows the introduction; discusses the controlling
idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and
other information.

Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the

connections between the information discussed in the
paragraph’s body and controlling idea.
The Topic Sentence
A well-organized paragraph supports
or develops a single controlling idea,
which is expressed in a sentence called
the topic sentence. It holds the
sentences in the paragraph together
since it carries the central idea of the
paragraph.
An effective topic sentence helps the
reader more readily understand a
paragraph’s purpose. It is usually at
the beginning to prepare the readers
for the supporting ideas that follow.
However, it may also be found after an
introductory statement or at the end
acting as a summary statement.
Purposes

• Makes a claim about the topic of the paragraph

• Unifies the paragraph’s content
• Gives the reader a general sense of how the
paragraph will discuss the topic
• Relates the paragraph to the paper’s main claim
• Supports the paper’s main claim
Burnout is a potential problem for hardworking and
persevering students to fight. A preliminary step for
preventing student burnout is for students to work in
moderation. Students can concentrate on school every
day, if they don’t overtax themselves. One method
students can use is to avoid concentrating on a single
project for an extended period. For example, if students
have to read two books for a midterm history test, they
should do other assignments at intervals so that the two
books will not get boring. Another means to moderate a
workload is to regulate how many extracurricular
projects to take on. When a workload is manageable, a
student’s immunity to burnout is strengthened.
What is the TOPIC SENTENCE?

How was it supported by the other

sentences?
• _____________________________________T
he computer I have at home is very slow. I
need a faster one for my college work. Apart
from searching the things I need, I also need it
to communicate with my classmates. Further, I
can use online dictionaries and play games
during my spare time.