Paragraph Writing

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences

dealing with a single topic. Learning to write good paragraphs will help you as a writer stay on track during your drafting and revision stages. Good paragraphing also greatly assists your readers in following a piece of writing. You can have fantastic ideas, but if those ideas aren't presented in an organized fashion, you will lose your readers (and fail to achieve your goals in writing).

Elements of a paragraph

To be as effective as possible, a paragraph

should contain each of the following: Unity,

Coherence, A Topic Sentence, and Adequate

Development. As you will see, all of these traits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct effective paragraphs.

Transition Signals

In academic writing, your goal is to convey

information clearly and concisely. Transitions

help you to achieve these goals by establishing

logical connections between sentences.

A transition signal can be a single word or a

phrase. They help the reader anticipate or

comprehend the new information that the

writer wishes to present.

A.Work in pairs/ small groups. Join the clauses in each set into a meaningful text. Use the transition signals (coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions and sentence connectors) given in brackets in each case. Make any necessary changes to avoid wordiness and watch out for punctuation. 1. There are a number of advantages to living in the countryside. Everything is within easy walking distance. The cost of living is lower than in a big city. There is less pollution. The crime rate is usually very low. People do not need to be afraid. It seems that in the country people establish more genuine relationships. People are more friendly and open. (because / consequently / next / firstly / in addition / secondly / finally )

There are a number of advantages to living in the countryside. Firstly, everything is within easy walking distance. Secondly, the cost of living is lower than in a big city. Next, there is less pollution. In addition, the crime rate is usually very low ;consequently, people do not need to be afraid. Finally, it seems that in the country people establish more genuine relationships because people are more friendly and open.

2. Many people want to live in the city .They see many advantages. In a big city, city dwellers can have the best chances to work. In a big city, people can enjoy the best service and entertainment. More and more people are moving to huge cities. (as a result / for example / and / because)

Many people want to live in the city because they see many advantages. For example, in a big city, city dwellers can have the best chances to work ,and they can enjoy the best service and entertainment. As a result, more and more people are moving to huge cities.

Editing a paragraph: Read the paragraph: The Privilege of Longevity. Improve the paragraph Grammar and Spelling 1. Check your spelling and grammar 2. Make sure each sentence has a subject. 3. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other. 4. Check the verb tenses of each sentence. 5. Make sure that each sentence makes sense. Style and Organization 1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence. 2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea. 3. Make sure you have a closing sentence. 4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea. 5. Include transition signals and relevant vocabulary.

Finally, read the paragraph: Unveiling the Mystery of a Long Life. Do you find the paragraph well organised? Is the Topic Sentence clear? Does it have relevant vocabulary? Does it include information from the article we read?