实用英语写作

Chapter 2 Paragraph Writing

I. Paragraph Structure

In general, the purpose of a paragraph is to express one point, idea or opinion that supports the thesis of your essay.

For example

Students require more recreational time in order to better focus

This main idea is expressed through three sections of a paragraph:

Beginning - Introduce your idea (topic sentence).

Middle - Explain AND prove your idea (supporting sentences).

End - Make your point again, transition to next paragraph (concluding sentence AND transitional sentence).

Point out the three sections in the paragraph below:

Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in class. In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess* of more than 45 minutes consistently score better on tests immediately following the recess period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly improves the ability to focus on academic materials. Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best possible chances of success in their studies. Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients for improving student scores on standardized tests.

*recess - A pause from doing something (as work), break

There are four sentence types used to construct a paragraph: topic sentence; supporting sentences; concluding sentence; transitional sentence

II. Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is the main idea, your attitude, your evaluation of something. Most body paragraphs present one main point in your discussion, expressed in a topic sentence.

Commonly appearing at (or near) the beginning of a paragraph, a topic sentence expresses the main idea of a paragraph. What usually follows a topic sentence are a number of supporting sentences that develop the main idea with specific details. Having no topic sentence is bad both for the writer and the reader. First, the reader has to read the entire paragraph to get to the point. This is one side. Lack of a topic sentence also causes the writer to drift away from the topic. He loses control over the writing. He may write 3 sentences about one controlling idea and 1 for the other

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