Paragraph Structure

Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

A paragraph is a group of related sentences that discuss one (and usually

only one) main idea. A paragraph can be as short as one sentence or as long
as ten sentences. The number of sentences is unimportant; however, the
paragraph should be long enough to develop the main idea clearly.

The following model contains all the elements of a good paragraph. Read it
carefully two or three times. Then answer the Writing Technique questions that
follow, which will help you analyze its structure.

Writing Technique Questions

1. What is the topic of the paragraph?

2. What two main points does the writer make about the topic?

3. In which two sentences does the writer say that there are two main points?

What examples does the writer use to support each point?

Three Parts of the Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence

2. Supporting sentences

3. Concluding sentence

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 Paragraph Structure
Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. It not only names the
topic of the paragraph, but it also limits the topic to one specific area that can
be discussed completely in the space of a single paragraph. The part of the topic
sentence that announces the specific area to be discussed is called the
controlling idea. Notice how the topic sentence of the model states both the
topic and the controlling idea:

Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics.

TOPIC CONTROLLING IDEA

Supporting sentences develop the topic sentence. That is, they explain or prove
the topic sentence by giving more information about it. Following are some of
the supporting sentences that explain the topic sentence about gold.

First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion.

For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was
made 25 centuries ago.

Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science.

The most recent use of gold is in astronauts' suits.

The concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the
reader with important points to remember:

In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.

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 Paragraph Structure
Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

Concluding sentences are customary for stand-alone paragraphs. However,

paragraphs that are parts of a longer piece of writing usually do not need
concluding sentences.

A topic sentence is a complete sentence; that is, it contains at least one subject
and one verb. The following are not complete sentences because they do not
have verbs:

Driving on freeways.

How to register for college classes.

The rise of indie films.

A topic sentence contains both a topic and a controlling idea. It names the topic
and then limits the topic to a specific area to be discussed in the space of a
single paragraph.

Following is a general statement that could serve as a topic sentence.

The Arabic origin of many English words is not always obvious.

The following sentence, on the other hand, is too specific. It could serve as a
supporting sentence but not as a topic sentence.

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 Paragraph Structure
Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

The slang expression so long (meaning "good-bye") is probably a corruption of

the Arabic salaam.

This sentence is too general.

English has been influenced by other languages.

Remember that a topic sentence is a complete sentence and is neither too

general nor too specific.

Step 1 Read the sentences in each group, and decide which sentence is the
best topic sentence. Write best TS (for "best topic sentence") on the line next to
it.

Step 2 Decide what is wrong with the other sentences. They may be too general,
or they may be too specific, or they may be incomplete sentences. Write too
general, too specific, or incomplete on the lines next to them.

The first one has been done for you as an example.

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 Paragraph Structure
Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

Circle the topic and underline the controlling idea in each of the following
sentences. The first one has been done for you as an example.

1. Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness.

2. The Caribbean Island of Trinidad attracts tourists because of its calypso music

3. Spectacular beaches make Puerto Rico a tourist Paradise.

4. Moving aways from home can be a stressful experience for young people.

5. Many religious rules arose from the health needs of ancient times.

6. In my opinion, television commercials for cosmetics lie to women

7. Owning an automobile is a necessity for me.

8. It is an expensive luxury to own an automobile in a large city.

9. Taste and appearance are both important in Japanese cuisine.

10. A major problem for many students is the high cost of tuition and books.

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 Paragraph Structure
Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

Write good topic sentences for the following paragraphs. Remember to

include both a topic and a controlling idea.

Paragraph 1

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

English speakers relaxing at home, for example, may put on kimonos, which is
a Japanese word. English speakers who live in a warm climate may take an
afternoon siesta on an outdoor patio without realizing that these are Spanish
words. In their gardens, they may enjoy the fragrance of jasmine flowers, a
word that came into English from Persian. They may even relax on a chaise
while snacking on yogurt, words of French and Turkish origin, respectively. At
night, they may shampoo their hair and put on pajamas, words from the Hindi
language of India.

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Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

Paragraph 2

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

In European universities, students are not required to attend classes. In fact,

professors in Germany generally do not know the names of the students
enrolled in their courses. In the United States, however, students are required
to attend all classes and may be penalized if they do not. Furthermore, in the
European system, students usually take just one comprehensive examination
at the end of their entire four or five years of study. In the North American
system, on the other hand, students usually have numerous quizzes, tests, and
homework assignments, and they almost always have to take a final
examination in each course at the end of each semester.

Paragraph 3

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

For example, the Eskimos, living in a treeless region of snow and ice,
sometimes build temporary homes out of thick blocks of ice. People who live
in deserts, on the other hand, use the most available materials, mud or clay,
which provide good insulation from the heat. In Northern Europe, Russia, and
other areas of the world where forests are plentiful, people usually construct
their homes out of wood. In the islands of the South Pacific, where there is an
abundant supply of bamboo and palm, people use these tough, fibrous
plants to build their homes.

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Professoras Cynthia Pichini e Erika Matos

Leia o texto a seguir e escreva a ideia geral (topic sentence) de cada tópico,
incluindo a introdução e a conclusão do texto:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180104-is-social-media-bad-for-you-the-
evidence-and-the-unknowns

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