Paragraph organisation

A paragraph has three compulsory parts:

1. The Topic sentence. This is the main and central idea of the paragraph. It is usually the first sentence of the paragraph and it is the most general sentence of the paragraph.

2. The Supporting sentences. These are the sentences which explain the topic sentence. They are the most detailed ideas that follow the topic sentence.

3. The Concluding sentence. This may be found as the last sentence of the paragraph. It can finish the paragraph by repeating the main idea or just giving a final comment on the topic.

Exercise № 42. Read the following paragraphs and say whether they contain explanations, examples or both. Then think of an appropriate topic sentence for each one. The first one has been done for you.

1. First of all, I totally disagree with the plans to rebuild the mobile phone aerial. Not only is there the threat of radiation to local residents, but it will also destroy their views of open countryside and reduce the value of their properties. (Explanation) This will be disastrous for residents of places such as Harlesden and Pemble Waters. (example)

2. …………………… This appears to be the only sensible solution. After all, many children today know how to use a computer but may not be able to afford one at home. Providing them in schools will ensure that no one is deprived of this valuable learning aid.

3. …… There is no need for this at all. School is a place of learning, and talking to their friends or sending text messages is something that students should do in their own time. Furthermore, they cannot use the excuse that they need them for emergencies, since in a real emergency, they can use and rely on the school phone.

4. ………… In other words, there is no way that we can be sure that mobile phones are safe. Even if we all take precautions available nowadays, we do not know what to expect in the future. What will happen if, for example, they discover a link between mobile phones and cancer? If we wait then, the damage will have been done and it will be too late to act.

Exercise № 43. This time try to do your best to compose a paragraph on the following:

a) a quarrelsome wife problem;

b) the problem of a long term credit;

c) importance of learning English language;

d) importance of manners in society.