Kandahar University

Engineering Faculty
Eng Samimulhaq samimi
First Year, 1st Semester [2017]

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Paragraph Writing

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 Outlines

Paragraph
Parts of a Paragraph
How to write a paragraph
Practice on writing paragraphs

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 Paragraph

A paragraph is a number of sentences grouped together

and relating to one topic.

OR a group of related sentences that develop a single

point.

Note: No rule as to the length of paragraphs. They may

be short or long as to necessity.

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 Parts of a Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting Details

Closing Sentence

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 Topic Sentence

What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one?

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader
what your paragraph will be about.

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 Topic Sentence Contd.

Example:

There are three reasons why America is one of the best countries in the world.
First, America has an excellent health care system. All Americans have access to
medical services at a reasonable price. Second, America has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to
continue studying at university. Finally, Americas cities are clean and efficiently
managed. American cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live.
As a result, America is a desirable place to live.

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 Topic Sentence

Try to narrow down your topic.

Your topic sentence must have topic and controlling idea

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 Afghanistan
Kabul
Paghman
Now the topic is narrowed down otherwise we could not
finish the topic (Afghanistan) in many paragraphs, but now
we can do it.

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 Cigarettes
Effects of smoking cigarette
Effects on Health
Effects on Lungs

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 Underline the topic and circle the controlling
idea in the following sentences:

In addition to being unhealthy, smoking can be offensive.

Another problem for student is finding a part time job.

Physical exercise is good for a persons mental health.
Another reason why I like the beach is its solitary atmosphere.
Although pretty, Maria is a very shy girl.
One of the biggest problems with the athletic scholarships is that
more attention is paid to sports than to education.

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 Formulating the topic sentence

Write the topic and other sub-points which are supposed

to be mentioned in your paragraph.

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Supporting Details

What are supporting sentences?

They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a
paragraph.

What do they do?

They give details to develop and support the main idea of the
paragraph.

How do I write them?

You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

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Supporting Details Contd.

Example:

There are three reasons why America is one of the best countries in the world.
First, America has an excellent health care system. All Americans have access
to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, America has a high
standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are
encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Americas cities are
clean and efficiently managed. American cities have many parks and lots of
space for people to live. As a result, America is a desirable place to live.

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 Closing Sentence

What is the closing sentence?

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?

It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one?

Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

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 Closing Sentence Contd.

Example:

There are three reasons why America is one of the best countries in the world.
First, America has an excellent health care system. All Americans have access to
medical services at a reasonable price. Second, America has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to
continue studying at university. Finally, Americas cities are clean and efficiently
managed. American cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live.
As a result, America is a desirable place to live.

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 How to Write a Paragraph

Prewriting Paragraphs (Brainstorming)

Writing Paragraphs

Editing Paragraphs

Publishing Paragraphs

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 1. Prewriting Stage

Here you brainstorm and ask yourself these questions:

1. Why do I write the paragraph?

2. Who wants the paragraph and who will read this
paragraph?
3. How can I make the paragraph interesting?
4. Where can I find more facts about this paragraph?

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 2. Writing Paragraph:

Start with writing the paragraph roughly.

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 3. Editing Paragraph:

Find the spelling errors, grammar errors or ideas you

think are redundant.

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 4. Publishing Paragraph:

Three Publishing Steps:

1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.

2. Show your work to your teacher, or a classmateget it peer
edited.
3. Ask the proofreader for hints on how to improve your writing.

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