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1、Chapter OneBasic Skills in Writing Paragraphs I Introduction to paragraphs (Points to be discussed) 1) Definition：Paragraph is the basic unit of the organization in writing in which a group of related sentences develops one main idea. 2) Length: A paragraph can be as short as one sentence or as long
2、 as ten or more sentences. The number of sentences is unimportant, however, the paragraph should be long enough to develop the main idea clearly. 3) Structure: In general, a paragraph comprises three major structural parts: a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. 4) Functi
3、on of topic sentence: The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. It not only names the topic of the paragraph, but also limits the topic to one or two areas that can be discussed completely in the space of a single paragraph. The specific area is called the controlling idea. So, a top
4、ic sentence consists of two parts: topic and controlling idea. The “topic” is what the paragraph is about, while the “controlling idea” is in what area the topic will be talked about. 5) Function of supporting sentences: They are used to develop the topic sentence. That is, they explain the topic se
5、ntence by giving reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and quotations. 6) Function of concluding sentence: It signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important points to remember. 7) Position of topic sentence: It can be put at the beginning, at the end, in the middle of the para
6、graph. Sometimes it is implied. Sample for Paragraph Structure (1) Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. (2) First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. (3) Therefore, it is suitable for jewelry, coins, and ornamental purposes. (4) Gold nev
7、er needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. (5) For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was minted twenty-three centuries ago. (6) Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science. (7) For many years, it has been used
8、 in hundreds of industrial applications. (8) The most recent use of gold is in astronauts suits. (9) Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields for protection outside the spaceship. (10) In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty, but also for its utility. Notes: 1. Sentence 1 is the top
9、ic sentence which states the main idea of the paragraph. It not only names the topic of the paragraph, but also limits the topic to one or two areas that can be discussed completely in the space of a single paragraph. 2. The topic is “gold”; the controlling idea is “two important characteristics”. 3
10、. Sentences 2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9 are supporting sentences which develop the topic sentence.4. Sentence 10 is the concluding sentence which signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important points to remember. Ex 1 Put the following sentences in the right order My fathers health,
11、to my young eyes at least, seemed neither to improve nor to grow worse; I became accustomed to his patient inactivity, and probably thought of him as old rather than ill . He died in the early spring, suddenly stricken by paralysis; and I am still haunted by the look in his dear blue eyes, which had
12、 followed me so tenderly for nineteen years, and now tried to convey the goodbye messages he could not speak. Twice in my life I have been at the deathbed of someone I dearly loved, who has vainly tried to say a last word to me; and I doubt if life holds a subtler anguish. The following summer was s
13、pent at Homburg, then a fashionable but quiet little watering-place with gardens full of roses, where my mother had been sent previously for the cure. Key:The following summer was spent at Homburg, then a fashionable but quiet little watering-place with gardens full of roses, where my mother had bee
14、n sent previously for the cure. My fathers health, to my young eyes at least, seemed neither to improve nor to grow worse; I became accustomed to his patient inactivity, and probably thought of him as old rather than ill . He died in the early spring, suddenly stricken by paralysis; and I am still h
15、aunted by the look in his dear blue eyes, which had followed me so tenderly for nineteen years, and now tried to convey the goodbye messages he could not speak. Twice in my life I have been at the deathbed of someone I dearly loved, who has vainly tried to say a last word to me; and I doubt if life
16、holds a subtler anguish.Ex 2 (1) Choose four sentences from the list below to fit in the correct order into the paragraph beginning with the topic sentence “Kathy is athletic.” A She is intelligent. B. She is an excellent fencer. C. She has won many swimming awards. D. The girls in my class are quit
17、e different from each other. E. Linda is an artist. F. Her teammates chose her to be captain of the basketball team. G. Carol is the best dancer in school. H. No one in school can catch up with her at the track meets.TS: Kathy is Athletic. a. b. c. d. (2)Choose one of the sentences from A-H listed a
18、bove as the topic sentence for the following paragraph. Then select three sentences to fit in the outline.TS; a. b. Kathy is Athletic. c. d. key: BCFH D AEGEx 3 Directions: Write a paragraph about a university professor. Although you may have a lot to write about a university professor, you are requ
19、ired to write only one aspect by carefully designing the topic sentence for your paragraph. Suggested key: A university professor is skilled in presenting classes. He often changes the way of the lectures he delivers. In class, students can ask questions freely. Whats more, a professor allows his st
20、udents to give opposite points. He encourages his students to have a hot discussion in class. Even he lets his students teach the class once in a while. In conclusion, a university professor gives attractive classes skillfully. Assignment: Follow Sample for Paragraph Structure, write a paragraph to talk about a university professor (you are required to use the expressions like “first of all” “another” and “in conclusion”) .
