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

Subject matter: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

which causes an imbalance within the writing.

The topic sentence of a body paragraph has three functions:

1. It supports the thesis by clearly stating a main point in the discussion.

2. It announces what the paragraph will be about.

3. It controls the subject matter of the paragraph. The entire discussion – the

examples, details and explanations – in a particular paragraph must directly relate to and support the topic sentence.

Think of a body paragraph or a single paragraph as a kind of mini-essay in itself. The topic sentence is, in a sense, a smaller thesis. It too asserts one main idea on a limited subject that the writer can explain or argue in the rest of the paragraph. Like the thesis, the topic sentence should be stated in as specific language as possible.

Here‟s one example that shows how a topic sentence works in a body paragraph:

Essay thesis: The Study Skills Center is an excellent place for students who The Center offers students a variety of free services designed to improve basic skills. Those who discover their study habits are poor, for instance, may enroll in a six-week mini-course in study skills that offers advice on such topics as how to read a text, take notes, and organize material for review.

Students whose math or writing skills are below par can sign up for free tutoring sessions held five days a week throughout each semester. In addition, the Center presents weekly seminars on special topics such as stress management and overcoming test anxiety for those students who are finding college more of a nerve-wracking experience than they expected;

other students can attend evening seminars in such worthwhile endeavors as vocabulary building or spelling tips. Finally, the Center offers a series of tests to identify the presence of any learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, that might prevent a student from succeeding academically. With such a variety of free services, the Center can help most any student.

Analysis:

1. The topic sentence supports the thesis by stating a main point: one reason

why the Center provides excellent academic help.

2. The topic sentence announces the subject matter of the paragraph: a

variety of free services that improve basic skills.

3. The topic sentence controls the subject matter: all the examples –the

mini-course, the tutoring, the seminars and the testing – support the claim of the topic sentence.