Improving Paragraphs

Improving Paragraphs

Remember a paragraph is a

• a group of sentences that explains an idea

• for most paragraphs the idea is summarized in the topic sentence

• the topic sentence usually appears at the beginning of the paragraph

Let's practice identifying the topic sentence. Which one is the Topic Sent.?

• He wrote more than 1,000 folk songs

• One favorite is "This Land is Your Land."

• His son, Arlo, has carried on his folk-singing

• Woody Guthrie had a tremendous influence on American folk music.

• Many contemporary folk artists sing Guthrie's songs.

Let's practice identifying the topic sentence. Which one is the Topic Sent.?

• He wrote more than 1,000 folk songs

• One favorite is "This Land is Your Land."

• His son, Arlo, has carried on his folk-singing

• Woody Guthrie had a tremendous influence on American folk music.

• Many contemporary folk artists sing Guthrie's songs.

Now you give it a try with some multiple-choice

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the Topic Sentence

• The paint is peeling.

• There are two broken windows.

• Our house is in terrible shape.

• We need new gutters.

• Even the doorbell doesn't work.

Multiple Choice

Read the following paragraph then the choices. Which sentence would make the best topic sentence.

First, I studied to be a carpenter. The housing industry slowed down, and I was laid off. Then, I tried being a salesperson. The company that hired me went bankrupt. Now, I'd like to be a cab driver, but I can't afford my own cab or the cost of gasoline.

• For me, jobs are easy to come by.

• I like several jobs that I have held.

• I can't seem to choose a job with a secure future.

• I used to want to be a computer operator.

The Unity of Paragaphs

• the topic sentence holds the main idea

• the other sentences are statements that are more specific and all about the same idea

Let's practice unity. Which one is not unified to the paragraph.

Most people know that coffee contains caffeine. Few people realize that tea also contains a good deal of caffeine. Many soft drinks contain caffeine as well. Diet soft drinks contain fewer calories than regular soft drinks.

Let's practice unity. Which one is not unified to the paragraph.

Most people know that coffee contains caffeine. Few people realize that tea also contains a good deal of caffeine. Many soft drinks contain caffeine as well. Diet soft drinks contain fewer calories than regular soft drinks.

Now let's practice unity

Multiple Choice

Which one is not unified to the paragraph.

1 Dolores must learn to be more assertive in her job. 2 She always lets people tell her what to do. 3 She earns a decent salary. 4 For this reason, she has earned the nickname "Dolores the Doormat," IF all of the sentences belong, choose 5.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

Which one is not unified to the paragraph.

1 Chicago's weather is unpredictable. 2 Within a week, temperatures may vary by as much as forty degrees. 3 Sometimes, the wind will shift and the temperature will drop twenty degrees in an hour. 4 People always say that if you don't like Chicago's weather, wait a day and it will change. IF all the sentences belong, choose 5.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Paragraphs need coherence and transitions

• The sky is cloudy. Therefore, I think it will rain. (shows a result or effect)

• The forecast calls for clearing. However, I don't have much confidence in the prediction. (shows contrast or difference)

• NOW, you try some of your own...

Multiple Choice

Choose the best transition.

The batteries are almost worn out. The flashlight is dim.

• However

• For example

• Therefore

• In conclusion

• None

Multiple Choice

Choose the best transition

Set the table. Serve the salad.

• Then

• However

• Such as

• On the whole

• None

The End