EAPMeeting 1

(2)Introduction to 

Paragraphignasia_y@ukrida.ac.id

Subtopics

• Parts of Paragraph :‐ Topic Sentence‐ Supporting Details‐ Concluding Sentence

Learning Objective

Students are able to explain paragraph parts.

“A paragraph is a basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of 

related sentences develops one main idea.” (Hogue & Oshima, 1999)

What is paragraph?

The Paragraph Structure

The Paragraph Structure

1. Statement of the main idea (Topic Sentence)

2. Elaboration of the main idea and supporting details.

3. Restatement of the main idea‐summary of main ideas or conclusions.

TOPIC SENTENCE

TOPIC SENTENCE

TOPICCONTROLLING 

IDEA(S)

Topic Sentence

• Topic sentence is the most general statement in theparagraph because it gives only the main idea.

• A topic sentence should be neither too general nor toospecific.‐ Too generalAmerican food is terrible.‐ Too specific American food is tasteless and greasy because

Americans used too many caned, frozen, andprepackaged foods and because everything isfried in oil or butter.

‐ Good American food is tasteless and greasy.

Topic Sentence

• Do not include too many unrelated ideas in the topic sentence or the paragraph will not be unified.  Too many ideas : San Fransisco is famous for 

its temperate climate, its many tourist attractions, and its international atmosphere. 

Good : San Fransisco is famous for its modern atmosphere. 

Jakarta is a very dangerous city.Topic Contr. Idea(s)

Violence in Indonesia has several causes.Topic Contr. Idea(s)

A good doctor has four important characteristics.Topic Contr. Idea(s)

Can you find some supporting details?

Jakarta is a very dangerous city.Topic           Contr. Idea(s)  

DANGEROUS

Burglary / Robbery/ Theft / 

Pickpocket

Fire  Traffic Accident

Anarchist Demonstration

Counterfeit Money

Students’/Communities’

Brawl 

Can you make a good paragraph then?

Jakarta is a very dangerous city.  Every day you can watch and readhow various types of crimes happen in the city on TV and in the newspapers.  Robberies and thefts happen every day as if theevildoers are not afraid of being caught by the police.Traffic accidentsalso happen every day due to the irresponsible and aggressivedriving behavior of most of the motorists and riders. In addition, 

In addition, one must also beware of rampant brawls between twogroups of students or two groups of mobs which also happen frequently. If you ever go to Jakarta, I am sure you will agree thatit is very hazardous.  

Jakarta is a very dangerous city. Every day you canwatch and read how various types of crimes happen inthe city on TV and in the newspapers. Robberies andthefts happen every day as if the evildoers are notafraid of being caught by the police. Traffic accidentsalso happen every day due to the irresponsible andaggressive driving behavior of most of the motoristsand riders. In addition, one must also beware oframpant brawls between two groups of students ortwo groups of mobs which also happen frequently. Ifyou ever go to Jakarta, I am sure you will agree that itis very hazardous.

Where is the main idea?

There are many reasons why people move.Some move to find better jobs or to advance theircareers. Others are attracted to places with betterweather. Still others want to move to a place withless crime. Finally, people often want to move to aplace with a lower cost of living. For these reasons,every year millions of people pack up and move tonew places.

What is the main idea?

There are many reasons why people move.Some move to find better jobs or to advance theircareers. Others are attracted to places with betterweather. Still others want to move to a place withless crime. Finally, people often want to move to aplace with a lower cost of living. For these reasons,every year millions of people pack up and move tonew places.

Let’s practice: Read the paragraph!

There are many reasons why people move. 

1. Some move to find better jobs or to advance their careers. 

2. Others are attracted to places with better weather. 

3. Still others want to move to a place with less crime. 

4. Finally, people often want to move to a place with a lower cost of living. 

For these reasons, every year millions of people pack up and move to new places.

TOPIC SENTENCE (Topic + 

Controlling Ideas)

4 SUPPORTING SENTENCES

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

The Paragraph Structure

Types of Paragraph based on Organization of Ideas

1. Time‐order/Process paragraph2. Space‐order paragraph3. Importance‐order paragraph4. Cause‐Effect Paragraph5. Comparison (and contrast) Paragraph6. Opinion Paragraph

Transition Signals

• Time relationships: first, second, then, next, before, after, later, finally.

• Order of importance: first, second, the next + noun, also, in addition, moreover, for example, the most important, finally.

Transition Signals

• Space order: at, in, at the end, behind, next to, in the center, on the left, on top of, under, over, between, in front of.

• Comparison & contrast : the same, similar to, both, although, however, different from, on the other hand, unlike, but.

• Cause & effect: because, since, due to, as a result, consequently, thus, therefore, so.

Read the text!

My DayI had a terrible day yesterday. Firstly, I woke up an hourlate because my alarm clock didn’t go off. Then, I wasin such a hurry that I burned my hand when I wasmaking breakfast. After breakfast, I got dressed soquickly that I forgot to wear socks. Next, I ran out ofthe house trying to get the 9.30 bus, but of course Imissed it. I wanted to take a taxi, but I didn’t haveenough money. Finally, I walked the three miles to myoffice only to discover that it was Sunday! I hope Inever have a day as bad as the one I had yesterday.

Answer the following questions!

1. What is the topic sentence?2. How are the supporting sentences 

organized?3. What is the concluding sentence?

My Day

I had a terrible day yesterday. Firstly, I woke up an hour latebecause my alarm clock didn’t go off. Then, I was in such ahurry that I burned my hand when I was making breakfast.After breakfast, I got dressed so quickly that I forgot to wearsocks. Next, I ran out of the house trying to get the 9.30 bus,but of course I missed it. I wanted to take a taxi, but I didn’thave enough money. Finally, I walked the three miles to myoffice only to discover that it was Sunday! I hope I never havea day as bad as the one I had yesterday.

Let’s discuss!

Now, it’s your turn!

Group work:1. Read the text and analyze its parts!

2. Read the paragraph and analyze its parts!

REFERENCES• Gillett, Andy. (2013). Using English for Academic Purpose: A 

Guide for Students in Higher Education. [Online]. Available at: http://www.uefap.com/

• Langen, John and Jenkins, Lynn. (2010). Tens Steps to Advancing College Reading Skills. New Jersey: Townsend Press. 

• Oshima, A& Hogue, A. (1999). Writing Academic English (3rd ed) . New York: Longman.

• Rumisek, L.A. And Zemach, D. E. (2005). Academic Writing: from Paragraph to Essay. Oxford: Macmillan Publishers Limited.

• Wishon, G.E. & Burks, J.M. (1980). Let’s Write English. New York: Litton Educational Publishing Inc.

• http://www.paragraphorganizer.com/