CHUYÊN ĐỀ: HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH

SỞ GIÁO DỤC ĐÀO TẠO ………………..
TRƯỜNG THPT ………………..
- - -*** - - -

BÁO CÁO CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI THPTQG
MÔN: TIẾNG ANH
CHUYÊN ĐỀ: HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH

G/v Thực hiện: …………

Năm học: ……………

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TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
PART 2: CONTENT
A. PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH
1. Topic Sentence
2. Supporting Details
3. Closing Sentence
B. HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
2. Writing Paragraphs
3. Editing Paragraphs
4. Publishing Paragraphs
C. KINDS OF PARAGRAPHS
1. Definition Paragraph

2. Classification Paragraph
3. Description Paragraph
4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
5. Sequence Paragraph
6. Choice Paragraph
7. Explanation Paragraph
8. Evaluation Paragraph
D. SOMES NOTES
1. Unity within a paragraph
2. Coherence within a paragraph
E. PRACTICE EXERCISES
F. ANSWER KEY

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PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Trong thời đại hội nhập toàn cầu đã cho thấy ngoại ngữ là công cụ không thể thiếu
đối với con người trong thế kỷ 21. Ở Việt Nam, hệ thống giáo dục quốc dân đã triển
khai dạy môn ngoại ngữ như một môn văn hóa cơ bản trong chương trình giáo dục
phổ thông. Từ nhiều năm nay tiếng anh đã trở thành môn thi bắt buộc trong kỳ thi
cuối cấp giành cho học sinh THPT. Đặc biêt, trong hai năm gần đây, trong đề thi tốt
nghiệp và THPTQG môn tiếng anh có thêm phần thi tự luận: viết đoạn văn. Viết đoạn
văn là dạng bài tập quen thuộc trong tiết writing trong các bài học chính khóa trên
lớp, tuy nhiên đây là phần nhiều học sinh gặp khó khăn.
Chính vì vậy tôi chọn chuyên đề này với mục đích cung cấp được cho học sinh
một cách đầy đủ nhất về cách viết một đoạn văn, giúp các em có thể đạt được kết quả
cao nhất trong kỳ thi THPTQG.
Đối tượng học sinh bồi dưỡng là các em học sinh THPT đặc biệt là các em học
sinh khối 12 đang chuẩn bị thi THPTQG và đại học. Tôi dự kiến sẽ dạy chuyên đề
này trong 12 tiết.

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PART 2: CONTENT

A. PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH( cấu trúc của một đoạn văn)

Một đoạn văn bao gồm có 3 phần : câu chủ đề, câu bổ trợ và câu kết.
1. Topic Sentence( câu chủ đề)
• What is the topic sentence? (câu chủ đề là gì
- Câu chủ đề là câu mang ý chính của toàn đoạn văn, giới thiệu chủ đề của đoạn văn.
- Thường là câu đầu tiên.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First,
Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services
at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught
by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally,
Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots
of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
• How to write one?
- Câu chủ đề phải đưa ra được chủ đề của đoạn văn.
- là câu mang ý chung nhất.
- Câu chủ đề bao gồm chủ đề (topic) và ý giới hạn của đoạn văn (controlling idea). Ý giới
hạn là một từ hoặc một cụm từ mà người đọc có thể hỏi các câu hỏi về How? Why? In what
ways? What does that mean?
Example:
The conical leaf hat is one of the typical features of the Vietnamese culture.
Topic: conical leaf hat

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Controlling ideas: What is it? (typical feature of the Vietnamese culture), In what way is it
typical?
2. Supporting Details( câu bổ trợ)
What are supporting sentences?
- Là những câu đưa ra ý chi tiết, phát triển ý cho câu chủ đề.
- Đi sau câu chủ đề, đưa ra các ví dụ, lí do, số liệu, thực tế chứng minh cho ý đưa ra ở câu
chủ đề tạo nên phần thân bài cho đoạn văn.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada
has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are
taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university.
Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many
parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
3. Closing Sentence( câu kết)
What is the closing sentence?
- Là câu khẳng định lại ý chính đã được đưa ra ở câu chủ đề của đoạn văn nhưng không
được lặp lại câu chủ đề.
- Thường là câu cuối cùng, có thể có hoặc không.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada
has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by
well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally,
Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots
of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
B. HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
What is the prewriting stage?

The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas for your paragraph
before you begin writing.( Là bước bạn suy nghĩ và sắp xếp các ý trong đoạn văn trươc khi
viết- outline)
Các bước thực hiện :six Steps:
1. 1. Suy nghĩ cẩn thận về những điều bạn định viết. Hãy tử hỏi mình:
• Mình nên trả lời câu hỏi của bài như thế nào? Phần quan trọng nhất của câu hỏi là gì?
• Mình nên viết câu chủ đề như thế nào?
• Ý kiến nào để bổ trợ cho câu đề tài?
• Mình phải viết như thế nào để đoạn văn hay và lôi cuốn?
Mình có cần phải bổ sung thêm các sự kiện thuộc đề tài đó hay không? Phải tìm các sự kiện
đó ở đâu?
1. 2. Mở cuốn sổ tay của bạn hoặc đơn giản chỉ là một tờ giấy nháp.

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viết câu trả lời của những câu hỏi trên vào đó. Tuy nhiên cũng không cần phải dành quá
nhiều thời gian cho bước này; đừng viết quá chi tiết, chỉ cần viết ngắn gọn đủ để giúp bạn
nhớ được mục đích và phương thức để viết đoạn văn.
1.3.
Thu thập các sự việc, sự kiện liên quan đến đề tài của đoạn văn.
Hãy tìm trong số những sự việc, sự kiện đó phần có thể trả lời câu hỏi của bạn rồi viết ra
giấy.
1. 4. Viết ra những ý tưởng
1. 5. Tìm ý chính cho đoạn văn
Chọn ra những ý quan trọng nhất mà bạn định trình bày
1. 6. Sắp xếp các ý trong đoạn văn
Khi bạn đã chọn được những ý sẽ trình bày trong đoạn văn, bạn phải sắp xếp các ý theo
một trật tự phù hợp.
2. Writing Paragraphs

What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.(Đây là bước các bạn chuyển
các ý tưởng của mình thành câu. )
Five Writing Steps:
2.1. Hãy mở sổ tay hoặc file word trên máy tính
2. 2. Hãy viết câu chủ đề, những câu bổ trợ và câu kết.
2. 3. Hãy chú ý viết những câu đơn giản và rõ ràng để bày tỏ ý kiến của mình.
2. 4. Hãy cố gắng tập trung vào ý chính của đoạn văn, tránh đi lệch hướng.
2. 5. Có thể sử dụng từ điển để tìm thêm từ có thể giúp bạn bộc lộ ý kiến riêng.
3. Editing Paragraphs
What is the editing stage?
The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them.( kiểm tra
lỗi sai và sửa)
Các bước thực hiện
Về ngữ pháp và chính tả
1. Các bạn hãy kiểm tra lại phần chính tả trong bài của bạn.
2. Các bạn hãy kiểm tra lại phần ngữ pháp trong bài của bạn.
3. Đọc lại đoạn văn của bạn một lần nữa.
4. Các bạn hãy chắc rằng mỗi câu đều có chủ ngữ và vị ngữ.
5. Các bạn hãy kiểm tra lại xem chủ ngữ và vị ngữ có tương đồng với nhau hay không.
6. Các bạn hãy kiểm tra lại thì của mỗi câu.
7. Các bạn hãy đảm bảo rằng mỗi câu đều là câu có nghĩa.
Văn phong và cách tổ chức đoạn văn
1. Các bạn hãy đảm bảo rằng đoạn văn của bạn có câu chủ đề.
2. Các bạn hãy đảm bảo rằng những câu bổ trợ đều tập trung vào ý chính.
3. Các bạn hãy đảm bảo rằng đoạn văn của mình có câu kết tốt.
4. Một lần nữa các bạn hãy đảm bảo tất cả các câu trong bài đều nói đúng chủ để, tập trung
vào ý chính.
5. Cuối cùng các bạn hãy kiểm tra lại xem đoạn văn của bạn có thú vị không.
4. Publishing Paragraphs

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What is the publishing stage?
The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your paragraph to hand in.( Hoàn
thiện bài viết)
Two Publishing Steps:
1. viết bài hoàn chỉnh
2. Nhờ thầy cô giáo kiểm tra và nhận xét.
C. KINDS OF PARAGRAPHS- CÁC LOẠI ĐOẠN VĂN
1. Definition Paragraph- đoạn văn định nghĩa
Đoạn văn định nghĩa là đoạn văn đưa ra định nghĩa, giải thích cho một sự vật, sự việc.
Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:
1. "is defined as"
Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.
2. "is a kind of"
Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.
2. Classification Paragraph - đoạn văn phân loại
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn phân loại là đoạn văn được dùng để phân chia vấn đề của đoạn văn theo
nhữngvăn cảnh cụ thể. Sự phân loại ấy có thể diễn ra ở nhiều mức độ. Thứ nhất là ngữ nghĩa
(so sánh sự khác nhau về nghĩa của các vật) sau đó là về mặt ngôn ngữ và ngoài ra còn
nhiều mặt khác nữa.
Khi viết đoạn văn phân loại bạn nên nhóm những sự việc hoặc ý kiến theo những phạm trù
cụ thể. Điều đó sẽ giúp đoạn văn của bạn logic và khoa học hơn.
Những từ hữu dụng : ví dụ tranh luận về hai nguồn năng lượng khac nhau
is a kind of: Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
can be divided into: Energy resources can be divided into two types.

is a type of: Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
falls under: Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.
belongs to: Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.
is a part of: Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.
fits into: Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
is grouped with: Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.
is related to: Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.
is associated with : Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.
3. Description Paragraph- đoạn văn miêu tả
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn miêu tả là đoạn văn được dùng để tả người, địa điểm hoặc sự vật, giúp bạn mường
tượng trong đầu một số hình ảnh về những gì đang diễn ra.
Thông thường những đoạn văn miêu tả có xu hướng tập trung vào hành động (được thể hiện
bằng động từ) hơn là cảm giác (được biểu đạt bằng trạng từ và tính từ). Ngoài ra đoạn văn
miêu tả nên được viết một cách rõ ràng, chi tiết và được đưa ra theo trình tự thời gian.
Ví dụ: Đoạn văn viết để miêu tả gấu Bắc cực hay một đoạn văn viết để tiêu tả vị trí địa lý
của Canada.

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Những từ sau có thể giúp viết một đoạn văn miêu tả tốt:
Đặc tính
Kích thước Sự tương tự
Vị trí
size
length
is like
in
colour

width
resembles
above
shape
mass/weight
below
purpose
speed
beside
near
north/east/south/west
VÍ DỤ

Đặc tính

Kích thước

Sự tương tự

Vị trí

Polar bears are big in size.
Polar bears are usually white in colour.
Polar bears have a special shape.
The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.
The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.
The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.
Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.
Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.
A polar bear is like other bears in shape.

A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.
Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and Quebec.
The ceiling is above us.
Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.
Quebec is located beside Ontario.
Many companies are located near Toronto.
Ontario is west of Quebec.

4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph- đoạn văn so sánh đối chiếu
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn so sánh là đoạn văn được dùng để đưa ra những điểm tương đồng và khác biệt
giữa người, địa điểm, sự vật và ý kiến.
Ví dụ: Đoạn văn viết để so sánh thời tiết ở Vancouver và Halifax.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn so sánh tốt:
Những từ hữu ích để chỉ
Điểm tương đồng
Điểm khác biệt
Những liên từ ngắn
Những liên từ ngắn
is similar to
however
Similarly,
..., but

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Likewise,
...the same...

..., yet
in contrast

...the same as...

By contrast,

both
also
too
as well
Cách biểu đạt dài hơn
In the same way,
X is similar to Y in that
X and Y are similar in that (they)...
Like X, Y ...
In like manner,
One way in which X is similar to

Những liên từ phụ thuộc
On the other hand,
even though
although
differs from
unlike
while

Another way in which X is similar to Y is whereas
(that)...
nevertheless,

VÍ DỤ
Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in
Halifax.
Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.
Điểm tương đồng
Halifax also has a rainy spring season.
Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.
As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.
On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.
However, winter is much colder in Halifax.
Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.
Điểm khác biệt
In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.
Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.
While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold winter.
5. Sequence Paragraph- đoạn văn tường thuật
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn tường thuật là đoạn văn được dùng để kể cho người đọc những điều diễn ra trong
câu chuyện.
Đoạn văn tường thuật được dùng phổ biến nhất trong tiểu thuyết. Chúng thường bao gồm tất
cả các yếu tố cần thiết cho sự phát triển của hành động như: người giữ vai trò chính, sự bố
trí, sự sắp đặt, mục đích, mục tiêu, sự trở ngại, đỉnh điểm và sự giải quyết.

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Chính vì vậy đoạn văn tường thuật thường yêu cầu người viết sắp xếp sự kiện theo thứ tự
liên tục hoặc theo trình tự thời gian. Phần thân của đoạn văn tường thuật thường gồm nhiều
yếu tố nhưng nếu viết đúng cách, nét nổi bật của đoạn văn sẽ là hành động chứ không phải
là miêu tả.

Ví dụ: Một đoạn văn đưa ra quá trình một người trở thành thủ tướng.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn tường thuật tốt:
Những từ hữu dụng
Theo thứ tự
Theo thời gian
first, second,
recently
third, etc.
in the beginning previously
before
afterwards
then
when
after
after
finally
at last
subsequently
VÍ DỤ
First, you need to become a leader of a political party. Second, you
need to win a seat in the House of Commons. Third, your party must
have a majority of seats.
In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political party.
Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of
a political party.
Theo thứ tự Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.
After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure
you have a majority of seats.
Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the prime minister.
At last, you can call yourself the prime minister.

Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats in the
House of Commons.
She was recently elected prime minister.
She is the new prime minister. Previously, she worked as a lawyer in
Toronto.
Theo thời
She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the
gian
election.
When she won the party leadership, she was still working as a lawyer.
After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure
you have a majority of seats.

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6. Choice paragraph - đoạn văn lựa chọn
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn lựa chọn là đoạn văn mà bạn cần phải quyết định sẽ lựa chọn đối tượng, ý tưởng
hoặc hành động nào mà bạn thích. Thông thường bạn sẽ cần đưa ra ý kiến của bạn về sự lựa
chọn của mình (hành động hoặc hiện tượng).
Ví dụ: Một đoạn văn viết để nói xem bạn sẽ thích chơi khúc côn cầu hay lacrosse (môn thể
thao dùng vợt để bắt và ném bóng).
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn tường thuật tốt:
Những từ hữu dụng
Quan điểm
in my opinion
belief
idea
understanding

I think that
I consider
I believe
it seems to me
I prefer

Quan điểm

Ý kiến cá nhân

Ý kiến cá nhân
like/dislike
hope
feel

In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
My understanding is that hockey is more fun than
lacrosse.
I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not
lacrosse.
I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than
lacrosse.
I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.
I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.

7. Explanation Paragraph - đoạn văn giải thích
Định nghĩa

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Đoạn văn giải thích là đoạn văn mà trong đó bạn cần phải giải thích hoặc đưa ra lý do xảy ra
sự việc nào đó. Thông thường trong các chuyên ngành nghiên cứu về xã hội bạn sẽ cầu phải
tìm hiểu nguyên nhân và kết quả của một sự kiện nào đó.
Ví dụ: Một đoạn văn viết để giải thích tại sao có rất nhiều người Châu Âu di cư đến Canada
trong khoảng thế kỷ 19.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn giải thích tốt:
Những từ hữu dụng
Nguyên nhân

Kết quả

because

therefore

since

thus

as a result of

consequently

is due to

hence
it follows that
if . . . then

VÍ DỤ

Nguyên
nhân

Kết quả

People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth
centurybecause they had poor living conditions in Europe.
Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people
moved to Canada.
People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living
conditions in Europe.
The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic
pressures in Europe.
Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people
moved to Canada for a better life.
Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people
moved to Canada for a better life.
Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many
people moved to Canada.
Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people
moved to Canada.
Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many

people moved to Canada.
If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people
would have moved to Canada.

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8. Evaluation Paragraph - đoạn văn đánh giá
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn đánh giá là đoạn văn mà trong đó bạn sẽ đưa ra lời nhận xét, đánh giá của bạn về
người, ý kiến hoặc những hành động có thể xảy ra. Bạn cần phải đánh giá dựa trên những
tiêu chuẩn nhất định. Khi viết dạng đoạn văn này bạn có thể đưa ra lời đánh giá và gợi ý
trước rồi củng cố những ý kiến đó bằng cách đưa ra hệ tiêu chuẩn của bạn.
Ví dụ: Một đoạn văn viết để đánh giá xem có nên sử dụng thuốc trừ sâu vào việc trồng trọt
hay không.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn giải thích tốt:
Những từ hữu dụng
Tiêu chuẩn để đánh giá
Sự gợi ý
good / bad
suggest
correct / incorrect
recommend
moral / immral
advise
right / wrong
argue
important / trivial

Tiêu

chuẩn

Sự gợi ý

The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.
The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it harms
the environment.
It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the environment.
The issue of pesticides is an important one because it affects the
environment.
I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.
I recommend that pesticides should not be used because they are
harmful to the environment.
I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.
I would argue that pesticides should not be used because they harm
the environment.

D. SOME NOTES - MỘT SỐ LƯU Ý

1. Unity within a paragraph- Tính nhất thể trong đoạn văn
Sự thống nhất là một đặc tính quan trọng để đánh giá đoạn văn đó có tốt hay không. Sự
thống nhất ở đây có nghĩa là đoạn văn đó chỉ nói về một đề tài. Tất cả các câu trong đoạn
đều phải đề cập đến đề tài đó, không được đi lệch hướng.
Example:
The students in the class come from many different parts of the world. Some are from
European countries, such as France, Spain, and Italy. Others are from Middle Eastern
countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel. Still other students were born in Asian countries,
including Japan and Korea. Korean food is delicious. The largest number of students is
from Latin American countries like Mexico, Venezuela and Peru. The class is an interesting

mix of people from many different countries.

13


=> Korean food is delicious: không có chút liên quan nào đến đề tài của bài. Đó chính là
câu lạc đề, khiến cho đoạn văn thiếu tính thống nhất. Vì vậy trong trường hợp này ta nên bỏ
câu đó đi.
2. Coherence within a paragraph- Tính mạch lạc, liên kết trong đoạn văn
- Sự liên kết một cách trôi chảy giữa các câu là một trong những yếu tố quan trọng để giúp
người đọc có thể dễ dàng hiểu được những ý mà bạn muốn biểu đạt trong đoạn văn.
- Người viết có thể sử dụng trình tự thời gian( time), không gian( space) , mức độ quan
trọng của sự việc( importance) để viết.
Example: space order
When you drive into the airport, you will see many signs for the different terminals. After
you pass the signs, you will drive over a hill. The airport is on other side of the hill. On your
right, you will see the international terminal. This terminalis two stories tall. The front is all
glass. On the left, you will see the domestic terminals………..

E. PRACTICE EXERCISES- BÀI TẬP ÁP DỤNG
TOPIC SENTENCE
Exercise 1: Read each set of sentences. Write the topic and choose the best topic
sentence.
1. Topic:…. a) The rainy season is good. b) In the rainy season, there are floods.
c) The best season for relaxing is the rainy season.
2. Topic:_____________________ a) Swimming is popular for many reasons.
b) You need a good swimming pool to go swimming.
c) Swimming is fun.
3. Topic:_____________________
a) Bangkok is crowded.

b) People from many different cultures live in Bangkok.
c) Bangkok is a very hot city.
4. Topic:_____________________
a) Smartphones have many functions.
b) There are many ways to use a smartphone in the classroom.
c) Smartphones can be used for translation.
5. Topic:_____________________
a) French wines are popular for a number of reasons.
b) My father drinks French wine.
c) You can buy French wine at good supermarkets.
6. Topic:_____________________ a) An Education is an English movie.
b) A young woman discovers the real world in An Education.
c) An Education is an excellent movie with many lessons for young adults.
Exercise 2: Choosing and using topic sentences
Read the paragraph and tick () the best topic sentence.
Topic sentences:
A: Japan is a very beautiful country.
B: Japan, for example, makes computers.
C: Japan is a very important country.

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D: Japan makes cars.
Paragraph:
__________________________________ It produces many cars, such as Toyotas and
Nissans, which it sells all over the world. It also produces electrical goods such as
televisions and DVDs. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the biggest and most modern
cities in the world.
What is wrong with the other topic sentences? Match them to the problems.

Problems:
Topic sentence:
1. It is an example.
______
2. It is a smaller idea, not the main idea.
______
3. It is about something different from the other sentences.
______
Exercise 3: Choose the best topic sentence for each group of supporting sentences.
Write it on the line provided.
0): ________________________. I usually go skiing every weekend in the winter even
though it is expensive. I love the feeling of flying down a mountain. The views are beautiful
from the top of a mountain and along the trails. Even the danger of falling and getting hurt
can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day.
a) Skiing is expensive.
b) Skiing is my favourite sport.
c) Skiing is dangerous.
1.) _________________________________________________. North Americans send
cards for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays.
They also send thank-you cards, get well cards, graduation cards, and congratulation cards.
It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but turning on the
computer and sending cards over the Internet is also
popular.
a) Sending cards is very popular in North America.
b) Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.
c) It is important to send thank-you cards.
2.) __________________________________ . I enjoy summer sports like water skiing and
baseball. The weather is usually sunny and hot, so I can go to the beach almost every day.
Gardening is my hobby and I spend many summer days working in my garden.
Unfortunately, the days pass too quickly in summer.

a) I like to garden in summer.
b) Summer is my favourite season.c) Summer is to
short.
3.) ________________________________________ . First of all, we need money to repair
old roads and build new roads. We also need more to pay teachers’ salaries and to pay for
services such as trash collection. Finally, more tax money is needed to give financial help to
the poor citizens of the city. It is clear that the city will have serious problems if taxes are
not raised soon.
a) We should raise city taxes.
b) City taxes are too high.
c) City taxes
pay for new roads.
4.) _________________________________________ . For example, a person can have
breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in Paris. A businesswoman in
London can instantly place an order with a factory in Hong Kong by sending a fax.
Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV and watch a baseball game being
played in Los Angeles.
a) Airplanes have changed our lives.
b) Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.

15


c) The fax machine was an important invention.
5.) ___________________________________________ . One thing you must consider is
the quality of the university’s educational program. You also need to think about the
school’s size and location. Finally, you must be sure to consider the university’s tuition to
make sure you can afford to go to school there.
a) It is expensive to attend a university in the United States.
b) There are several factors to consider when you choose a university to attend.

c) You should consider getting a good education.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
Read the following paragraphs and underline the supporting sentences.
1.) Use of the internet has grown very quickly. In 1983, there were 562 computers
connected to the Internet. By the turn of the century, there were 72.3 million computers in
247 countries on-line. Experts say that the Internet is now growing at a rate of
approximately 40 percent a year. As time goes on, the Internet is becoming more and more
popular.
2.) There are many reasons I hate my apartment. The plumbing doesn’t work properly and
the landlord refuses to fix it. I also have noisy neighbours who keep me up all night.
Furthermore, there are so many bugs in my apartment that I could start an insect collection.
I really want to move.
3.) Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. First, fruits and vegetables
are packed with the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body functioning
smoothly. In addition, they give you the carbohydrates you need for energy. Fruits and
vegetables have lots of fiber to help your digestive
system work properly. Finally, many scientists believe that the nutrients in fruits and
vegetables can help fight diseases. If you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you’ll be on
the road to better health.
RECOGNIZING IRRELEVANT SENTENCES
There is one irrelevant sentence in each paragraph that follows. Find that sentence and
cross it out.
1.) There are several ways people can conserve natural resources. One way is to turn lights
off and appliances when they are not in use. Another way is to drive cars less. My favourite
kind of car is convertible. People can also insulate their houses better. Finally, by reusing
things like bottles and plastic bags, people can reduce the amount of waste. By practicing
these simple guidelines, we can save our natural resources.
2.) Cats make wonderful house pets. They are very loving and friendly. Cats are also clean.
They don’t eat much, so they are not expensive. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to
their hair. Cats look beautiful and they’re fun to have in your home.

3.) The capital city of a country is usually a very important city. The government offices are
located in the capital city and political leaders usually live there nearby. There are many
different types of governments in the world. The capital may also be the centre of culture.
There are often museums, libraries, and universities in the capital. Finally, the capital city
can serve as a centre of trade, industry and commerce, so it is often the financial centre of
the country.
4.) The Japanese automobile industry uses robots in many stages of its production process.
In fact, one large Japanese auto factory uses robots in all of its production stages. Some

16


Japanese universities are developing medical robots to detect certain kinds of cancer.
Another automobile factory in Japan uses them to paint cars as they come off the assembly
line. Furthermore, most Japanese factories use robots to weld the parts of the finished car
together.
CONCLUDING SENTENCES
Exercise 1: Underlining the concluding sentence.
1. Why are fast-food restaurants so popular? In fact, there are three main reasons. First,
they are convenient. In today’s fast-moving society, the ability to get a quick bite to eat is
vital for busy people, and the waiting time in fast-food stores is short. In addition, the prices
are low. A satisfying meal can be bought for a reasonable amount of money. Third,
standards of hygiene in fast-food chain stores are generally high, and that is important in
today’s health-conscious society. In sum, fast-food restaurants are popular because they are
convenient, cheap, and clean.
2. What is Internet addiction? The problem has a variety of symptoms. Internet addicts
often think about the last time they were on-line or look forward to the next session. They
feel irritable, and cannot sleep well, if they are trying to cut down on Internet use. Most
importantly, they may have problems with their work, studies, or personal relationships
because of their habit. There is no denying the advantages that the Internet has brought to

our world, but we need to be careful how we use it.
Exercise 2: Choosing the most suitable concluding sentence.
1. The topic sentence: I usually read the same four sections of a newspaper.
Supporting sentences: First, I turn to the local news to find out what is going on in the
country. After that, I look over the comics to cheer myself up after reading all the bad news.
When I am ready for something serious again, I go back to the news section and look at the
international pages. Finally, I check the sports pages to see how my favorite teams and
athletes have been performing.
The concluding sentence:
a. Of course, I also look at my horoscope every day to see what is going to happen.
b. Reading the newspaper thoroughly is something I like to do every day.
c. To sum up, I do not have a lot of time to read the newspaper, so I only look at the parts
that interest me most.
d. All in all, my favorite part of the newspaper is the front page because it is full of
important information.
2. The topic sentence: High school students spend their summer vacation in a variety of
ways.
Supporting sentences: Many of them use the school holidays to make some money. They
take temporary jobs in shops, restaurants, or gas stations. Others attend study courses in
languages or subjects they have been having difficulty with. Some just stay home, passing
the time by sleeping a lot or watching television. The luckiest ones, however, get to go
abroad on stuffy tours or vacations.
The concluding sentence:
a. Going abroad is something I am really looking forward to doing after I graduate from
high school.

17


b. In general, most high school students are not able to travel abroad because of the pressure

of their studies.
c. Whatever they do, most students agree that summer vacation is the best time of the year.
d. Without a doubt, summer vacation is popular among high school students because of the
good weather.
Exercise 3: Writing a concluding sentence.
1. The topic sentence: My first encounter with a snowfall was a memorable experience.
Supporting sentences: It was on a trip to Mt. Jade a few years ago. We visited the mountain
on Christmas Day, and there was a feeling of magic. Just after we arrived, the snow started
falling. I remember my pleasure and excitement at the sight of the soft snowflakes drifting
gently down from the white sky. In a matter of hours, the entire landscape was covered by
an enchanting white carpet. It reminded me of a European fairy tale I had read as a child.
The concluding sentence
_________________________________________________________________
2. The topic sentence: There are three reasons why I try to avoid taking taxis whenever it is
possible.
Supporting sentences: First, they are expensive. The public transportation system is much
cheaper to get around. In addition, taxis are far more often involved in road accidents than
any other vehicles except motorcycles. Finally, the behavior and attitudes of some taxi
drivers can make riding in a taxi a dangerous and unpleasant experience.
The concluding sentence
_________________________________________________________________

KINDS OF PARAGRAPH
Decide the kind of these paragraphs
1. The WikiAnswers site is a colorful place. Bright oranges, blues, and greens entice the eye
and make you want to look around and see what is there. Little cartoon aliens decorate the
site and point to interesting things. Clicking on the buttons and arrows make new pages
pop up, or make things change around.
2. The writer pauses to consider what the students need to know, then writes another
sentence. These sentences all lead the reader toward the idea that a paragraph is just a way

of communicating. After the writer finishes this paragraph, there will be another that
needs to be written. The writer glances at the clock on the wall. Will there be enough
time?
3. "Americans can be divided into three groups--smokers, nonsmokers and that expanding
pack of us who have quit. Those who have never smoked don't know what they're
missing, but former smokers, ex-smokers, reformed smokers can never forget. We are
veterans of a personal war, linked by that watershed experience of ceasing to smoke and
by the temptation to have just one more cigarette. For almost all of us ex-smokers,
smoking continues to play an important role in our lives. And now that it is being
restricted in restaurants around the country and will be banned in almost all indoor public
places in New York State starting next month, it is vital that everyone understand the
different emotional states cessation of smoking can cause. I have observed four of them;

18


and in the interest of science I have classified them as those of the zealot, the evangelist,
the elect and the serene. Each day, each category gains new recruits."
(Franklin Zimring, "Confessions on an Ex-Smoker," Newsweek
4. Paragraphs are like conversations. Each conversation is a series of statements, questions,
or explanations that pass along information. Each paragraph is also a series of sentences
that pass along information. A paragraph is different from a conversation because a
paragraph can be edited and changed after you write it down, and a conversation can't be
taken back once you have spoken the words.
5. In order to write a paragraph, first you think about what you want to say. Pretend that you
are explaining things to your friends, or to a younger person. Try to explain in simple
terms that are easy to follow. Once you have thought about it, start writing down what you
would say out loud. That's all you need to do to write a paragraph.
6. A definition tells you what a word or term means. This paragraph tells you what a
defining paragraph is, so this paragraph is a defining paragraph about defining

paragraphs! When you define something, you want to use simple words so that your
reader will understand what you are saying.
7. My most valuable possession is an old, slightly warped blond guitar--the first instrument I
taught myself how to play. It's nothing fancy, just a Madeira folk guitar, all scuffed and
scratched and finger-printed. At the top is a bramble of copper-wound strings, each one
hooked through the eye of a silver tuning key. The strings are stretched down a long, slim
neck, its frets tarnished, the wood worn by years of fingers pressing chords and picking
notes. The body of the Madeira is shaped like an enormous yellow pear, one that was
slightly damaged in shipping. The blond wood has been chipped and gouged to gray,
particularly where the pick guard fell off years ago. No, it's not a beautiful instrument, but
it still lets me make music, and for that I will always treasure it.
8. Paraphrasing is used for different purposes. Some paraphrases will be designated to
support already existing evidence. Others will reinforce argumentation against evidence.
Still others will help to develop existing arguments and provide back-up for any
conclusion drawn in the course of writing. Depending on the function, paraphrases will be
introduced in accordance with their unique context. Quotations require yet another
approach. They are not self-expressive because every quotation can signify a number of
different things in various contexts. It is both the introduction and the commentary that
follows it which decides about its context and the ultimate meaning of a given citation in
an essay. Paraphrasing quotations - changing the original words or sense is not allowed.
9. Even though Arizona and Rhode Island are both states of the U.S., they are strikingly
different in many ways. For example, the physical size of each state is different. Arizona
is large, having an area of 114,000 square miles, whereas Rhode Island is only about a
tenth the size, having an area of only 1,214 square miles. Another difference is in the size
of the population of each state. Arizona has about four million people living in it, but
Rhode Island has less than one million. The two states also differ in the kinds of natural

19

environments that each has. For example, Arizona is a very dry state, consisting of large
desert areas that do not receive much rainfall every year. However, Rhode Island is
located in a temperate zone and receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year. In
addition, while Arizona is a landlocked state and thus has no seashore, Rhode Island lies
on the Atlantic Ocean and does have a significant coastline.

WRITING PARAGRAPH
1. Write about the ideal world in which you would like to live in the year 2020.
2. Write about the subject you like best .
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Write about your favorite food
Write about your favorite pet
Write about your favorite season
Write about your favorite teacher
Write about your hobbies
Write about your dream house
Write about your memory of a place that you visited as a child

10. Write about your unforgettable experience.
F. ANSWER KEY

TOPIC SENTENCE
Exercise 1

1. Rainy season- c
2. Swimming- a
3. Bangkok- c
4. Smartphone- a
5. French wines- a
6. An education- a
Exercise 2: c
1-b
2-d

3-a

Exercise 2:
0-b
1-a

2-b

3-b

SUPPORTING SENTENCES

20

4-b

5-b


1. In 1983, there were 562 computers connected to the Internet. By the turn of the

century, there were 72.3 million computers in 247 countries on-line. Experts say that
the Internet is now growing at a rate of approximately 40 percent a year.
2. The plumbing doesn’t work properly and the landlord refuses to fix it. I also have
noisy neighbours who keep me up all night. Furthermore, there are so many bugs in
my apartment that I could start an insect collection.
3. First, fruits and vegetables are packed with the vitamins and minerals you need to
keep your body functioning smoothly. In addition, they give you the carbohydrates
you need for energy. Fruits and vegetables have lots of fiber to help your digestive
system work properly. Finally, many scientists believe that the nutrients in fruits and
vegetables can help fight diseases.
RECOGNIZING IRRELEVANT SENTENCES
1. My favourite kind of car is convertible.
2. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to their hair.
3. There are many different types of governments in the world.
4. Some Japanese universities are developing medical robots to detect certain kinds of
cancer.
CONCLUDING SENTENCES

Exercise 1
1. In sum, fast-food restaurants are popular because they are convenient, cheap, and
clean.
2. There is no denying the advantages that the Internet has brought to our world, but we
need to be careful how we use it.

Exercise 2:
1-c
2-c
Exercise 3:
1. To sum up, I will never forget my first encounter with a snowfall.
2. To sum up, I do not like to go by taxi.

KINDS OF PARAGRAPH
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Description Paragraph
Sequence Paragraph
Classification Paragraph
Compare and Contrast Paragraph
Sequence Paragraph
Definition Paragraph
Description Paragraph
Explanation Paragraph
Compare and Contrast Paragraph

21