Minilesson on Paragraph Format

Minilesson on Paragraph Format : 

Minilesson on Paragraph Format For beginning level adult ESL students Diana Parsons EESL 545 April 20, 2009

What is Paragraph Format? : 

What is Paragraph Format? When you write sentences about the same topic, you form a paragraph. A paragraph usually has at least four sentences. The first sentence is the topic sentence. The second and third sentences are details about the topic. The fourth sentence is a concluding sentence. Sentences are continued as you write. Don’t go to the next line of your paper when you finish a sentence. Make sure you indent 5 spaces at the beginning of your paragraph.

Examples of Two Good Paragraphs : 

Examples of Two Good Paragraphs Protecting the Environment Hamster are the Best Pets I think the government should do more to protect wildlife from human interference. Many animals, such as polar bears, are endangered because of overhunting. Other animals are at risk because people build homes on their habitats. If the government did more to protect wildlife, then the world would be a better place. Hamsters are the best pets for children because they are easy to take care of. Hamsters are clean creatures. You never have to give a hamster a bath, but you do have to clean its cage once per week. You never have to take a hamster for a walk because it likes to run on the wheel in its cage. For all of these reasons, hamsters are the best pets for children.

One Not-So-Good Paragraph : 

One Not-So-Good Paragraph In Britain, supermarkets have a huge influence on everyday life. At least that’s what Jill told me, but I'm not sure I believe her as she's always making stuff up. For instance, she claims to have been abducted by aliens in little green hats. But that's just silly, as everyone knows that aliens don't wear hats. I mean, if aliens don't have hair, they can't have bad hair days, and if they can't have bad hair days, why on earth (or Centauri Prime for that matter) would they ever wear a hat? Retrieved from http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/editing-writing-topics/8875-one-short-paragraph.html on April 20, 2009.

How to Write a Paragraph, Part 1 : 

How to Write a Paragraph, Part 1 Write a topic sentence. This sentence tells what your whole paragraph will be about. Example: It is important for all children to have chores. Write 2-3 detail sentences that relate to your topic sentence. Example: Chores teach children to be responsible and not to take their parents for granted. Children also learn many life skills by doing chores.

How to Write a Paragraph, Part 2 : 

How to Write a Paragraph, Part 2 Write a conclusion sentence. This sentence gives the same information as your topic sentence, but in different words. Example: For these reasons, all children should have some kind of chores to do at home. Put all of your sentences together in a paragraph. Remember, don’t go to the next line on your paper.

Children and Chores : 

Children and Chores It is important for all children to have chores. Chores teach children to be responsible and not to take their parents for granted. Children also learn many life skills by doing chores. For these reasons, all children should have some kind of chores to do at home.

Practice on Paragraph Format #1 : 

Practice on Paragraph Format #1 Directions: With your partner, cut out the sentences from the paper given to you and put them in the correct order to make a paragraph. Then copy your paragraph onto your paper. We will share paragraphs before moving on.

Practice on Paragraph Format #2 : 

Practice on Paragraph Format #2 Directions: Using the information from Unit 9, write a 4 or 5-sentence paragraph on your topic.