1. Paragraph Structure Overview of Paragraphs Statement and Example 1 Debbie Lahav Business English Ruppin Academic Center

3. Topics sentences2

4. A paragraph is… a group of sentences put together for a reason. like an individual, each with his or her own ideas. However, like a team, sentences must also work together to link ideas. 3

5. What do paragraphs do? They divide a text into blocks of separate thoughts or main ideas. The work together to support the main idea or main claim of the entire text. They support the reader’s understanding of the text. 4

6. What are the two parts of a good paragraph? The topic sentence The supporting sentences 5

7. The Topic Sentence… is ONE SENTENCE that introduces the main idea of the whole paragraph. is usually the first or second sentence of the paragraph. gives the reader clues as to what to expect. 6 Topic sentence support support support

8. Example 1 Topic sentences can state the purpose of paragraph. I would appreciate it if you could open a current account for me under my trading name R & S Fashions Ltd. Enclosed you will find two sample signatures, my own and that of my partner Ms. Kathy Sider. Both signatures will be required on all cheques. I also enclose a reference from Mr. Allan Young, who banks with your branch, and a cheque for $457.00 with a paying-in slip. 7

9. Example 2 Topic sentences can make a claim or a judgment. From the moment we arrived, there were problems with the service. First, a very unfriendly desk clerk couldn’t find our reservation. After waiting almost half an hour, we were led by another unfriendly clerk to our room. The room, which had a view of the parking lot instead of the sea, had not yet been cleaned, so we found dirty towels on the beds and trash on the floor. This was not a weekend we had been looking forward to. 8

10. Dear Mr. Roberts, What do you do when a terrific film clashes with a great football match on TV and you want to see one and other members of your family are determined to watch the other? You could record them for later viewing, but supposing yuou want to watch at the scheduled time? Luckily there is an answer. You rent a brand new, portable TV from TV Rentals from only $8.75 a week and your problem is solved. (Topic sentence) You can watch what you want, wherever you want. Keep up to date with your favorite soap in the kitchen. Relax in bed with a late-night film. (Topic sentence) Like a sleep timer in case you nod off in front of the TV. A child lock. A built-in alarm clock radio that can wake you up in three different ways in the morning… 9 Class Task:

12. Supporting sentences should be elaborated – give details10

13. Organization Present the point you would like to “prove.” Give strong supporting information and elaborate giving details. Organize your information using a list organizer. 11 Statement (Topic Sentence) Suppor t Ing detai ls Support #1 elaboration Support #2 elaboration Support #3 elaboration Concluding sentence

14. Supporting Sentences To make an idea clear to the reader, you must ELABORATEon it (develop it in greater detail). Use facts and/or statistics—information that is proven to be true (with or without numbers). Use examples—specific instances or illustrations of a general idea. 12

16. Growth in the power of consumer groups

17. Expansion of e-commerce

18. Increase in shareholder power

19. Financial scandals

20. Transfer of money and jobs to cheaper countries (foreign outsourcing)

21. Weakening trade unionsOrganize your information before writing. Type your paragraph in Word. When you finish, check your work. Then copy and paste it into the text box on the task. Remember to click the icon changing the paragraph direction to left to right.