CC0040

Academic English workshop

(Health Care)
2009-2010
Session 1 (Part II) –
Paragraph Writing

Wience Lai
ccwience@hkcc-polyu.edu.hk
3746-0170
HHB 1630
 contents

 Paragraph writing
 Topic sentence
 Transitional words

2 10/05/09
 Group Competition (15 min)

1. Form groups of 4.
2. Do Part A: Diagnostic Test

3 10/05/09
 Paragraph writing

Effective communication of ideas usually

comprises two parts:

1. Main idea (Topic sentence– the general

point being made by the author usually
expressed in one sentence).

2. Evidence - Specific details (e.g. reasons,

details and facts) supporting or developing
the main idea.
5 10/05/09
 Topic Sentence

The main idea is

• Often in the first sentence.

• Sometimes at the end or in the middle.

• Sometimes not directly stated at all.

6 10/05/09
 finding the main idea

Get into the habit of asking this

question:

“Does most of the material in the

paragraph support or develop the
main idea I have identified?”

7 10/05/09
 Transitional Words
 Transitional words give readers signals about the
direction of a writer’s thoughts. Some examples
are as follows:

Textbook p.189

10/05/09 EAS0809Wk8L(WL) 8
 Group Competition (15 min)

1. Form groups of 4.
2. Do Question C1.

9 10/05/09
 Group Competition (10 min)

1. Form groups of 4.
2. Do Question C2.

11 10/05/09
 Home Work Practice

Do Question D1.
Note:
1. Write ONE paragraph of 100-150
words only.
2. Apply what you have learnt in this
session.
1. State your main idea.
2. Support it with details.
3. Use transitional words to link your
13 points logically.
10/05/09
Download the workshop
materials from Moodle and
print them out for use in the
next class!

See You!