prodriguez

USIL

WRITING WORKSHOP 1 ---- Writing an introductory and concluding

paragraph
What´s an essay?

STRUCTURE OF AN OPINION ESSAY: It must have between 4 or 5 paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 - A general introduction. It has the thesis statement.

Paragraph 2 / 3 - The main body, which supports and explains the thesis
/4 statement.

- The conclusion, which summarises or restates the

Paragraph 5 thesis and the supporting ideas of the essay.

A GOOD PARAGRAPH HAS…

1. Unity: Discusses only one main idea from beginning to end on the same paragraph.
2. Coherence: Shows the connection between the sentences in the paragraph.
3. Cohesion: Connects sentences and paragraphs using
- Linking words - Pronouns
- Articles - Synonyms
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USIL

Let’s Practice

Task 1: Which paragraph has better coherence? Why?

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USIL

Task 2: Complete this introduction.

Essay question: Recycling waste at home is time-consuming. Do you agree or disagree?

Write the topic

These days, ___________________ is getting more and more popular among families
who want to start earth-friendly practices in their homes. ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Write your thesis (Is recycling waste time-consuming for

you? Why?)

Task 3: Write an introductory paragraph for this essay.

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USIL

To begin with, budget flights and package holidays enable ordinary people to travel to
exotic locations that previous generations could only have dreamt of visiting. Inexpensive
student railcards also make it possible to take trains to exciting international
destinations. In fact, it often costs less to travel abroad than at home.

Secondly, green holidays in distant countries are now widely available. Much of the
journey can be done by ship, train or bus. Once there, accommodation may be in tents or
in country houses that use little energy, with local travel by horse, bicycle or on foot.

Finally, it is natural for young people to want to see more of the world, meet people in
different countries and understand the problems that other societies face. They cannot do
this by staying in their home town.

Task 4: Write a concluding paragraph

 Summarizes the arguments, ideas and points.

A good conclusion  Restates the thesis statement.
 Guarantees that the reader is left with something
to think about

GROUP WORK:

Work together to write a strong conclusion for the essay in task 3.

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INDIVIDUAL WORK:

Write an Introduction and conclusion for the following essay question:

Crime is part of the human nature and it is IMPOSSIBLE to fully

eliminate from society. Do you agree or disagree?

Decide if the sentence gives a clear opinion or states just a fact.