TOPICS TO DISCUSS

Wee Topics Sub Topics Method Page

k
5 Writing - What is a paragraph Lecture, 17
- Example of a simple writing
pharagraph
6 Listening - Listening strategies, Lecture, 20
comprehension - Watching a short video video,
questions
WRITING UNIT 5

Week 5
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences that presents a single idea. In order for a paragraph to be
effective, it must begin with a topic sentence, have sentences that support the main idea of that
paragraph, and maintain a consistent flow.
An effective paragraph
presents a single idea
begins with a topic sentence that makes this single idea evident
contains support in form of sentences that convey this single idea
is strategically organized to maintain flow
maintains your essay’s objective
informs and entertains your reader.
Essential Elements of a paragraph
There are four essential elements that an effective paragraph should consistently contain: unity,
coherence, a topic sentence, and sufficient development.
1. Unity
In order for a paragraph to maintain a sense of unity, the paragraph must focus solely on a
single idea, point, or argument that is being discussed.
2. Coherence
Coherence is more commonly referred to as the flow of your writing. When a paragraph flows,
the reader will be able to understand the main idea. After writing your paragraph, go back and
read aloud what you have written to make sure your ideas are clearly presented.
3. The topic sentence
The topic sentence is the most important part of your paragraph; it tells the reader the general
idea of your paragraphs. The topic sentence helps to provide a “general summary”.
4. Sufficient development
It is essential that this topic be sufficiently developed. Do not limit yourself to a set number of
sentences. Your paragraph should not be too short or too long.
Example of a paragraph
My First Day
My First day of college was a disaster. I went to the wrong classroom
for math. I was sitting in the class, surrounded by people taking notes and paying
attention to how to do equations, which would have been okay if I was supposed to be in
an algebra class. In reality, I was supposed to be in geometry, and when I discovered my
error, I had already missed the first twenty minutes of a one-hour class. When I got to the
correct class, all twenty-five students turned and looked at me as the teacher said, “You’re
late.” That would have been bad enough, but in my next class my history teacher spoke so
fast I could not follow most of what he said. The only thing I did hear was that we were
having a quiz tomorrow over today’s lecture. When I finally finished my classes for the
day, I discovered I had locked my keys in the car and had to wait for my brother to bring
another set. My first day of school was so bad that I know the rest will have to be better .

In the above paragraph, the topic sentence appears in bold and the concluding sentence in
italics. Notice how the sentences in between support and develop the topic sentence by giving
specific examples and details. These examples are the writer’s “proof” of his bad first day of
school.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION UNIT 6
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Week 6

Practice Listening
Watch the video and answer the following questions.

1. How was her vacation?

2. Where did she go?
3. With whom did she go?
4. How long her vacation?
 5. What did her sister do?
6. What did her parents do?
7. Where did she stay?
8. Does she plan to come back again?
9. Does she have a house in the beach?

Watch the video and answer the following questions.

1 Does she have a brother?
2 Does she have a sister?
3 How many sisters does she have?
4 Where did the man and the woman meet?
5 What does her mother do?
6 Where does her mother work?
7 How about her father?
8 Is the man still single?