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Paragraph structure – handout 1

Look at the paragraphs given below. In topic sentences, circle the topics and underline the controlling ideas. What arguments are given in each
paragraph? What is the goal of each supporting sentence? Does the concluding sentence summarise the whole paragraph or restate the topic sentence?

My hometown Studying Abroad


My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it Studying abroad has two main benefits. Firstly, people who study
is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. On abroad can get a better job when they return to their home country.
either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide, are many willow trees This is because their qualifications and experience mean that they tend
which have long branches that can move gracefully in the wind. In to get jobs that are higher paid, and they can also gain promotion
autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like quickly. Another advantage of studying abroad is the independence
golden snow. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which students can gain. For example, students have to cope with the
is unusual because it is very steep. Even though it is steep, climbing this challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different
hill is not dangerous, because there are some firm rocks along the sides cultures. As a consequence, they will become more confident in their
that can be used as stairs. There are no trees around this hill, so it stands life and in their relationships with others. All in all, it is clear that
clearly against the sky and can be seen from many miles away. The third studying abroad is a beneficial experience.
amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet
tall and is probably about six hundred years old. These three landmarks
– the Wheaton River, Wheaton Hill, and the Big Old Tree – are truly Topic sentence: Studying abroad has two main benefits.
amazing and make my hometown a famous place.
Supporting ideas:
1. …………………………………………………………………………………………
Topic sentence: My hometown is famous for several amazing
…………………………………………………………………………………………
natural features. 2. …………………………………………………………………………………………
Supporting ideas: …………………………………………………………………………………………

1. ………………………………………………………………………………………… Concluding sentence: restating OR summarising? (underline)


…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. …………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. …………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

Concluding sentence: restating OR summarising? (underline)

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