Week

INTERMEDIATE
WRITING

The Structure of a Paragraph

OUTLINE

1 The definition of a paragraph

2 The parts of a paragraph

3 Identifying topic sentences

4 Writing topic sentences

2
1. Definition of a paragraph
A paragraph is defined as a group of sentences about a single
topic. The sentences of the paragraph explain the writer’s main
idea about the topic.

In academic writing, a paragraph is usually between five to ten

sentences long. It can be longer or shorter, depending on the
topic.

The first sentence of a paragraph is usually indented a few

space (or called ‘hanging indentation).

(Zemach, 2008: 11) 3

 2. Parts of a paragraph
A. The topic sentence

This is the main idea of the paragraph. It is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, and it is
the most general sentence of the paragraph.

B. The supporting sentences

These are sentences that talk about or explain the topic sentence. They are more detailed ideas
that follow the topic sentence. Sometimes it can be supported by evidence/facts/examples.

C. The concluding sentence

This may be found as the last sentence of a paragraph. It can finish a paragraph by repeating the
main idea or just giving a final comment about the topic.

(Zemach, 2008: 4
2. Parts of a paragraph
Understanding a paragraph

Topic sentence
Topic of the
sentence

Supporting
sentence

Concluding
sentence
(Zemach, 2008: 5
12)
 3. Identifying topic sentences
Choose which group of sentences makes a paragraph?
Why are the other groups of sentences not good paragraphs?

A B

(Zemach, 2008: 6
3. Identifying topic sentences
The topic sentence and the main idea

The topic sentence The main idea

 Usually comes first in a
Parts of the sentences (in a topic
paragraph.
 Gives the writer’s main idea or sentence) that explains about the
topic.
opinion about the topic and
helps the reader understand
what the paragraph is going to
talk about.

(Zemach, 2008: 7
4. Writing topic sentences

(Zemach, 2008: 8