Writing: Paragraphing & Text Organization (B1) - Lesson 1: Writing a Basic Paragraph with a Clear Topic Sentence & Supporting Details
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Hello B1 Learners! 👋
You're getting good at writing sentences! Now, let's learn how to group sentences together to form a paragraph. A paragraph is a group of sentences that all talk about one main idea.
In this lesson, you will learn:
- What a paragraph is.
- About the topic sentence – the most important sentence in a paragraph.
- About supporting sentences that give more details.
- How to write your own basic paragraph.
What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences that are all about one single topic or main idea. All the sentences in a good paragraph work together to explain or give more information about that one topic.
Why do we use paragraphs?
- They help organize our ideas.
- They make our writing easier to read and understand.
- They show the reader when we are moving from one main idea to another (in longer texts).
Think of a paragraph as a mini-story or a detailed explanation about one specific thing.
Basic Paragraph Structure
A good basic paragraph usually has these parts:
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Topic Sentence:
This sentence tells the main idea of the paragraph. It's often the first sentence. It lets the reader know what the paragraph will be about.
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Supporting Sentences (Details):
These sentences (usually 2-4 for B1 level) come after the topic sentence. They give more information, details, examples, or explanations about the main idea in the topic sentence. All supporting sentences must be clearly related to the topic sentence.
-
Concluding Sentence (Optional for basic paragraphs, but good practice):
This sentence is often the last sentence. It can summarize the main idea or give a final thought about the topic. Sometimes it restates the topic sentence in different words.
Example Paragraph:
My favorite season is autumn. (This is the Topic Sentence - it tells us the main idea.)
The weather is cool and comfortable during this time. (Supporting Detail 1)
Also, the leaves on the trees change to beautiful colors like red, yellow, and orange. (Supporting Detail 2)
I enjoy going for walks to see the colorful scenery. (Supporting Detail 3)
For these reasons, autumn is a wonderful time of year for me. (This is the Concluding Sentence - it summarizes.)
Paragraph Practice
Activity 1: Identify the Topic Sentence
Read the paragraph below. Which sentence is the topic sentence (the main idea)? Click on it.
Activity 2: Find the Sentence That Doesn't Belong
This paragraph has one sentence that is not about the main topic (stated in the topic sentence). Click on the sentence that does not belong.
Activity 3: Write Your Own Paragraph (Guided)
Let's write a short paragraph about a familiar topic. Choose a topic sentence below, then write 2-3 supporting sentences that give more details about it. You can also add a concluding sentence if you like.
Choose a topic sentence to start your paragraph:
✨ Tips for Writing Good Basic Paragraphs ✨
- Focus on ONE Main Idea: Your topic sentence should clearly state this idea.
- Brainstorm Details: Before writing supporting sentences, think of a few details, examples, or reasons related to your topic sentence.
- Stay On Topic: Make sure every supporting sentence directly relates to the main idea in your topic sentence.
- Use Transition Words (later): As you get more advanced, you'll learn words like "Also," "For example," "However," to connect sentences smoothly. For now, focus on clear ideas.
- Check for C.U.P.S.: Capitals, Understanding (Does it make sense?), Punctuation (full stops!), Spelling.
Paragraph Power! 🎉
You've learned the building blocks of a good paragraph! Being able to write a clear topic sentence and support it with details is a key skill in English writing.