Writing: B1 - Lesson 1: The Building Blocks: What is a Paragraph?

Writing: Building Strong Paragraphs

B1 Lesson 1: The Building Blocks: What is a Paragraph?

Listen to the key concepts for this lesson.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify the three main parts of a paragraph (topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence) and write a simple, unified paragraph on a single topic.

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Let's learn these important words for this lesson.

Paragraph

| កថាខណ្ឌ

A group of sentences about one main idea.

Topic Sentence

| ប្រយោគសំខាន់

The first sentence that tells the reader the main idea.

Supporting Sentence

| ប្រយោគគាំទ្រ

Sentences that give details or examples about the main idea.

Unity

| ឯកភាព

When all sentences in a paragraph are about the same main idea.

What is a Paragraph?

Think of a paragraph like a hamburger. It's a group of sentences that are all related to one single topic. A paragraph is *not* just a random collection of sentences. It needs to be organized to be easy to read.

The Topic Sentence (Top Bun)

This is the first sentence. It tells the reader the main idea of the whole paragraph. It controls everything else.

Supporting Sentences (The "Meat")

These are the 2-4 sentences in the middle. They give details, examples, or reasons that explain and support the topic sentence.

The Concluding Sentence (Bottom Bun)

This is the last sentence. It summarizes the main idea or gives a final thought. It signals that the paragraph is finished.

Example Paragraph (Analyzed)

Look at this paragraph about Angkor Wat. Can you see the three parts?

Angkor Wat is one of the most amazing places to visit in Cambodia. First, it is the largest religious monument in the world, and the history is incredible. Also, the architecture is very beautiful, especially at sunrise when the light is golden. Finally, you can learn so much about Khmer history just by walking around. For these reasons, Angkor Wat is a must-see for any tourist.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Let's check your understanding. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.

1. Read this sentence: "There are many reasons why English is important for a career."

What part of a paragraph is this?

• A) Topic Sentence (Main Idea)
• B) Supporting Sentence (Detail)
• C) Concluding Sentence (Summary)

2. Read this sentence: "For example, you can get a better job at a hotel or an international company."

What part of a paragraph is this?

• A) Topic Sentence (Main Idea)
• B) Supporting Sentence (Detail)
• C) Concluding Sentence (Summary)

3. Find the Irrelevant Sentence: A good paragraph has unity (all sentences are about one topic). Which sentence does *not* belong in the paragraph below?

(1) I love playing sports. (2) My favorite sport is football. (3) I play with my friends on Saturday. (4) My friend has a new moto. (5) We always have fun.

• A) Sentence (1)
• B) Sentence (3)
• C) Sentence (4)

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Paragraph | កថាខណ្ឌ
  A group of sentences about one main idea.
• Topic Sentence | ប្រយោគសំខាន់
  The first sentence that states the main idea.
• Supporting Sentence | ប្រយោគគាំទ្រ
  Sentences that give details, examples, or reasons.
• Concluding Sentence | ប្រយោគបញ្ចប់
  The last sentence that summarizes the main idea.
• Unity | ឯកភាព
  When all sentences in a paragraph are about the same main idea.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write Your First "Hamburger" Paragraph

In your notebook or in the comments, write one paragraph (about 4-5 sentences) about "My Favorite Food."

Use the hamburger structure:

1. Topic Sentence: "My favorite food is..."
2. Supporting Sentence 1: Give a reason why. (e.g., "First, it tastes...")
3. Supporting Sentence 2: Give another detail. (e.g., "Also, it is easy to find...")
4. Concluding Sentence: Summarize your feeling. (e.g., "In conclusion, I love... because it is delicious and easy.")