eng8-u1-writing· UNIT 1. FREE TIME FUN· ~20 min

Unit 1 Writing: What is a paragraph?

Build a unified paragraph with a main idea, relevant support, and a clear conclusion.

In this lesson’s model, a paragraph is a group of 6–12 sentences about one topic. Its sentences work together to explain one main idea in a logical order. The topic sentence states that main idea and usually comes first. Supporting sentences develop it with information, specific details, examples, or explanations. The concluding sentence comes last and restates the main idea. Strong paragraphs stay on topic, add new support instead of repeating the same sentence, and make their organisation easy to follow.

Key terms

paragraph — In this lesson, a group of 6–12 connected sentences about one topic.
topic sentence — The sentence that states the paragraph’s main idea; it is usually first.
supporting sentence — A sentence that develops the topic with information, details, examples, or explanations.
concluding sentence — The final sentence that restates the main idea.
unity — The quality of keeping every sentence connected to the same topic and main idea.
Paragraph roles
PartJobRevision check
Topic sentencestates the main ideaDoes it clearly name the focus?
Supporting sentencesdevelop the ideaDoes each sentence add relevant information?
Concluding sentencerestates the main ideaDoes it close the paragraph without starting a new topic?
✎Planning a hobby paragraph
  1. 1Main idea: Choose one claim: Gardening helps me relax.
  2. 2Support: Add relevant reasons or details, such as calm routines and time outdoors.
  3. 3Conclusion: Restate the value: For these reasons, gardening is a peaceful hobby for me.
✎Repairing weak support
  1. 1Find repetition: If two sentences say the same thing, keep the clearer one.
  2. 2Find drift: Remove facts that do not explain the main idea.
  3. 3Replace: Add a specific example or explanation that directly supports the topic sentence.
🚫Related is not always relevant

A sentence can share one word with the topic and still fail to develop the main idea.

💡State, develop, restate

Use the topic sentence to state the idea, the middle to develop it, and the conclusion to restate it.

⚠️Do not confuse repetition with support

Supporting sentences add useful information; they do not merely repeat the topic sentence.

Rules

  1. 1Keep all sentences focused on one topic and one main idea.
  2. 2Open with a topic sentence that tells the reader the main idea.
  3. 3Use supporting sentences to add relevant information, details, examples, and explanations.
  4. 4Arrange the supporting ideas logically so the reader can follow them.
  5. 5End with a concluding sentence that restates the main idea without copying the topic sentence word for word.
  6. 6Revise weak paragraphs by adding a missing topic sentence, removing off-topic material, and replacing repetition with useful support.

Practice

5 easy · 5 medium · 5 hard

Up to 10 random questions per test

EasyMediumHardMixed