eng8-u6-writing· UNIT 6. CHANGE-MAKERS· ~20 min

Unit 6 Writing: Five features of a well-written paragraph

Plan, draft, and review a unified paragraph with a clear main idea and logical close.

This lesson uses five checks for a well-written paragraph. First, its classroom format indents the first line 1.27 cm from the margin. Second, a topic sentence states the main idea and includes a controlling idea that limits what the paragraph will explain. Third, all supporting sentences stay on that one topic. Fourth, transition words connect ideas and help the reader follow the direction of thought. Fifth, a concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a logical close by restating the main idea. Treat the 1.27 cm measure as the format required for this lesson; other style guides or digital formats may set indentation differently. The writing process on page 113 begins with brainstorming. The writer turns relevant ideas into an outline with a topic, topic sentence, body points, and concluding sentence. After drafting, partners use five peer-editing questions to check the topic sentence, controlling idea, support, unity, and conclusion, then give useful revision suggestions.

Key terms

controlling idea — The part of a topic sentence that limits the paragraph to a specific point about its topic.
unity — The quality created when every sentence develops the same focused topic.
transition — A word or phrase that signals how one idea connects to another.
outline — A plan showing the topic sentence, body points, and concluding sentence before drafting.
Five paragraph checks
FeatureReview question
First-line formatIs the first line indented 1.27 cm in this lesson’s format?
Topic sentenceDoes it state a clear main idea with a controlling idea?
UnityDoes every supporting sentence relate to that focused idea?
TransitionsCan the reader follow the relationships between ideas?
ConclusionDoes the last sentence restate the main idea and close logically?
From idea to revision
StageAction
BrainstormGenerate possible ideas about the topic
OutlineSelect and arrange the topic sentence, body points, and conclusion
DraftWrite the full paragraph
Peer editUse the five review questions
Suggest and reviseExplain how the writer can improve the paragraph
✎Build a focused outline
  1. 1Broad topic: Helping the neighbourhood
  2. 2Topic sentence: ‘Our weekend food drive helps local families in three practical ways.’
  3. 3Body plan: Collect food, sort donations, and deliver boxes.
  4. 4Conclusion: ‘Together, these three steps turn one weekend into useful support for local families.’
✎Use peer feedback to revise
  1. 1Problem: A draft about a recycling campaign includes a sentence about the writer’s favourite film.
  2. 2Review question: Does every supporting sentence relate to the topic?
  3. 3Suggestion: Remove the film sentence or replace it with evidence about the campaign.
💡A measurement belongs to a format

Use 1.27 cm for this lesson’s first-line indent; formatting rules can differ elsewhere.

🚫A neighbour can still be irrelevant

A true sentence about a person does not belong if it does not develop the paragraph’s controlling idea.

💡Peer editing leads to action

Name the feature that needs work and give a specific revision the writer can make.

Rules

  1. 1Use a 1.27 cm first-line indent for this lesson’s paragraph format.
  2. 2State the main idea in a topic sentence and use a controlling idea to focus it.
  3. 3Keep every supporting sentence related to the topic sentence and its controlling idea.
  4. 4Use transitions when they make the relationship between ideas clearer.
  5. 5End the lesson’s paragraph with a concluding sentence that restates the main idea rather than adding a new topic.
  6. 6Move from brainstorming to an outline, a draft, peer review, and revision suggestions.

Practice

4 easy · 4 medium · 4 hard

Up to 10 random questions per test

EasyMediumHardMixed