1.

Writing Descriptive Paragraphs

Writing descriptive paragraphs can be successful as one of the first writing
activities for students. Start by helping students understand the difference
between simple and complex sentences, and move on to practice writing complex
sentences. Students should also be familiar with a wide range of descriptive
adjectives. Start by having students answer basic questions below. Next, use the
writing exercise to expand the answers into a well formed descriptive paragraph.

Descriptive paragraphs are often used to describe what a person looks and acts
like. Read this example descriptive paragraph, notice how descriptive paragraphs
are arranged by putting together all the sentences about the same thing.

Here is an example of a descriptive paragraph:

I am forty years old, rather tall and I have blue eyes and short black hair. I
wear casual clothes as I teach students in a relaxed atmosphere. I enjoy my job
because I get to meet and help so many different people from all over the world.
During my spare time, I like playing tennis which I play at least three times a
week. I also love listening to classical music and I must admit that I spend a lot
of money on buying new CDs! I live in a pretty seaside town on the Italian
coast. I enjoy eating great Italian food and laughing with the likable people who
live here.

Written Exercise I
Answer these questions about yourself on a piece of paper.

• How old are you?

• What do you look like?
• What kind of clothes do you wear? Why?
• What kind of job do you do? Do you like it?
• What are your favorite hobbies? Why do you like them?
• Where do you live?
• Do you like living there? Why or why not?

Written Exercise II
Now that you have the information about yourself ready. Fill in the gaps in to
complete this descriptive paragraph about yourself.

I am _________ years old, I _________________ (your looks). I wear

________________ because ______________. I am a
______________. I like / don't like my job because
_____________________. I enjoy ______________. I often
_____________ (describe how often you do your hobby). I also like
________________ (write about another hobby) because
________________. I live in ____________. People in ____________
are ________________ . I enjoy / don't enjoy living in ______________
because ____________.

Practice
Ask your friends the same questions as in Exercise I and write paragraphs about
them.

2. Paragraph Writing
There are two structures to learn in English that are important in writing: the
sentence and the paragraph. Paragraphs can be described as a collection of
sentences. These sentences combine to express a specific idea, main point, topic
and so on. A number of paragraphs are then combined to write a report, an essay,
or even a book. This guide to writing paragraphs describe the basic structure of
each paragraph you will write.

In general, the purpose of a paragraph is to express one main point, idea or

opinion. Of course, writers may provide multiple examples to support their point.
However, any supporting details should support the main idea of a paragraph.

This main idea is expressed through three sections of a paragraph:

1. Beginning - Introduce your idea with a topic sentence

2. Middle - Explain your idea through supporting sentences
3. End - Make your point again with a concluding sentence, and, if necessary
transition to the next paragraph.

Example Paragraph
Here is a paragraph taken from an essay on various strategies required for an
overall improvement of student performance. The components of this paragraph
are analyzed below:

Have you ever wondered why some students can't seem to concentrate in class?
Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in
class. In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess of more than
45 minutes consistently score better on tests immediately following the recess
period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly
improves the ability to focus on academic materials. Longer periods of recess
are clearly required to allow students the best possible chances of success in
their studies. Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients
for improving student scores on standardized tests.

There are four sentence types used to construct a paragraph:

Hook and Topic sentence

A paragraph begins with an optional hook and a topic sentence. The hook is used
to draw readers into the paragraph. A hook might be an interesting fact or
statistic, or a question to get the reader thinking. While not absolutely necessary,
a hook can help your readers begin thinking about your main idea. The topic
sentence which states your idea, point, or opinion. This sentence should use a
strong verb and make a bold statement.

(hook) Have you ever wondered why some students can't seem to concentrate in
class? (topic sentence) Students require more recreational time in order to
better focus on lessons in class.

Notice the strong verb 'require' which is a call to action. A weaker form of this
sentence might be: I think students probably need more recreational
time ... This weaker form is inappropriate for a topic sentence.

Supporting sentences
Supporting sentences (notice the plural) provide explanations and support for the
topic sentence (main idea) of your paragraph.

In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess of more than 45
minutes consistently score better on tests immediately following the recess
period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly
improves the ability to focus on academic materials.

Supporting sentences provide the evidence for your topic sentence. Supporting
sentences that include facts, statistics and logical reasoning are much more
convincing that simple statements of opinion.

Concluding sentence
The concluding sentence restates the main idea (found in your topic sentence)
and reinforces the point or opinion.

Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best possible
chances of success in their studies.

Concluding sentences repeat the main idea of your paragraph in different words.

Optional Transitional sentence for Essays and Longer

Writing
The transitional sentence prepares the reader for the following paragraph.

Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients for improving
student scores on standardized tests.

Transitional sentences should help readers logically understand the connection

between your current main idea, point or opinion and the main idea of your next
paragraph. In this instance, the phrase 'just one of the necessary ingredients ...'
prepares the reader for the next paragraph which will discuss another necessary
ingredient for success.

Quiz
Identify each sentence according to the role it plays in a paragraph. Is it a hook,
topic sentence, supporting sentence, or concluding sentence?

1. To sum up, educators must try to ensure that students practice writing
rather than just taking multiple choice tests.
2. However, due to the pressures of large classrooms, many teachers try to cut
corners by giving multiple choice quizzes.
3. Nowadays, teachers realize that students need to actively practice their
writing skills though review of basic concepts is also required.
4. Have you ever done well on a multiple choice quiz, only to realize that you
don't really understand the topic?
5. Real learning requires practice not just style exercises that focus on
checking their understanding.

Answers

1. Concluding sentence - Phrases such as 'To sum up', 'In conclusion', and
'Finally' introduce a concluding sentence.
 2. Supporting sentence - This sentence provides a reason for multiple choices
and supports the main idea of the paragraph.
3. Supporting sentence - This sentence provides information about current
teaching practices as a means of supporting the main idea.
4. Hook - This sentence helps the reader imagine the issue in terms of their
own life. This helps the reader become personally engaged in the topic.
5. Thesis - The bold statement gives the overall point of the paragraph.

Exercise
Write a cause and effect paragraph to explain one of the following:

• The difficulties in finding a job

• The effects of technology on learning
• Causes of political unrest
• The importance of English

3. Writing Cause & Effect

One of the most common tasks on important tests is writing cause and
effect essays or paragraphs. Here are some tips to help you write a cause and
effect essay.

• Remember that causes come first, effects follow.

• Learn multiple forms (also known as equivalencies) so that you can vary
your writing style.
• Use an effective hook to catch the reader's attention.
• Always use examples to provide evidence.
• Use linking language such as conjunctive adverbs, or listing words to
organize your paragraphs.

• Use a hamburger essay form (introduction, three body paragraphs,

conclusion) for cause and effect essays.
• Begin by brainstorming (example below). Next, write a quick outline using
ideas created by brainstorming.
• Use your outline as a map to writing your essay. It may take a few minutes
to develop an outline, but having an outline results in a much clearer essay.
Step 1: Brainstorming

Brainstorm your essay. Brainstorming is used to create as many ideas as possible.

Don't worry whether your ideas are good or bad, just come up with as many as
possible. Here is some brainstorming for essays on four different topics:

Issue Causes Effects

Students speak their own Many students have the Other people can’t
language at school same language in class understand me

Don’t care to learn a Bad grades

language
Waste of money
Afraid of making mistakes
Waste of time
It’s easier to understand
each other You make closer
friends
It happens automatically
People have fewer babies Cost of education Old people can’t be
helped
Health issues
Better relationship
Lack of time
Population decrease
Don’t like children
Spoilt children
Babies cost a lot of money

People don’t want body

changes

People are having children

older
People eat too much fast Time Not healthy
food
Price Waste money

Easy Not share with other

people
Not interested in cooking
 Advertising Obesity

More free time for fun

Get annoyed/bored
Globalization Technology Easy to travel

Apple Need to speak English /

Chinese
Fashionable
Connected to the whole
Cinema / Entertainment world

Social media Losing your own

culture
Education
More competition
Countries opening borders
Synergies
Easy to travel

Step 2: Write an Outline

It's important to create a map of your essay. There's no need to write out full
sentences, just take ideas from your brainstorming and use them to fill out the
outline. Next, come up with a hook and a topic sentence for your introductory
paragraph. Here's an example:

Introduction:

Statistic about obesity

Topic sentence:

Obesity has become the number one threat to good health in developed countries.

Body I - Causes

Cause 1: Price

Cause 2: Advertising
Cause 3: Time

Body II - Effects

Effect 1: Poor health

Effect 2: Less time for family, more time for work

Effect 3: Stress

Body III - Possible Changes

Change 1: Education

Change 2: Don't eat at chains

Change 3: Choose fruit and vegetables

Conclusion

Step 3: Use Forms for Showing Cause and Effect

The final step is to write your essay or paragraph. Use the following language
formulas for showing cause and effect in your essays and paragraphs. Make sure
to use a variety of sentences including compound and complex sentences.

Causes Effects
There are several reasons for XYZ …
(First, … Second…, Finally, …)
Before… Now…
There are several reasons for
obesity. First, nowadays many Before, people used to eat at home. Now,
people eat too much junk food. many eat on the run.
Second, ...
A second result/outcome
There are two main factors. The first
factor …, Another factor … A secondary result of too little exercise is
apathy.
There are two main factors that
account for increasing obesity. The One effect is … Another effect is …
first factor is the increase in junk
food. Another factor is ... One effect is a decrease in appetite.
Another effect is general laziness.
The first cause is… / The next cause Another result is …
is …
Another result is students feel pressure to
The first cause is too little exercise. get good grades at any cost.
The next cause is ...
They may feel/think/purchase …
This / XTZ leads to …
They may think that without good grades
Smoking leads to heart disease. there are fewer chances in the workplace.

One possible cause is … As a consequence of ABC, XYZ occurs /

happens / etc.
One possible cause is a lack of sleep.
As a consequence of too little sleep, stress-
Another possible cause is … related diseases occur.

Another possible cause is too much Also,/ Too,/In addition,

stress.
Also, students take too little time to relax.
ABC may lead to XYZ …
Thus,/Therefore,/Consequently
Increased smartphone use may lead
to addiction. Consequently, there is a shortage of
possible jobs.

4. 5-paragraph essays

A five-paragraph essay is a prose composition that follows a prescribed format of

an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding
paragraph, and is typically taught during primary English education and applied
on standardized testing throughout schooling.

Learning to write a high-quality five-paragraph essay is an essential skill for

students in early English classes as it allows them to express certain ideas, claims,
or concepts in an organized manner, complete with evidence that supports each
of these notions. Later, though, students may decide to stray from the standard
five-paragraph format and venture into writing an exploratory essay instead.
Still, teaching students to organize essays into the five-paragraph format is an
easy way to introduce them to writing literary criticism, which will be tested time
and again throughout their primary, secondary, and further education.

Writing a Good Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph in your essay, and it should accomplish a
few specific goals: capture the reader's interest, introduce the topic, and make a
claim or express an opinion in a thesis statement.

It's a good idea to start your essay with a hook (fascinating statement) to pique
the reader's interest, though this can also be accomplished by using descriptive
words, an anecdote, an intriguing question, or an interesting fact. Students can
practice with creative writing prompts to get some ideas for interesting ways to
start an essay.

The next few sentences should explain your first statement, and prepare the
reader for your thesis statement, which is typically the last sentence in the
introduction. Your thesis sentence should provide your specific assertion and
convey a clear point of view, which is typically divided into three distinct
arguments that support this assertation, which will each serve as central themes
for the body paragraphs.

Writing Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay will include three paragraphs in a five-paragraph essay
format, each limited to one main idea that supports your thesis.

To correctly write each of these three body paragraphs, you should state your
supporting idea, your topic sentence, then back it up with two or three sentences
of evidence. Use examples that validate the claim before concluding the
paragraph and using transition words to lead to the paragraph that follows —
meaning that all of your body paragraphs should follow the pattern of "statement,
supporting ideas, transition statement."

Words to use as you transition from one paragraph to another include: moreover,
in fact, on the whole, furthermore, as a result, simply put, for this reason,
similarly, likewise, it follows that, naturally, by comparison, surely, and yet.

Writing a Conclusion
The final paragraph will summarize your main points and re-assert your main
claim (from your thesis sentence). It should point out your main points, but
should not repeat specific examples, and should, as always, leave a lasting
impression on the reader.

The first sentence of the conclusion, therefore, should be used to restate the
supporting claims argued in the body paragraphs as they relate to the thesis
statement, then the next few sentences should be used to explain how the essay's
main points can lead outward, perhaps to further thought on the topic. Ending
the conclusion with a question, anecdote, or final pondering is a great way to
leave a lasting impact.

Once you complete the first draft of your essay, it's a good idea to re-visit
the thesis statement in your first paragraph. Read your essay to see if it flows
well, and you might find that the supporting paragraphs are strong, but they
don't address the exact focus of your thesis. Simply re-write your thesis sentence
to fit your body and summary more exactly, and adjust the conclusion to wrap it
all up nicely.

Practice Writing a Five-Paragraph Essay

Students can use the following steps to write a standard essay on any given topic.
First, choose a topic, or ask your students to choose their topic, then allow them
to form a basic five-paragraph by following these steps:

1. Decide on your basic thesis, your idea of a topic to discuss.

2. Decide on three pieces of supporting evidence you will use to prove your
thesis.
3. Write an introductory paragraph, including your thesis and evidence (in
order of strength).
4. Write your first body paragraph, starting with restating your thesis and
focusing on your first piece of supporting evidence.
5. End your first paragraph with a transitional sentence that leads to the next
body paragraph.
6. Write paragraph two of the body focussing on your second piece of
evidence. Once again make the connection between your thesis and this
piece of evidence.
7. End your second paragraph with a transitional sentence that leads to
paragraph number three.
8. Repeat step 6 using your third piece of evidence.
9. Begin your concluding paragraph by restating your thesis. Include the
three points you've used to prove your thesis.
10. End with a punch, a question, an anecdote, or an entertaining thought that
will stay with the reader.
Once a student can master these 10 simple steps, writing a basic five-paragraph
essay will be a piece of cake, so long as the student does so correctly and includes
enough supporting information in each paragraph that all relate to the same
centralized main idea, the thesis of the essay.

Limitations of the Five-Paragraph Essay

The five-paragraph essay is merely a starting point for students hoping to express
their ideas in academic writing; there are some other forms and styles of writing
that students should use to express their vocabulary in the written form.

According to Tory Young's "Studying English Literature: A Practical Guide":

"Although school students in the U.S. are examined on their ability to write
a five-paragraph essay, its raison d'être is purportedly to give practice in basic
writing skills that will lead to future success in more varied forms. Detractors feel,
however, that writing to rule in this way is more likely to discourage imaginative
writing and thinking than enable it. . . . The five-paragraph essay is less aware of
its audience and sets out only to present information, an account or a kind of story
rather than explicitly to persuade the reader."

Students should instead be asked to write other forms, such as journal entries,
blog posts, reviews of goods or services, multi-paragraph research papers, and
freeform expository writing around a central theme. Although five-paragraph
essays are the golden rule when writing for standardized tests, experimentation
with expression should be encouraged throughout primary schooling to bolster
students' abilities to utilize the English language fully.

5. Thesis Statement
A thesis statement provides the foundation for your entire research paper or
essay. This statement is the central assertion that you want to express in your
essay. A successful thesis statement is one that is made up of one or two
sentences clearly laying out your central idea and expressing an informed,
reasoned answer to your research question.

Usually, the thesis statement will appear at the end of the first paragraph of your
paper. There are a few different types, and the content of your thesis statement
will depend upon the type of paper you’re writing.

Key Takeaways: Writing a Thesis Statement

 • A thesis statement gives your reader a preview of your paper's content by
laying out your central idea and expressing an informed, reasoned answer
to your research question.
• Thesis statements will vary depending on the type of paper you are writing,
such as an expository essay, argument paper, or analytical essay.
• Before creating a thesis statement, determine whether you are defending a
stance, giving an overview of an event, object, or process, or analyzing your
subject

Expository Essay Thesis Statement Examples

An expository essay "exposes" the reader to a new topic; it informs the reader
with details, descriptions, or explanations of a subject. If you are writing an
expository essay, your thesis statement should explain to the reader what she will
learn in your essay. For example:

• The United States spends more money on its military budget than all the
industrialized nations combined.
• Gun-related homicides and suicides are increasing after years of decline.
• Hate crimes have increased three years in a row, according to the FBI.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of stroke and
arterial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).

These statements provide a statement of fact about the topic (not just opinion)
but leave the door open for you to elaborate with plenty of details. In an
expository essay, you don't need to develop an argument or prove anything; you
only need to understand your topic and present it in a logical manner. A good
thesis statement in an expository essay always leaves the reader wanting more
details.

Types of Thesis Statements

Before creating a thesis statement, it's important to ask a few basic questions,
which will help you determine the kind of essay or paper you plan to create:

• Are you defending a stance in a controversial essay?

• Are you simply giving an overview or describing an event, object, or
process?
• Are you conducting an analysis of an event, object, or process?

In every thesis statement, you will give the reader a preview of your paper's
content, but the message will differ a little depending on the essay type.
Argument Thesis Statement Examples
If you have been instructed to take a stance on one side of a controversial issue,
you will need to write an argument essay. Your thesis statement should express
the stance you are taking and may give the reader a preview or a hint of your
evidence. The thesis of an argument essay could look something like the
following:

• Self-driving cars are too dangerous and should be banned from the
roadways.
• The exploration of outer space is a waste of money; instead, funds should
go toward solving issues on Earth, such as poverty, hunger, global
warming, and traffic congestion.
• The U.S. must crack down on illegal immigration.
• Street cameras and street-view maps have led to a total loss of privacy in
the United States and elsewhere.

These thesis statements are effective because they offer opinions that can be
supported by evidence. If you are writing an argument essay, you can craft your
own thesis around the structure of the statements above.

Analytical Essay Thesis Statement Examples

In an analytical essay assignment, you will be expected to break down a topic,
process, or object in order to observe and analyze your subject piece by piece.
Examples of a thesis statement for an analytical essay include:

• The criminal justice reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate in late 2018
("The First Step Act") aims to reduce prison sentences that
disproportionately fall on nonwhite criminal defendants.
• The rise in populism and nationalism in the U.S. and European
democracies has coincided with the decline of moderate and centrist
parties that have dominated since WWII.
• Later-start school days increase student success for a variety of reasons.

Because the role of the thesis statement is to state the central message of your
entire paper, it is important to revisit (and maybe rewrite) your thesis statement
after the paper is written. In fact, it is quite normal for your message to change as
you construct your paper.