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Lecture No.

1
Topic: Paragraph Writing

Prewriting strategies
 After a topic or topic sentence is assigned, certain prewriting strategies can be used to think about
supporting material. For example, i) Brainstorming: Brainstorming is free thinking. In this strategy,
we allocate some time to think freely upon a certain topic and whatever ideas come to mind
regarding that topic are written on paper without taking care of mistakes. Later, those ideas can be
used to make an outline for paragraph. ii) WH Question (Questioning): When a topic is given, we
think of many questions about the topic and then try to find out the answers of those questions.
Asking questions and finding answers to those questions is the second strategy used to know how
much we already know about a topic. iii) Webbing/Mapping/Clustering: This is another strategy used
to think about a topic. We write a topic in the middle of a paper in a circle and all the ideas which
come to our mind regarding that topic are written randomly around the main topic in small circles.
Then, these ideas are joined together which make a web. This web provides us supporting material
of our topic.

Sample Paragraphs (for practice)


(1)
 Every paragraph has one topic sentence. Usually, topic sentence is written in the beginning of a
paragraph. A topic sentence which is written in the beginning of a paragraph makes it easier for
the reader to get a quick idea about the whole paragraph.
 A topic sentence consists of two parts; it has a topic and some extra information about the topic.
Since, topics are used for broad subjects. So, the extra information (or additional detail) given in
a topic sentence narrows down the topic. A topic may have many dimensions but when a topic
sentence is made, it specifies one dimension for writer.
 Topic sentence is the first and the most important component of a paragraph. It is the theme or
central idea of a paragraph. All other sentences which come after topic sentence support the
topic sentence. The sentences that support the topic sentence are called supporting ideas.
Supporting ideas can further be classified into two types; main supporting ideas and sub
supporting ideas. Every main supporting idea is backed up with sub-supporting idea(s).
 Ideas are connected to each other with the help of transitional words or phrases. Words/phrases
like firstly, secondly, lastly, moreover, indeed, for example, all in all are called transitionals.
Transitionals are also called connectors, logical connectors or bridges. They work as a bridge
between two ideas. They work as road signs and help the reader to switch from one idea to the
other. They make the flow of reading easier for the reader.
 We conclude a paragraph with a concluding sentence or conclusion. Concluding sentence can be
written in many ways; topic sentence can be restated or supported ideas can be summarized in
one sentence or opinion can be given. No extra information is added in concluding sentence.
 In short, a paragraph has 5 main components; i) Topic sentence, ii) Main supporting ideas, iii)
Sub-supporting ideas, iv) Concluding sentence, v) Transitionals

e.g.
LUMS is one of the best universities in Pakistan for several reasons. Firstly, the faculty members are Commented [u1]: Topic

highly educated and learned. The faculty members of LUMS are at least M.Phil qualified. Moreover, Commented [u2]: Additional information about topic.

the hiring committee also keeps the experience under consideration. Secondly, the infrastructure of Commented [u3]: 1st main supporting idea
Commented [u4]: Sub supporting ideas (in support of 1st main
LUMS is very facilitating for the students. For example, their rooms are air-conditioned, their building is supporting idea
located in peaceful area and they have got indoor and outdoor play areas. Lastly, their management is
highly effective. Indeed, the management plays very important role in the development and growth of
that organization. All in all, LUMS has reached to the height of success among Pakistani universities due
to its faculty, infrastructure and management. Commented [u5]: Concluding Sentence

(2)
 Sometimes, the nature of topic sentence is such that we have many main supporting ideas but do
not have enough sub-supporting material. In that case, we can rely on main supporting ideas only.

e.g.
Swat is an amazing place to visit. First, it is a place known for its scenic beauty. Also, Swat offers a Commented [u6]: 1st main supporting idea

range of adventure activities for the visitors. In addition, you get to visit exotic places within the city. Commented [u7]: 2nd main supporting idea

These features make Swat a truly amazing place well worth a visit. Commented [u8]: 3rd main supporting idea

(3)
 Different students have different approach of collecting supporting material about a specific topic
sentence. If one student writes a paragraph using main supporting ideas only, other may think of
some sub-supporting material and come up with a better version of same topic sentence.

e.g.
Swat is an amazing place to visit. First, it is a place known for its scenic beauty. You get to see the clear
views of snow-capped mountains like Falak Sar and Hindukash from here. The scene of the reflection
of Hindukash peak on the waters of River Swat is simply mesmerizing. Also, Swat offers a range of Commented [u9]: Every main supporting idea has been backed
up with sub-supporting material.
adventure activities for the visitors. You can go ice-skating, chair lifts or take a boating trip. In addition,
you get to visit exotic places around the city. You can visit cities like Dir, Chitral and Kalaam, explore
valleys like Bambor and Bamborait and other places like Sufaid Mahal (Murghzar) and PTDC Hotel etc.
These features make Swat a truly amazing place well worth a visit.
(4)
 The body part of a paragraph (supporting material) may be written in different ways. We can write a
paragraph based on facts only. We can also make a chunk in our body part. A chunk is a combination
of facts and opinions. We can use our views or opinion along with facts in the body part of a
paragraph. We need to be careful to keep a balance between facts and opinions.

e.g.
My parents over manage my homework, and it drives me crazy. For example, I am required to spend
1.5 hours doing homework regardless of whether I have that much homework or not. In addition, my
parents review all of my completed assignments before I am allowed to have free time. This shows me Commented [u10]: Supporting material based on facts

that my parents do not trust me as an independent student. As a result, I feel condescended to, which
causes frequent arguments during homework time. I wish that my parents would allow me more Commented [u11]: Supporting material based on opinion

freedom with my assignments.

(5)
 Conclusion may consist of more than one sentence. In the following paragraph, conclusion is
given in two sentences.

e.g.
Its hard to find good movies to watch in cinemas these days. Furthermore, the price of the ticket is
very expensive. Indeed the price for two tickets and popcorn can sometimes be more expensive than
dinner in a restaurant. Similarly, the cost to rent DVDs has increased over the years. In contrast, the
price of print books has risen at a slower rate. For this reason, I don’t watch movies very much
anymore. Before this happened, I used to see movies in the cinema regularly. Consequently, the
industry is no longer sustainable because people like me no longer pay. I prefer to read. Commented [u12]: Two sentences as conclusion

(6)
 Every paragraph has one central idea which is given in topic sentence. Below given lines are violation
of a paragraph. We must support the only point we have discussed in topic sentence.

My mother is a very busy person. My toy car is broken. The cows are grazing in the field. The sun sets
in the west. We live in Karachi. My name is Zara Khan. A mouse is a little creature.

(7)
My mother is very busy person. She works sixteen hours a day. She goes to office early in the morning
and comes back quite late at night. Sometimes, she even works on Saturdays. She has no time for play
or fun.
 Usually length of a paragraph is assigned by the instructor. If there is no restriction by the instructor,
a paragraph of any length can be written until it is supporting the topic sentence.
 If there are two paragraphs back to back, they can be separated by EITHER one line space OR
indentation. Leaving one line space is more common.

Topic sentences (used as class activity) :


1. Computers are beneficial for us.
2. Ali/Zara is my best friend.
3. Trees are useful to us.
4. Technology has many advantages.
5. A dog is a useful animal.

Transitional Words And Phrases


1. Addition:
in addition to, as well as, furthermore, besides, moreover, also, another, again, additionally, and,

 His laziness caused the company to perform badly last quarter. Moreover, his attitude
towards the board has put his job on risk.

2. Time:
currently, usually, previously, meanwhile, formerly, after a while, after, afterwards, earlier, later,
since, by this time, immediately, tomorrow, yesterday, soon, during,

 First, I went to the park. After a while, I decided to head to the beach. Meanwhile, my
brother was stuck doing homework.
 In 1769, the San Diego was built. Then, the mission in Los Angeles was built. In the end,
California was home to 21 missions.

3. Similarity: at the same time, in the same way, similarly, in the same fashion, likewise,

 Garments were valuable trade goods for him. Similarly, some iron objects also had same
value.

4. Contrast: however, still, but, yet, although, even though, in spite of, nonetheless, on the other
hand, instead, in contrast, nevertheless, in comparison, otherwise, on the contrary,
 California was first explored by the Spanish in 1542. However, Spain didn’t establish a
presence in the area until 1769.

5. Place/position/location: above, below, adjacent, beyond, here, in front of, nearby, there,

6. Cause & effect: for this reason, consequently, so, therefore, as a result, because, if, thus, even if,

 The earthquake caused significant damage. As a result, several communities had to be


evacuated.

7. Sequence: first, second, third, next, then, finally


8. Emphasis: above all, indeed, of course, certainly, surely, in fact etc
9. Example: for example, for instance, namely, to illustrate, such as etc
10. Summary/ Conclusion: to summarize, to conclude, in conclusion, ultimately, finally, thus, in short,
to sum up, therefore, in closing, as a result, all in all, in summary, in brief, in short etc

 In conclusion, using transition words is an important part of the writing process.


 Ultimately, no one has more influence on a student’s grades than the student himself.

Exercise
1. When we see photos of our outer space, we are struck by its beauty.
2. Space is deadly place for humans.
3. A person cannot survive more than a few seconds in the vacuum of space.
4. Cosmic radiation damages DNA, affects the central nervous system, and causes cancer.
5. Space travel for long periods of time is impossible at the moment because astronauts would not
survive the trip.

After using transitions


When we see photos of our outer space, we are struck by its beauty. However, space is deadly place
for humans. For example, a person cannot survive more than a few seconds in the vacuum of space. In
addition, cosmic radiation damages DNA, affects the central nervous system, and causes cancer.
Consequently, space travel for long periods of time is impossible at the moment because astronauts
would not survive the trip.

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