7) Exercises

Exercise 1. Insert the missing words:

A paragraph is a basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of _____(1) sentences develops one main idea. Such sentences are usually linked by ____(2) connectives. A paragraph can be as short as ___(3) sentence or as long as ___(4) sentences. The paragraph should be long enough to develop the ____(5) clearly. A paragraph may stand ___(6) or be one part of a longer price of writing such as a /n ____(7). A paragraph has ___(8) major structural parts: 1) a ____(9) sentence, 2) _____(10) sentences, and 3) a ____ sentence.

Exercise 2. Identify the main features of a paragraph

Exercise 3. Use these tips to help you write clear paragraphs in all types of text.

• Include 1 lots of ideas / one main idea per paragraph.

• Paragraphs 2 can / can’t have a different number of sentences, but avoid paragraphs with just one or two sentences.

• Each body paragraph in a text should be of similar /different length.

• Each paragraph needs a “topic sentence” – a sentence that gives the main idea of the

paragraph. This usually comes at the beginning / end of the paragraph.

• “Supporting sentences change / develop the main idea from the topic sentence. They give

details, examples or explanations.

• A “concluding sentence” marks the 6 beginning /end of the paragraph.

Exercise 4. Write a topic sentence for each of these paragraphs.

1) The summer had been extremely hot and dry. Many brushfires had broken out. People were told not to water their lawns or wash their cars. People responded by using less water and being careful about how they used water. Everyone realized the new rules were in the best interest of everyone.

2) Nancy read everything she could find about nursing. She spent hours in the library learning about first aid. When the call came for summer volunteers at the hospital, she was the first to sign up. She was determined to prepare herself as best she could for what she hoped would be her career.

3) There are many parks to enjoy. Museums and aquariums have interesting exhibits. Large stores and malls have a great selection of things to buy. Many large cities also have major sports teams to watch.

Exercise 5. Choose the best topic sentence and concluding sentence for the two paragraphs below (Two sentences are extra.)

1. Many aspects of human communication are nonverbal.

2. Thanks very much for your letter.

3. So, body language in all its forms is a powerful tool for communication.

4. Call me and let me know what’s happening.

5. However, be careful not to offend people with gestures.

6. I have some news for you!

Paragraph 1… I’ve just started a new job in a travel agency. I work with a great team of people and I get to travel all the time. It’s just a blast! I also met a cute guy last week. He works

for the same company, but in a different division. I can’t believe my luck. I hope life

with you is as good. …

Paragraph 2 … If you look at a group of people, notice how they use their hands, face and whole body to express how they feel. Gestures can have international meaning. Think about how you would express “Hi” or “Bye”, “Be quiet!”, “Fantastic!” or “Good job!” It’s surprising how many other nationalities use the same.

Exercise 6. Read the paragraph and present its structure graphically.

1. Plants can be classified according to their ability to move. The first group consists of those plants which use their roots to move. The second group consists of plants which are unable to move. Examples of the former are plants A and D. Examples of the latter are plants B and C.

Exercise 7. Write a paragraph based on the given diagram:

Exercise 8. Identify the following statements as a

1 Topic Sentence

2 Supporting Sentence 1, 2

3 Detail 1, 2, 3

4 Conclusion

and reconstruct the original paragraph.

___B Another bad habit he has is walking through the house with his muddy boots.

___A He will walk right across a freshly washed floor.

___C That would not be so bad if he didn’t leave them lying all

over the house.

___D He loves to chew on toothpicks

___E My brother has some disgusting and inconsiderate habits.

___F If my brother lived alone, he could be the slob that he is without anyone else caring, but since he lives with other

people, it would help if he showed a little more consideration

for his family!

___G Sometimes they even get stuck in the carpet.

___H He will take his boots off and leave them in the middle

of the floor for everyone to trip over.

Exercise 9. Say what is good/bad about the paragraph:

It is well known that cats are more intelligent than dogs. For example, 3 out of every 4 motorists die of heart disease before they are 50. Another example is the commonly observed ability of dolphins to understand human speech. In conclusion I'd like to emphasize that whereas girls learn mathematics quickly, boys learn mathematics equally quickly.

Exercise 10. Reconstruct the paragraph of which each sentence may be a part.

Exercise 11. Write a paragraph of 7 sentences based on the information provided below ( The first one has been done for you). Use connectives. Check your writing with a partner.

“Milk Hall” is a café and an antique shop in Kamakura…

1. Bad point: sometimes very crowded

2. Style: old-fashioned dark interior with wooden furniture

3. Other: live jazz music once a month

4. Cost lunch: 1,000 yen

5. “Milk Hall”: café and antique shop

6. Location: near Komachi Dori,5 minutes walk from Kamakura Station

7. Good points: good coffee &delicious cheesecake!