STANAG 6001 Writing Course

Planning and Organizing Paragraphs

A paragraph is a group of related sentences that support one main idea. Paragraphs consist of three parts: the topic sentence, body or supporting sentences, and the concluding sentence. They show where the parts of a writing task begin and end, helping the reader see the organization and grasp its main points.

1Arrange these steps to paragraph writing in the right order.

2Match elements 1–3 with their characteristics a–i (several answers).

3Read the paragraph and label each sentence according to its function.
In my opinion, schools should place more emphasis on teaching practical skills rather than only academic subjects. Many students leave school without knowing how to manage their money, find a job, or solve real-life problems. For example, classes about financial literacy or communication skills would prepare young people for everyday challenges much better than memorising facts for tests. Of course, theoretical knowledge is still important, but it should be connected to real situations. If schools combined theory with practice, students would feel more motivated and confident when they enter the workplace.

4Tick the best topic sentence A, B, C or D.
___ It doesn’t rain very often in summer or winter. The sun usually shines all day. In winter, it can get cold in the desert, but in summer it is hot in the desert and in the cities. I love hot weather.

A: It is summer, and it rained yesterday.

B: Our country is very big.

C: I like the weather in our country.

D: It can get to 50°C, for example.

What is wrong with the other sentences?

It is an example.

It is not general.

It is about something different.

5Choose the suitable topic sentence a, b, c or d.
______ A short paragraph can be about four sentences long as you only need a few facts to support your argument. If you are developing a complex idea or argument, then your paragraph may be longer. For example, a long paragraph could have up to ten sentences. Therefore, you should aim to write paragraphs that are between four and ten sentences in length.

a) The topic sentence must be used to start a paragraph.

b) The reader’s attention is lost when paragraphs are too long.

c) In formal academic writing, the length of a paragraph may vary.

d) Paragraphs should be four to ten sentences long.

6Read the two topic sentences. Build two paragraphs using sentences 1–6.
  1. So everyone should try to do sport because it is good for you.
  2. I also like running and cycling in a group.
  3. Firstly, you learn to work in a team, and it helps you to be more confident.
  4. Sport also keeps you fit and healthy.
  5. For example, I play basketball a lot, and I like it because I enjoy team games.
  6. So, you can see I enjoy many sports.
a) I like doing different kinds of sport. b) Sport is good for you in different ways.
Sentence ___: Sentence ___:
Sentence ___: Sentence ___:
Sentence ___: Sentence ___:

7Tick the best concluding sentence A, B, C or D.
Sam is my best friend. I met him at school when we were seven. We were in the same class for ten years! After school, I went to college and Sam started working in a bank. Now he lives in a different city but we see each other every month. _______

A: He is very good at football.

B: I study Business at college.

C: For example, I will see him next week.

D: He will always be my best friend.

What is wrong with the other sentences?

It gives new information about the topic.

It gives another example.

It is not about the main point.

8Add supporting sentences and a concluding sentence for each paragraph.

TS: AI is a useful tool.

SS1:

SS2:

SS3:

CS:

TS: Education should be for free.

SS1:

SS2:

SS3:

CS:

9Write a paragraph on any topic (max 10 sentences).

 

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