REVIEW

What is a paragraph?Necessary to write an essay

A paragraph is a group of sentences that supports, examines, outlines, explores, defends, analyzes, describes, develops, etc. only ONE idea.

 TASK

Write a paragraph expressing your opinion about the

influence of TV upon families.

PAIR WORK:

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

Discussion: Look at the paragraph now and identify its different parts.

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

TOPIC SENTENCE

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. in a nut shell, watching TV can be a good thing for families under the right circumstances.

Topic:Introduces the general theme.

What subject are you going to write about?

Controlling idea:

Limits the topic.

What do you want to say about the topic?

Controlling idea:

Generates a question Wh…?

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. in a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

SUPPORTING SENTENCESAnswer the question

generated by the controlling idea.

Further developme

nt.

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also

brings other cultures into homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

CONCLUDING SENTENCELinking sentence

Summarizes or restates the main

idea as expressed in the topic sentence.

In an essay:It often links the current

paragraph to the following one.

It may anticipate the topic sentence of the next

paragraph.

Although some parents don’t allow their children to watch television, I

believe that television can be good for families. First of all, television is inexpensive entertainment for families with young children. On a rainy afternoon, if it is too expensive to take the whole family to the movie theater, the family can sit in their living room with bowls of homemade popcorn and watch a movie on

television. In the same way, television can be a good teacher. For example, small children can learn many things, such as the alphabet and numbers on children’s programs. In addition, nature programs teach them about earth and how to care for it. Parents can also use television dramas as a way to

start conversations with their children about important subjects. Finally, television lets children see a bigger picture of the world than their own small neighborhood. Some families cannot travel all over the globe, so the news shows them views of other people and places. Television also brings other cultures into

homes through special cultural programs. In a nut shell, watching TV can be beneficial for families under the right circumstances.

TRANSITION WORDSMake the flow of

ideas smooth

Make the flow of ideas smooth and

easy to read.

ACTIVITY 1Read the topic sentences carefully.

Circle the topic and underline the controlling idea.

1.) ____________________________________________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get well cards, graduation cards, and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but turning on the computer and sending cards over the Internet is also popular.

a) Sending cards is very popular in North America.b) Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.c) It is important to send thank-you cards.

ACTIVITY 2Read the supporting sentences and choose the best topic sentence.

2.) __________________________________________ . I enjoy summer sports like water skiing and baseball. The weather is usually sunny and hot, so I can go to the beach almost every day. Gardening is my hobby and I spend many summer days working in my garden. Unfortunately, the days pass too quickly in summer.a) I like to garden in summer.b) Summer is my favorite season.c) Summer is to short.

3.) ________________________________________ . First of all, we need money to repair old roads and build new roads. We also need more money to pay teachers’ salaries and to pay for services such as trash collection. Finally, more tax money is needed to give financial help to the poor citizens of the city. It is clear that the city will have serious problems if taxes are not raised soon.a) We should raise city taxes.b) City taxes are too high.c) City taxes pay for new roads.

4.) _________________________________________ . For example, a person can have breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in Paris. A businesswoman in London can instantly place an order with a factory in Hong Kong by sending a fax. Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV and watch a baseball game being played in Los Angeles. a) Airplanes have changed our lives.b) Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.c) The fax machine was an important invention.

5.) ___________________________________________ . One thing you must consider is the quality of the university’s educational program. You also need to think about the school’s size and location. Finally, you must be sure to consider the university’s tuition to make sure you can afford to go to school there.a) It is expensive to attend a university in the United States.b) You should consider getting a good education.c) There are several factors to consider when you choose a university to attend.

Session 3 goal

Students will be able to recall how to write an

opinion essay, identifying and discussing its main

parts.

So this is a paragraph

NowWhat is an essay?

This is an essay

An essay is a group of paragraphs that supports, examines, outlines, explores, defends, analyzes, describes, develops, etc. only ONE idea.

A matter of size

What is the difference between a paragraph and an essay?

Writing an ECCE opinion essay

LA INDUSTRIA INTERNATIONAL

People concerned with violence in the city.

Following meetings with members of the Town Council, the Mayor has announced that he has in mind to start an aggressive plan in order to deal with the sky rocketing number of crimes in the area. This would imply reducing certain individual rights in order to stop this massive wave of violence, like setting curfews for example. Local residents are divided on this issue. Many believe it to be an excellent idea as it will finally put an end to a situation that is stifling the citizens. Others are concerned about the unpleasant consequences that may arise from such measures. The editor would like to know more about readers’ views on this proposal.

Prompt: Newspaper article:Information not to be taken into account for the essay.

Task A: LETTER

You have read this article in your local newspaper. Write a letter to the editor of the city times expressing your opinion on the issue. Do you agree with the Mayor’s proposal? What effects do you think this plan to reduce violence in your area will have? Start your letter: “Dear editor,”

Task B: ESSAYDue to the recent economic growth of the region, Trujillo is now receiving not only a great influx of visitors, but also a number of people who have decided to settle down in the area because they believe it is a great place to live and raise a family. What’s your opinion about Trujillo? Is it actually a good choice to bring up a family? Write an essay expressing your opinion.

Task B:Asks the student to express an

opinion on a general issue.Not necessarily related to the article.

Task A:Not to be taken into account

Do you like living in the city?

What aspects do you (not) like about Trujillo?

Writing a paragraph

Write a paragraph expressing your opinion about the city where you live.

Even though Trujillo has a lot of things to offer, in my opinion, it is one of the least desirable places to live. First of all, it has a chaotic traffic. This negative situation makes people waste a lot of time, especially at rush hour where you can be trapped for more than half an hour. Another problem affecting this city is the increasing rate of crime. People feel really insecure with the many crimes happening everyday. If these problems are not solved, they will affect people’s economy, development and stability.

Controlling idea: Why?

A PARAGRAPH

AN ESSAY

Everyone is always talking about the fantastic things Trujillo has to offer. Many tourists praise the wonderful tourist sites like Chan-Chan or the well-known Huanchaco beach for example. But, actually, I think that Trujillo is one of the least desirable places to grow up. I consider this to be true not only because of the intense and heavy traffic, but also due to the rising rate of crime. Let’s take a deep look at this issue.

Nowadays, one the most negative things Trujillo has is its chaotic traffic. Since Trujillo is a relatively small city, the excessive number of cars transforms its main streets into an endless and a stressing snake of smoke and loud noise. The obvious outcome we have to put up with is the incredible amount of time people waste. Sometimes, especially at rush hour, you can be stuck in traffic for up to forty five minutes. But unfortunately, that is not the most serious issue.

The other problem affecting this city, probably the most dangerous one, is the rising rate of crime. Every day, newspapers display news about a murder, shooting, or assault. This situation is creating a sense of insecurity among people and is seriously damaging the city image. People are really concerned and do not know what to do to cope with and solve the problem.

Even though Trujillo has once been considered one of the best cities in Peru, these two negative factors have made it one of the least desirable places to settle down. If they are not solved, they will end up damaging the city image even more, thus affecting people’s economy, development and stability.

Controlling idea: Why?

INTRODUCTION OUTLINETopic:Introduces the general theme.

What subject are you going to write about?

Controlling idea:Limits the topic.

What do you want to say about the topic?

Everyone is always talking about the fantastic things Trujillo has to offer. Many tourists praise the wonderful tourist sites like Chan-Chan or the well-known Huanchaco beach for example. But, actually, I think that Trujillo is one of the least desirable places to grow up. I consider this to be true not only because of the intense and heavy traffic, but also due to the rising rate of crime. Let’s take a deep look at this issue.

INTRODUCTION MODEL Thesis Statement

Concluding (Linking) sentence

What is your

opinion?

What are the main ideas you will use to support your opinion: A &

B

What are the main ideas you will use to support your opinion:

A & B

Two sentences introducing

the topic

Two sentences introducing

the topic

Describing the past and present.

Thirty years ago there were only a handful of cars in the dusty town of Abu Dhabi. Today, the streets are bumper-to-bumper with modern 4WD vehicles, luxury saloons, and taxis. Thesis Statement.

Introducing the topic (2 sentences)Background Example 1

Give one side (+) and the other side (-)

Abu Dhabi is probably one of the most highly developed cities in the Arab world. However, its traffic congestion is a serious problem. Thesis Statement.

Introducing the topic (2 sentences)Background Example 2

Describe the current situation

Abu Dhabi is a modern city, but it faces a modern problem. Every morning and evening, the streets are crowded with cars, taxis and trucks. Thesis Statement.

Introducing the topic (2 sentences)Background Example 3

BODY OUTLINE

Development of topic

sentence

BODY MODEL 1

(Concluding) Linking

sentence

Concluding sentence

Nowadays, one the most negative things Trujillo has is its chaotic traffic. Since Trujillo is a relatively small city, the excessive number of cars transforms its main streets into an endless and a stressing snake of smoke and loud noise. The obvious outcome we have to put up with is the incredible amount of time people waste. Sometimes, especially at rush hour, you can be stuck in traffic for up to forty five minutes. But unfortunately, that is not the most serious issue.

The other problem affecting this city, probably the most dangerous one, is the rising rate of crime. Every day, newspapers display news about a murder, shooting, or assault. This situation is creating a sense of insecurity among people and is seriously damaging the city image. People are really concerned and do not know what to do to cope with and solve the problem.

Take the first supporting key word & put it in a

topic sentence

Take the second

supporting key word & put it in a

topic sentence

CONCLUSION OUTLINE

CONCLUSION MODEL

Even though Trujillo has once been considered one of the best cities in Peru, these two negative factors have made it one of the least desirable places to settle down. If they are not solved, they will end up damaging the city image even more, thus affecting people’s economy, development and stability.

Conclusion: restate opinion and main points

Concluding sentence

Practice 1

Pair work: Choose one of the following

conclusions.In pairs, write an introduction to match the conclusion chosen.

All in all, it is clear that the increase of tourism in our region will enhance the quality of life for all concerned both from a financial and cultural point of view.

In short, we all know that there is a good number of people who continue reading books and newspapers . However, we can not deny that there is a future possibility that the Internet will replace printing reading materials because the former is not only easy to use but it is also inexpensive.

Practice 2

Group work

Write the paragraph of the essay your instructor asks

you to.

Because of the current economic situation people are facing nowadays, and because of the necessity they all have to make ends meet at the end of every month, not few of them have opted for working more, or working in two different places. As far as I am concerned, having two jobs can be dangerous not only for people’s health, but also for their relationships. Let’s take a deep look at this issue.

INTRODUCTION