O/I3 'Paragraph Structure'

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Week 1 (19-20 March)

-  Paragraph Structure (+  20-30 min.)

What is a paragraph?

Assignment

1. Open the document 'Paragraph Structure' 

on the ELO and read the first page (=page 2).

2. Then, answer the first question on the next slide

Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is suitable for jewelry, coins, and ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was made 25 centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and Science. For many years, it has been used in hundreds of industrial applications, such as photography and dentistry. The most recent use of gold is in astronauts’ suits. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields for protection when they go outside spaceships in space. In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.

Read the model at the top of p.3 and answer 

the four questions on the next slides.

1. What is the topic of the paragraph?

2. What two main points does the writer make about the topic?

3. In which two sentences does the writer say that there are two main points?

4. What examples does the writer use to support each point?

Read ‘The Three Parts of a Paragraph’ on p.3-4 

and answer the question on the next slide.

Please explain in your own words what a topic sentence is.

BONUS QUESTION (which is linked to last year’s lessons on essay writing AND links to your future assignment):

What is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement?

Weektask

Write a paragraph (about 100 words) in which you consciously and clearly use a 

-topic sentence

 -(two) main points 

- concluding sentence

Final assignment 

You will be writing an essay again soon. Over the next few days, try to think of a topic, which you would like to write about. 

This could be (linked to) the current Corona-crisis OR it can be (almost) anything else.