Opening + closing paragraph

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Opening/closing paragraph

Take out your notebook and a pen.

Leave your iPad in your bag.

Steps of writing an essay

1. Brainstorm.
   
2. Thesis statement.
3. Topic sentences.
4. Paragraph writing.
   
5. Opening paragraph.
   
6. closing paragraph.
   

Today's goal:

• You can write an opening paragraph and closing paragraph based on body paragraphs.

Opening paragraph.

Goals:

1. Grabbing the readers attention

2. Introducing the topic.

Contents:

- Anecdote to grap readers' attention.

- Thesis statement

It shouldn't contain:

- Arguments

Assignment!

I will show you three body paragraphs from 1 essay. 

Your job: write an appropriate opening paragraph.

Individually, you may discuss if you whisper.

TS: Social media has a negative impact on teenagers

Firstly, social media can negatively impact teenagers' mental health. Many teens compare themselves to others on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, which can lower their self-esteem. For example, when teenagers see perfect-looking pictures of influencers, they may feel insecure about their own lives or appearances. Over time, this can lead to anxiety or even depression.

Secondly, social media reduces face-to-face communication among teenagers. Instead of spending time with friends in person, many teens choose to chat online or scroll through their feeds. This can make it harder for them to develop strong social skills. For instance, some teenagers might feel nervous or awkward when having real-life conversations because they are used to texting instead.

Lastly, social media creates unrealistic expectations about life. Many influencers post only the best parts of their day, making their lives seem perfect. Teenagers who see this might believe that their own lives are not exciting or successful enough. For example, seeing constant images of expensive vacations or ideal relationships can make teens feel dissatisfied with what they have.

Example opening paragraph

Scrolling through social media has become part of most teenagers’ daily routine. Whether it’s liking pictures on Instagram or watching videos on TikTok, hours can pass without them even noticing. But behind the fun of endless scrolling, there’s a growing concern about how these platforms affect young people. Social media negatively impacts teenagers in several ways.

Concluding paragraph

What the concluding paragraph should contain:

• Restate the thesis statement
  
• Summarize the key points
  
• Final thought or call to action
  

What the concluding paragraph shouldn't contain:

• New information 
  
• Overly long summaries
  

Assignment!

I will show you the three body paragraphs again. 

Your job: write an appropriate closing paragraph.

Individually, you may discuss if you whisper.

TS: Social media has a negative impact on teenagers

Firstly, social media can negatively impact teenagers' mental health. Many teens compare themselves to others on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, which can lower their self-esteem. For example, when teenagers see perfect-looking pictures of influencers, they may feel insecure about their own lives or appearances. Over time, this can lead to anxiety or even depression.

Secondly, social media reduces face-to-face communication among teenagers. Instead of spending time with friends in person, many teens choose to chat online or scroll through their feeds. This can make it harder for them to develop strong social skills. For instance, some teenagers might feel nervous or awkward when having real-life conversations because they are used to texting instead.

Lastly, social media creates unrealistic expectations about life. Many influencers post only the best parts of their day, making their lives seem perfect. Teenagers who see this might believe that their own lives are not exciting or successful enough. For example, seeing constant images of expensive vacations or ideal relationships can make teens feel dissatisfied with what they have.

Example opening paragraph

"In conclusion, social media has a significant negative effect on teenagers. It harms their mental health, reduces face-to-face communication, and creates unrealistic expectations. Although social media can offer entertainment and connection, it’s important for teenagers to be aware of its potential downsides. Moving forward, we should focus on how to use social media in a healthier way that doesn’t harm young people’s well-being."

TS: Online learning has both advantages and disadvantages for students.

One of the main advantages of online learning is its flexibility. Students can study at their own pace and choose when to complete assignments. For example, if a student is more focused in the evening, they can do their work then instead of following a fixed schedule. This flexibility can help students balance school with other responsibilities, like part-time jobs or family commitments.

However, a significant disadvantage of online learning is the lack of social interaction. In traditional classrooms, students have the opportunity to engage with their peers, ask questions, and participate in group activities. Online learning, on the other hand, often involves sitting alone in front of a screen, which can make it difficult for students to build relationships and develop strong communication skills.

Another disadvantage is the reliance on technology. While online learning can be convenient, it is only effective if students have access to the necessary tools, like a reliable computer and internet connection. Students who experience technical issues, such as slow internet or broken devices, may struggle to keep up with their studies. For example, a student without a strong internet connection may miss important lessons or find it difficult to complete assignments on time.

Opening paragraph

Online learning has become an increasingly popular choice for students, especially in recent years. Many students enjoy the freedom of learning from home, while others struggle with the lack of in-person interaction. As more schools and universities offer online courses, it's important to understand both the benefits and the challenges this mode of learning brings. Online learning has both advantages and disadvantages for students.

Concluding paragraph

In conclusion, online learning offers flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with challenges such as limited social interaction and reliance on technology. While some students thrive in an online environment, others may find it difficult to stay engaged or manage technical issues. Moving forward, schools should continue to find ways to improve online learning experiences, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and support they need to succeed.