ParagraphPart One Develop a Paragraph1. Paragraph StructurevA paragraph is a basic unit of writing with a group of related sentences that develop one idea. A paragraph can be one sentence or many sentences, but it should be long enough to develop the main idea clearly.vA paragraph has three main components: topic sentence (TP), supporting sentences (SS) and concluding sentence (CS). The TP is the main idea of the paragraph, the SP(s) develop the TP, and the CS signals the end of the paragraph.Example 1:vGenetically-modified organisms are double-edged sword. While they can help reduce farm production costs, they may cause harmful effects as well. Controversy has erupted that genetically- modified cotton has been widely planted in the current season. A committee appointed by the government to assess the safety of the cotton has yet to conclude its findings. We should not rush to conclude that genetically-modified cotton is totally safe, as some members of the committee have done, or say that it is dangerous, as some non- governmental organizations have claimed.Example 2:vGold，a precious metal，is prized for two important characteristicsFirst of all，gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosionTherefore，it is suitable for jewelry，coins，and ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be polished and will remain beautiful foreverFor example，a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was minted twentythree centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and scienceFor many years， It has been used in hundreds of industrial applicationsThe most recent use of gold is in astronauts suits. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields for protection outside the spaceshipIn conclusion， gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.2. topic sentencevThe sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea.vHow to write a good topic sentence?Three essential points第一，主题句必须是一个完整的句子， 包括一个主语，一个谓语动词，常常还 带有其他修饰语。vFragments:vDriving on freeways.vThe importance of gold.vHow to register for college classes.vThe benefits of television to children.vRevised sentencesvDriving on freeway requires skill and alertness.vGold, a precious metal, is prized for tow important characteristics.vRegistering for college classes can be a frustrating experience for new students vTelevision benefits young children in three major waysv第二，主题句是由主题词和主题思想的表 述两部分构成的。主题词表明讨论的对象 。主题思想的表述部分限制或控制这个主 题在一个段落中能够被论述的具体方面。 它应该是能够展述主题思想的一个词或一 个短语，即关键词。试分析下面的主题句 ：vThe Womens Movement has had several effects on the English language v在这个主题句中，表达主题思想的关键词是 several effects，它规定了谈论的主题和内容。 为了论证这个主题思想，作者应提供具体细节 或实例来回答这样的问题：“What reasons did I have for saying several effects?”有可能列出以 下原因：v (1)It has created Ms，a title for women comparable to Mr.for menv (2)The Movement has changed the ending of several compound words from-man to-person v (3)The Movement is responsible for some new termsv (4)The Movement has had an effect on the thirdperson singular pronoun vStudents on this campus recently voiced several complaintsv 在这个句子中，表示主题思想的关键词是 several complaints。所以在主题句后，应辅以 细节来论证主题思想several complaints。学生 有可能列举出下面事实：v(1)They voiced dissatisfaction with the campus lightingv(2)They expressed their disgust with the cafeteria foodv(3)They protested the grading policies of the instructorsvSmoking Cigarettes Can be an expensive habitv 在这个句子中，主题是the habit of smoking cigarettes主题思想是Smoking can be expensive。 在此句中expensive是表示主题思想的关键词，在展开 主题句的段落中，应论证吸烟的确是开销较大的一种 习惯。下面是一个说明主题展开的段落提纲：v (1)Cigarettes cost about 75 cents.v (2)The average smoker smokes two packs a day.v (3)The annual expense for this smoker is $547.50.v (4)The smoker must also pay for extra cleaning of carpets, furniture, and clothes.v第三，由于主题句仅仅提及主题思想，因 此只是一种概括性的陈述而不提供具体的 细节能被段落中的其它句子推演、解释 、论证或分析。主题句应该对该段落内容 进行适当概括和限制。主题句如果过于笼 统(general)就不能包含具体的思想和 观点，对段落如何展开缺乏指导和限定， 使读者由于内容太空泛而很难确切地知道 本段要谈论的内容：主题句如果太具体 (specific)读者就会发现作者对这段内 容己无发挥、充实的余地，而无法将主题 句展开。请分析下列句子： vHong Kong is famous for its developed economy, high standard of living, and intercultural atmosphere.3. Writing Supporting SentencesvSupporting sentences back up and explain the main idea providing the reader with specific evidence and reasons. They present facts, figures, thoughts, observations, examples and personal experiences. They help to illustrate your point and help the reader understand what you mean.vThere are usually the following ways to give supporting sentences in a paragraph.1) Development by Time and Process: also called time order / chronological order and process sequence, often used to arrange the narration of events or explanations of processesvJames Murray was born in Scotland in 1873, the son of a village tailor. He went to a parish school, but he left at 14 and he educated himself with pertinacity. He loved knowledge and he loved to imp