Paragraph Structure
What do we call the sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph?
A topic sentence.
What is a common structure for a discussion article?
Put these parts in the correct order:
A. Conclusion
B. Arguments for and against
C. Introduction
C. Introduction
B. Arguments for and against
A. Conclusion
The introduction presents the topic and question. The main part discusses different perspectives, arguments and examples. The conclusion summarises the main points and may give the writer's final view.
Which transition signal would you use to add another idea?
"Online learning can be flexible. ________, students can study from home."
Furthermore / In addition / Also / Moreover
Consumer
Konsument
Name at least one problem with sweatshops.
Some possible answes:
Poor working conditions
Works 60-80 per week
No overpay/low wage
Verbal and physical abuse
A strong paragraph usually contains three important parts. Name them.
A topic sentence
Supporting sentences/details
A concluding sentence.
What is the main purpose of a discussion article?
To discuss different perspectives or arguments about a topic.
Which transition signal best completes the sentence?
"Many students enjoy using social media. ________, it can sometimes have negative effects on their mental health."
However / On the other hand
Purchase
Köpa
Paul Hawken claimed that "green consumerism is a contradiction in terms". What did he mean by that?
Consuming is part of the problem, regardless if it is considered green.
The solution is rather to stop/reduce consumption all together.
Read this sentence:
"Social media can have several negative effects on teenagers."
What would you expect the rest of the paragraph to do?
It should explain and support the main idea, for example by discussing different negative effects and giving examples or evidence.
Which sentence would be more appropriate in a formal discussion article?
A. "Everyone knows that social media is terrible."
B. "Social media can have both positive and negative effects on young people."
B
Choose a suitable transition signal:
"Students need enough sleep. ________, getting enough sleep can improve concentration and memory."
For example / For instance
Exploit
Utnyttja
Investigators have found an issue when it comes to harvesting the cocoa bean. What is the issue?
Child slavery
Which sentence does NOT fit well in this paragraph? Explain why.
"There are several reasons why students should get more sleep. First, sleep helps students concentrate in class. It can also improve memory and learning. Many teenagers use TikTok every day."
"Many teenagers use TikTok every day."
It is off-topic and does not support the paragraph's main idea about sleep.
Your topic is:
"Should students be allowed to use their phones during lessons?"
Give one argument for and one argument against allowing phones in class.
Possible answer:
For: Phones can be useful for research, educational apps and communication.
Against: Phones can distract students and make it harder to concentrate.
Replace the word "but" with a more formal transition signal:
"Online courses are convenient, but they can sometimes be difficult for students who need more support."
However / On the other hand / Nevertheless
Corporation
Företag
What is the second larges US import (after oil)?
Coffee
A student writes this paragraph:
"School uniforms can be useful. They can make students feel like they belong to the same school. They can also reduce pressure to wear fashionable clothes. School uniforms are sometimes uncomfortable. Therefore, there are several reasons why schools should consider uniforms."
What is one thing the student could improve to make the paragraph more coherent?
The sentence about uniforms being uncomfortable introduces a contrasting idea without explaining it.
OR
The student could develop the idea further or use a transition such as "However" to clearly show the contrast.
A student is writing a discussion article about artificial intelligence in schools.
They write:
"AI is obviously going to destroy education. There is no point in learning anything anymore because AI can do everything for us."
Name one problems with this argument?
Possible answers:
1. No evidence or support for their claim.
2. It presents only one extreme perspective.
3. A discussion article should consider different perspectives.
Complete the paragraph using three different transition signals.
"There are several advantages to working from home. ________, you do not have to travel to work. ________, you may have more flexibility in your daily schedule. ________, working from home can sometimes feel lonely."
Some possible answers:
Firstly, futhermore, however.
What does "Cutting Edge" mean?
(Metaphor)
Being at the front line of progress/ leading a trend
Explain the story about Ling.
Age
Profession
Probblem/Working conditions
Ling 19 years old, born in China.
Promised 800 pounds per month as a textile worker.
Worked 16 hours a day, not allowed to leave the factory. Shares an apartment with 6 other employees.
Does not recieve the salary that she was promised (rarly paid anything at all).