PARAGRAPH
BUILDER
BUILDER
Here is our topic: Should teenagers be encouraged to do more sport?
What is the job of a topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph?
A. For example, playing football twice a week can improve teenagers' fitness.
B. Teenagers should be encouraged to do more sport because it can improve their physical health.
C. Some teenagers, however, are not interested in sport.
B. Why?
The topic sentence introduces the subject matter and gives the main idea of the paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.
Many people thought that they could make a lot of money from selling goods and services on the Internet. They started up companies called ‘dot coms’ after the suffixes used in their Internet addresses. They hoped that people would rush to buy online because it would be more convenient. But, for the most part, they did not make the kind of money they expected and, in some cases, they lost everything they had invested. (From How the Internet Crushed by Peter Hedley)
Which sentence introduces the main idea?
The first sentence.
Why?
What are the 3 main parts of an essay?
1. Introduction- introduces the topic
2. Main paragraphs - introduce and develop arguments (for or against)
3. Conclusion - summarizes your opinion
What tone should you use in an FCE essay?
A formal, neutral tone because the intended reader is your teacher.
Teenagers should be encouraged to do more sport because it can improve their physical health.
Question:
Which sentence best exemplifies or explains the idea in the topic sentence?
A. For example, regular exercise can help teenagers maintain a healthy weight and improve their fitness.
B. On the other hand, some teenagers prefer spending their free time playing computer games.
C. In conclusion, teenagers should do more sport.
A.
Why?
The topic sentence says sport improves physical health. The next sentence should develop that idea by giving specific examples of how it improves health.
Many people thought that they could make a lot of money from selling goods and services on the Internet. They started up companies called ‘dot coms’ after the suffixes used in their Internet addresses. They hoped that people would rush to buy online because it would be more convenient. But, for the most part, they did not make the kind of money they expected and, in some cases, they lost everything they had invested.
What does "They" refer to?
"Many people..."
Why?
Pronouns connect sentences.
Which linker adds another idea?
Which linker shows CONTRAST?
Furthermore / Moreover / In addition used for adding another point.
However, as opposed to ...
What are the 3 things you must cover?
The two given points + your own idea.
Teenagers should be encouraged to do more sport because it can contribute to a better physique. For example, regular exercise can help teenagers maintain a healthy weight and improve their fitness.
Which sentence would best come next?
A. This is particularly important because many young people spend several hours a day sitting at school or at home.
B. However, some teenagers find sport boring.
C. Another issue is the cost of sports equipment.
Answer A
This reinforces the same idea rather than suddenly introducing a completely different argument.
Many people thought that they could make a lot of money from selling goods and services on the Internet. They started up companies called ‘dot coms’ after the suffixes used in their Internet addresses. They hoped that people would rush to buy online because it would be more convenient. But, for the most part, they did not make the kind of money they expected and, in some cases, they lost everything they had invested.
They started up companies called ‘dot coms’...
What does this sentence do?
A. Gives a result
B. Develops the previous idea
C. Introduces an unrelated idea
B- Develops the previous idea.
What is the connection between making money online and starting companies?
1. Choose the correct linker:
Teenagers spend too much time online. ______, they may become less physically active.
A. However
B. As a result
C. In addition
2. Which linker is WRONG? Why?
Regular exercise has many benefits for teenagers. However, it can improve their physical health and reduce stress.
1. B
2. However
True or False?
You should use complex grammar whenever possible to impress the examiner.
False
Complex structures are useful when they are appropriate and accurate. Don't use them just to show off.
Teenagers should be encouraged to do more sport because it can contribute to a better physique. For example, regular exercise can help teenagers maintain a healthy weight and improve their fitness. However, some teenagers think that schools give them too much homework.
What is the problem with the final sentence?
It moves away from the main idea of the paragraph. The paragraph is about the physical health benefits of sport, but the final sentence abruptly introduces schoolwork/homework.
They hoped that people would rush to buy online because it would be more convenient.
What does “because” tell us?
It gives the reason why they thought people would buy online.
Build the introduction, choose TWO phrases that create the best introduction.
……………………… that the Internet is dangerous and its use should be
limited for teenagers and children,
………………………………………………………………………………
a. So that is why I strongly disagree to any strictness in limiting the access.
b. It is often said that
c. I believe that we should
d. But can we really limit the use of the Internet for a generation whose life is built online?
B. It is often said that the Internet is dangerous and its use should be limited for teenagers and children,
D. But can we really limit the use of the Internet for a generation whose life is built online?
Why? An introduction is without strong ideas, mustn't focus on your opinion immediately.
Which is better? Why?
A: The Internet is good and bad and teenagers use it a lot.
B: Although the Internet provides many benefits, excessive use can expose teenagers to a range of risks.
B
Why?
It uses more appropriate B2-level vocabulary and a complex structure, while remaining relevant to the topic.
Put these sentences in the best order:
A. This is particularly useful for teenagers who spend a large part of their day sitting in class or in front of a screen.
B. Taking part in regular physical activity can help young people maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall fitness.
C. Teenagers should be encouraged to take part in more sport, as this can have a positive effect on their physical health.
C-B-A
Many people thought that they could make a lot of money from selling goods and services on the Internet. They started up companies called ‘dot coms’ after the suffixes used in their Internet addresses. They hoped that people would rush to buy online because it would be more convenient. But, for the most part, they did not make the kind of money they expected and, in some cases, they lost everything they had invested.
Put the paragraph's ideas in order:
A. They lost money.
B. They started online companies.
C. They expected people to buy online.
D. They thought they could make money.
D.B.C.A.
Secondly, there are also dangers online. Teenagers can be victims of catfishing: people pretending to be people that they’re not. However, many teenagers are savvy about these dangers due to their education.
1. What makes this paragraph cohesive?
2. How does the writer develop the idea of “dangers online”?
3. Is this paragraph fully developed? Why/why not?
1. Secondly, However.
2. The writer first presents a danger catfishing and then contrasts this with the fact that many teenagers are aware of these dangers.
3. They could develop the point further with an example or explanation of how education helps teenagers recognize or avoid catfishing.
Situation:
A student has written 210 words and repeated “the Internet” 11 times. What should they do?
Edit the second draft: remove unnecessary or repeated words and make sure the essay is within the 140–190 word limit.