Jati Suryanto, S.Pd., Dipl. TESOL
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 minted twenty-three 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. The most recent use of gold is in
astronauts' suits. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields
for protection outside the spaceship. In conclusion, gold
is treasured not only for its beauty, but also for its
utility.
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 minted twenty-three 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.
The most recent use of gold is in astronauts' suits. Astronauts wear goldplated heat shields for protection outside the spaceship.
In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty, but also for its
utility.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
 What is a paragraph?
 What is the function of the first sentence in a paragraph?
 What is the function of the second sentence and the next




sentence in a paragraph?
What is the function of the last sentence in a paragraph?
What are the criteria of a good paragraph?
Why should we use such words as “first of all”, “another
important…”, and “in conclusion” in the paragraph?
Why should we use such words as “therefore” and “for
example” ?
Discussion
 What are the criteria of a good topic sentence?
 What are the ways to develop supporting sentences?
CRITERIA OF A GOOD TOPIC
SENTENCE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
It should be a sentence.
Specific
Interesting
One sentence
Easy to understand
Basis for other sentences
Brief and simple
Comprehensive
Understandable
There must be opinions rather than facts
THE WAYS TO DEVELOP
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
 Give examples
 Explain the topic sentence
 Give the facts
 Use signposting.
 Consistent with the topic sentence
 The same areas with the topic sentence
 Describe the topic sentence in detail
Which topic sentences are good?
 I can make friends using face book.
 Face book is an easy tool to make friends if you know
to benefit it.
 English is very important so I want to learn English.
 Studying English is not difficult if you follow several
steps.
Write a topic sentence for each of the following topics.
Remember to include both a topic (main idea) and a controlling
idea.
 Paragraph I
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Americans relaxing at home, for example, may put on kimonos,
which is a Japanese word. Americans who live in a warm climate
may take an afternoon siesta4 on an outdoor patio5 without even
realizing that these are Spanish words. In their gardens, they
may enjoy the fragrance of jasmine flowers, a word that came
into English from Persian. They may even relax on a chaise
tongue while sipping a drink made with vodka, words of French
and Russian origin, respectively.
Paragraph 1
Which is the best topic sentence?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
America is one of the country in the world which adapt
many custom from the other countries.
Americans have many ways to spend their free time based
on habits from the other Countries.
Americans adoption relaxing habit from the other
countries.
The kinds activity of Americans people in the warm
climate, adaption from other countries
Americans often duplicate the words from the other
countries. They take the words from different Countries
and those words are used in their daily activities.
Americans people habit to spend their free time for
relaxing.
Write a topic sentence for each of the following topics.
Remember to include both a topic (main idea) and a controlling
idea.
Americans often duplicate the words from the other
countries. They take the words from different Countries
and those words are used in their daily activities.
Americans relaxing at home, for example, may put on
kimonos, which is a Japanese word. Americans who live in
a warm climate may take an afternoon siesta4 on an
outdoor patio5 without even realizing that these are
Spanish words. In their gardens, they may enjoy the
fragrance of jasmine flowers, a word that came into
English from Persian. They may even relax on a chaise
tongue while sipping a drink made with vodka, words of
French and Russian origin, respectively.
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
Example:
I am terrible at doing the laundry.
 I often shrink my favorite shirts because I leave them in
the dryer for too long.
 I forget to separate the colored clothes from the white
ones and sometimes end up with gray underwear.
 I rarely read the cleaning instructions and have rained
things that should have been dry-cleaned by putting in
the washing machine.
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
I love eating food from different countries.
 A.__________________________________________________________
 B. __________________________________________________________
 C. __________________________________________________________
 D. __________________________________________________________
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
I love eating food from different countries.
I often eat pizza.
In Jogja, I can buy it at Pizza Huts.
I like pizza because I am vegetarian.
For example, I often order pizza without animal material such as prawn
or beef.
I like eating kebab.
I eat kebab because I like lamb.
………….
…………..
I prefer hotdog.
…………….
…………….
In short, like other people in Jogja, I like pizza, kebab, and hot dog which is
not original from Indonesia.
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
Summer is a favorite season.
 a. _____________________________________________________
 b. _____________________________________________________
 c. _____________________________________________________
 d. _____________________________________________________
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
There are several ways to conserve electricity.
 a. ___________________________________________________
 b. ___________________________________________________
 c. ___________________________________________________
 d. __________________________________________________
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
There are several reasons why we should study
English.
 a. __________________________________________________
 b. _________________________________________________
 c. __________________________________________________
 d. __________________________________________________
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
There are several differences between living in the city and living in
the village.
 a. __________________________________________________
 b. __________________________________________________
 c. __________________________________________________
 d. _________________________________________________
Write at least three supporting sentences for each topic sentence
(examples, facts, descriptions, classifications, causes and effects,
or comparison).
Indonesian government seems to fall in enabling people to live
prosperously.
 a. __________________________________________________
 b. __________________________________________________
 c. __________________________________________________
 d. _________________________________________________
Peer review
QUESTIONS
Do all supporting sentences explain the topic sentence?
Does the paragraph use sign posting (such as ‘first’, ‘second’) and
conjunctions so that the paragraph is easy to understand?
Are there many grammatical mistakes in the paragraph?
Does the paragraph have a conclusion?
YES
NO
TOPIC SENTENCE FEEDBACK
QUESTIONS
1. Is the topic sentence ‘a sentence’ ?
2. Is the topic sentence explainable?
3. Does the topic sentence contain a topic?
4. Does the topic sentence contain a controlling
idea?
YES
NO
Parts of a Paragraph
 Topic Sentence
 Supporting Details
 Closing Sentence
Kinds of Paragraphs
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Definition
Classification
Description
Compare and Contrast
Sequence
Choice
Explanation
Evaluation
Cause and Effect
Exemplification
Argumentation
Topic Sentence
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the
reader what your paragraph will be about.
Example:
 There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best
countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health
care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are
encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's
cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have
many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result,
Canada is a desirable place to live.
Supporting Details
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a
paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the
paragraph.
How do I write them?
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.
Example:
 There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries
in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care
system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers
and are encouraged to continue studying at university.
Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.
Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for
people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
Closing Sentence
What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example:
 There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries
in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system.
All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable
price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education.
Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged
to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are
clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks
and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a
desirable place to live.
Definition Paragraph
When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing
or an idea and explain what it is.
Example:
 Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
Definition Paragraph
The following words can help you to write a good
definition paragraph:
1. "is defined as"

A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops,
forests, or property.
2. "is a kind of"

A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops,
forests, or property.
Classification Paragraph
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or
ideas into specific categories.
 Example:
resources.
Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy
The following words can help you to write a good
classification paragraph:
 Helper Words:
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


is a kind of
can be divided into
is a type of
falls under
belongs to
is a part of
fits into
is grouped with
is related to
is associated with
Classification Paragraph
is a kind of
Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
can be divided into
Energy resources can be divided into two types.
is a type of
Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
falls under
Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.
belongs to
Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.
is a part of
Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.
fits into
Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
is grouped with
Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.
is related to
Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.
is associated with
Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.
Description Paragraph
In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a
person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe
where a place is located.
Examples:
 Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like.
 Describe where Canada's industry is located.
The following words can help you to write a good
description paragraph:
 Helper Words:
 Properties
 Measurement
 Analogy
 Location
Description Paragraph
 size
 shape
 length
 mass/weight
 is like
 below
 in
 purpose
 color
 speed
 width
 beside
 resembles
 near
 above
 north/east/south/west
Description Paragraph
Properties
 size
Example:
 colour
Example:
 shape
Example:
 purpose
Example:
Polar bears are big in size.
Polar bears are usually white in colour.
Polar bears have a special shape.
The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.
Measurement
 length
Example: The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.
 width
Example: The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.
 mass / weight
Example: Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.
 speed
Example: Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.
Description Paragraph
Analogy
 is like
Example: A polar bear is like other bears in shape.
 resembles
Example: A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.
Location
 in
Example: Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and
Quebec.
 above
Example: The ceiling is above us.
 below
Example: Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.
 beside
Example: Quebec is located beside Ontario.
 near
Example: Many companies are located near Toronto.
 north / east / south / west
Example: Ontario is west of Quebec.
Compare and Contrast Paragraph
In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about
the similarities and differences between two or more
people, places, things, or ideas.
Example:
Write a paragraph comparing the weather in
Vancouver and Halifax.
Helper Words:
Similarities
Differences
 is similar to
 the other hand
 both
 however
 also
 but
 too
 in contrast
 as well
 differs from
 while
 unlike
Compare and Contrast Paragraph
Similarities
 is similar to
Example: Spring weather in Vancouver is similar
to spring weather in Halifax.
 both
Example: Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in
the spring.
 also
Example: Halifax also has a rainy spring season.
 too
Example: Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.
 as well
Example: As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.
Compare and Contrast Paragraph
Differences
 on the other hand
Example: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.
 however
Example: However, winter is much colder in Halifax.
 but
Example: Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.
 in contrast to
Example: In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.
 differs from
Example: Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.
 while
Example: While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold
winter.
Sequence Paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe
a series of events or a process in some sort of order.
Usually, this order is based on time.
Example:
Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the
prime minister.
Helper Words:
Order
Time
 first, second, third, etc.
 recently
 in the beginning
 previously
 before
 afterwards
 then
 when
 after
 after
 finally
 at last
 subsequently
Sequence Paragraph
Order
 first, second, third, etc.
Example: First, you need to become a leader of a political party. Second, you need to win a
seat in the House of Commons. Third, your party must have a majority of seats.
 in the beginning
Example: In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political party.
 before
Example: Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of a political
party.
 then
Example: Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.
 after
Example: After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a
majority of seats.
 finally
Example: Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the prime minister.
 at last
Example: At last, you can call yourself the prime minister.
 subsequently
Example: Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats in the House of
Commons.
Sequence Paragraph
Time
 recently




Example: She was recently elected prime minister.
previously
Example: She is the new prime minister. Previously, she
worked as a lawyer in Toronto.
afterwards
Example: She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards,
she won the election.
when
Example: When she won the party leadership, she was still
working as a lawyer.
after
Example: After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you
must make sure you have a majority of seats.
Choice Paragraph
In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you
need to choose which object, idea, or action that you
prefer. Often, you will need to give your opinion on a
choice of actions or events.
Example:
Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to
play hockey or lacrosse.
Helper Words:
Point of View
Personal Opinion
 in my opinion
 like/dislike
 belief
 hope
 idea
 feel
 understanding
 I think that
 I consider
 I believe
 it seems to me
 I prefer
Choice Paragraph
Point of View
 in my opinion








Example: In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
belief
Example: My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
idea
Example: My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
understanding
Example: My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
I think that
Example: I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.
I consider
Example: I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
I believe
Example: I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
it seems to me
Example: It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
I prefer
Example: I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
Choice Paragraph
Personal Opinions
 like/dislike
Example: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast
and exciting.
 hope
Example: I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
 feel
Example: I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.
Explanation Paragraph
In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how
or why something happens. Very often in social studies
class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of
certain events.
Example:
Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans
moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.
Helper Words:
Cause
Effect
 because
 therefore
 since
 as a result of
 as a result of
 consequently
 is due to
 hence
 it follows that
 if . . . then
Explanation Paragraph
Cause
 because
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe during
the nineteenth century because they had poor living
conditions in Europe.
 since
Example: Since living conditions in Europe were terrible,
many people moved to Canada.
 as a result of
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe as a
result of poor living conditions in Europe.
 is due to / was due to
Example: The large influx of people to Canada was due
to economic pressures in Europe.
Explanation Paragraph
Effect
 therefore





Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people
moved to Canada for a better life.
thus
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people
moved to Canada for a better life.
consequently
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many
people moved to Canada.
hence
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people
moved to Canada.
it follows that
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many
people moved to Canada.
if ... then
Example: If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would
have moved to Canada.
Evaluation Paragraph
In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments
about people, ideas, and possible actions. You need to
make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you
develop. In the paragraph, you will state your
evaluation or recommendation and then support it by
referring to your criteria.
Example:
Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides
should be used on farms.
Helper Words
Criteria for Evaluation
Recommendation
 good / bad
 suggest
 correct / incorrect
 recommend
 moral / immoral
 advise
 right / wrong
 argue
 important / trivial
Evaluation Paragraph
Criteria
 good / bad




Example: The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the
environment.
correct / incorrect
Example: The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
moral / immoral
Example: The use of pesticides to control pests
is immoral because it harms the environment.
right / wrong
Example: It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the
environment.
important / trivial
Example: The issue of pesticides is an important one because
it affects the environment.
Evaluation Paragraph
Recommendation
 suggest
Example: I suggest that pesticides should not be used to
control pests.
 recommend
Example: I recommend that pesticides should not be
used because they are harmful to the environment.
 advise
Example: I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if
possible.
 argue
Example: I would argue that pesticides should not be
used because they harm the environment.
Jati Suryanto, S.Pd, Dipl.Tesol
PARAGRAPH FEEDBACK
QUESTIONS
YES
1. Do the supporting sentences at least have 3
points?
2. Is every point elaborated by at least one
sentence?
3. Are there sentences that do not support the
topic sentence?
4. Does the paragraph contain the sentence
connectors and sign postings? (first, second,
next, furthermore, additionally, finally, in
conclusion etc?)
5. Is there a conclusion of the paragraph?
NO
As academician…
You have to be able to write explanation paragraph
which can:
 Explain a process (how to do something or how
something works)
 Define a term
 Make a concept clear
TYPES OF
EXPLANATION PARAGRAPHS
 Definition/clarification paragraph
 Process paragraph
DEFINITION/CLARIFICATION
PARAGRAPHS
 It defines words or ideas and makes those words or
ideas clearer for a reader.
 It is used to explain concepts, synthesize reading or
demonstrate knowledge of the course.
DEFINITION PARAGRAPH IS DIFFERENT
FROM PROCESS PARAGRAPH IN THAT…
 They are not organized chronologically.
 Although the connectors first, second etc can be used, these


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




connectors do not necessarily indicated either time or importance.
Often they simply indicate the number of points to be made.
They do not tell “how to”. Instead they answer the question “what?”.
What does……mean?
What does……look like?
What is…..?
What ways are there to…..?
What kinds of…..are there?
Often present points of equal value and interest.
These points are supported by facts, examples, personal experience,
and physical description.
DEFINITION PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLE
ROUTINE
Routine is a regular and habitual way of working of doing things. Some
people are very much pleased by the routine of their lives. They like it
when nothing breaks the even course of their existence, and they feel
strangely unprotected when something upsets their routine. These
people are usually very faint-hearted, and it is difficult for them to
adapt themselves to a new way of life. However, more interesting
people find routine a vicious circle. As a rule, there people have very
rich imaginations, and when their routine life becomes unbearable,
they escape to a different dimension, to the world that they have
invented themselves. But not all people who find themselves inside the
vicious circle of routine what to live outside it. There is another kind of
person who finds routine burdensome, but at the same time, these
people know how to carry their burden. As their outward lives are
routine, their inner thoughts never stop.
DEFINITION PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLE
KENDO
Kendo is a kind of Japanese fencing which I practice and enjoy. It
is a form of traditional ‘budo’ sports. Many Japanese high school
students learn this sport. They compete in tournaments all over
Japan for prizes. The main equipment for kendo is a stick made
from a special tree called ‘take’. Participants in kendo wear
protective gear, including helmets to protect their heads and
padded clothing. Kendo is a fight between two people; often the
participants are injured. But it is not only a game of power; it is
also a game of spirit. When I practice kendo, I react instinctively.
I also feel spiritual power when I win. I am like many people in
my country because I enjoy the challenge of kendo. It improves
both my body and my spirit. I hope this popular Japanese sport
will expand to the U.S.
DEFINITION PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLE
ORIGAMI
Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding which originated in
China, is a very inexpensive and rewarding hobby. Traditionally,
origami figures are always made by folding, not cutting or
pasting. For example, good-luck animals such as cranes, tortoises
and lobsters can be made by simply folding a piece of perfectly
squared paper. Origami is very inexpensive; only paper is
necessary, and any paper can be used. Moreover, inexpensive
gifts, such as earrings, can be made by folding small cranes and
attaching pins or loops through the crane’s backs. Origami is also
extremely rewarding; using the imagination, one can develop his
creativity by turning a plain, simple piece of paper into a fish, a
frog, or a house. The greatest reward, however, is that origami
can be enjoyed by every member of a household.
EXPLANATION PARAGRAPH
CONNECTORS
FUNCTIONS
CONNECTORS
Introductory
First, the first…
Additional information
and, furthermore, moreover, in
addition, also….
Expected information
So, of course, naturally, surely….
Clarifying information
In fact, as a matter of fact, that is, in
other words…
Example signals
For example, for instance, to illustrate
…..
Conclusion signal
Therefore, to conclude, in conclusion,
in summary, to summarize…….
DEFINITION PARAGRAPH WRITING

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
Soccer
Chest
Democracy
Love
A paragraph
An Essay
Global warming
UMY
Pingpong
Batik
Globalization
Westernization
Pluralistic society
Freedom of speech
UNO
UNESCO
Pancasila
PROCESS PARAGRAPH
 Describes how to do something
 For examples; how to write a good paragraph, how to
play football, how to apply for university admission.
PROCESS PARAGRAPH
Is organized in chronological order:
 Choose a topic that is narrow enough to be described
in complete detail for your intended audience
 Give details of the process in the correct order
 Give reasons for the order (if appropriate)
 Include negative directions (or warnings) if necessary
 Use chronological connectors to help the reader
PROCESS PARAGRAPH
Chronological connectors:
 Sentence Introducer: First….Second……Then….After
that…..Finally…..
 Time introducers:
…..before…..after……when…..while…..until…..
during…..
EXAMPLE AND EXERCISE
 TOPIC SENTENCE: After you have prepared the garden soil, you need to follow
a procedure for planting the seeds.
1.
Choosing the seeds
A. flowers or vegetables?
B. early and late species.
2.
Planning the planting
A. what to plant where
B. why?
3.
Follow directions on the seed packet
A. Soak before planting?
B. depth to plant
C. watering the planted seeds.
Concluding sentence : If you follow this process, you will surely have a
successful garden.
EXAMPLE
Because I am a curious person, I take every chance I get to
travel and learn about different countries and customs.
Before I leave on a trip, I prepare myself for the new
country by reading about it. I investigate the things I am
interested in and, later, I can compare my opinions about
the country before and after my visit. When I arrive in the
country, I try to find places outside the regular tourist
attractions so that I will come in contact with the native
people who can often tell me more about the country than
the tourist guides. In addition, I try to stay with a native
family while I am visiting a country; in this way, I discover
more about the country and, usually, more about myself.
QUESTIONS
 With a small group of classmates, write a title for this
paragraph?
 What process is this paragraph explaining?
 With the group, modify the topic sentence of this
paragraph so that it more accurately reflects the
paragraph.
 Underline the chronological time connectors in this
paragraph.
PROCESS PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLE
MAKING ETHANOL IN INDONESIA
Ethanol can be produced from the fermentation of some
crops that contain starch: corn, wheat, sugar cane, and in
Indonesia, sweet potatoes and especially, cassava. In the
process of converting cassava to ethanol, the first step is
milling (reduction of the size of the particles). Next, the
milled particles are cooled; the cassava is cooled; the
cassava is hydrated, and its starch is gelatinized. Following
that step, the starch is converted by enzymic hydrolysis
into sugars, and then the ethanol from the sugars,
including limited dextrin conversion, is fermented. In the
final step, the ethanol is recovered through distillation, and
the cassava residues are recovered by evaporation and
waste treatment.
PROCESS PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLE
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT
Trapped heat in the atmosphere of the earth results in the
greenhouse effect, but how does it happen? First, the sun warms
the earth and then heat is trapped by certain gases in the
atmosphere that act like the glass in a greenhouse. Usually this
heat is essential to prevent freezing temperatures on earth, but
as the levels of these gases are increased, more heat is created
than is necessary. Yet that is exactly what is happening on earth
today. The rising level of gases comes from two major man-made
sources: chlorofluorocarbons and carbon dioxide. The amount of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has grown more than 25%
since the Industrial Revolution, and over 11% since 1959. As a
result of the raised level of these two gases, “global warming” is
occurring; the earth is getting warmer.
WRITING AN EXPLANATION
PARAGRAPH












How to learn English effectively
How to write an effective paragraph
How to write an effective essay
How to be a successful student
How to keep healthy
How to study effectively
How to overcome stress
How to choose a good boarding house
How to make ‘nasi goreng’
How to operate a computer
How to search information on ‘Google’
How to make friends on the ‘facebook’
Jati Suryanto, S.Pd, Dipl. TESOL
ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH
 Aims to change the way the reader thinks
 Aims to influence the reader to do something.
 Generally the writer wants the reader to: 1) accept or
reject an idea, 2) realize that action should be taken to
solve a problem, 3) try a new way of doing something.
WAYS TO PERSUADE READERS
 The writer gives evidence to support his or her




viewpoint.
Consider the best argument against his or her
viewpoint that an opponent might have.
Refute that argument by showing why it is wrong,
weak or of lesser importance.
Formula of an argument process =
PROPOSAL = (writer’s ideas + evidence) + (opponent’s
argument + refutation + evidence).
LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING
PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE
Additional classes in the afternoon for better preparation
of having the final exam for high school students are
superfluous. To begin with, some people argue that this
program assist the students to face the exam. However, this
argument is groundless since students have had their daily
class which is sufficient to face the test. Moreover, most
parents think that such a program is not effective at all as
this is just wasting time and energy. As a result, it is evident
that children are reluctant to come and join. Indeed, this
condition really never gives any positive contributions for
the improvement or progress in studying to students.
Therefore, it is essential that the additional classes in
afternoon for high school students be stopped.
DISCUSSION
 What is the proposal (topic sentence) of this




argumentative paragraph?
How is the paragraph outlined?
How many paragraph does the writer use to support
the proposal?
What does the opponents of the argument say?
What is the writer’s refutation on the opponent’s
argument?
ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH
OUTLINE
Proposal/topic sentence.
Argument 1
Opponents opinion and your refutations (argument 2).
Argument 3
Conclusion
CRITERIA OF A GOOD
ARGUMENTATIVE PROPOSAL
 It is not a neutrality.
 The writer must demonstrate the necessity of reading
the writer’s proposal.
 The writer should avoid obvious proposals, e.g. : “Are
there biological differences between males and
females?”.
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING
SENTENCES ARE GOOD PROPOSAL
Space exploration should be stopped.
Was Picasso a great painter?
Automobile pollution in Jakarta is a major problem.
Aerobic exercise is not good for women.
Young children should not be allowed to eat too
much sugar.
6. Indonesians love money.
7. Life in Sahara desert is difficult.
8. Should Chinese women with more than one child be
sterilized?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
REASON FOR AND REASON
AGAINST
PROPOSAL: All handguns sales should be prohibited.
REASON FOR (PROS):
 Would decrease violent crimes
 Would save taxpayer money (fewer police)
 Would help create a better social environment
REASON AGAINST (CONS):
 Would restrict individual freedom (a person could not
buy what he or she wanted).
Write three reasons for and one
main reason against each of the
following proposals
Proposal: Prostitution should not be legalized.
Reasons for:__________________________________
Reasons against:_______________________
2. The world would be better with one language.
Reasons for:___________________________
Reasons against:_______________________
1.
THE REFUTATION
 In an argumentative paragraph, it is important that you
present the opponents reasons.
 Then you have to refute them:
1. Method: Demonstrate that your opponent’s reason is
wrong because it is based on incorrect or misleading
information.
2. Method 2: Show that your opponents’ reason is weak
because it is based on insufficient information or ignores
significant information.
3. Method 3: Agree that your opponent’s reason is valid, but
show that your points of support are more compelling.
EXAMPLE OF REFUTATION
 Proposal: Gun selling should be banned.
 MAIN REASON AGAINST: Would restrict individual
freedom ( a person couldn’t buy what he or she
wanted).
 ATTACK AND REFUTATION: The opponent is
partially right – freedom to buy would be restricted,
but freedom from fear and freedom of movement
would be increased.
LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING
EXAMPLE OF REFUTATIONS
 Proposal: Workers should not be forced to retire at age
sixty-five.
 …………………………………………..
 Those who disagree with this proposal point out that as
people grow older their bodies begin to slow down, and it is
risky for them to continue working. Actually, this is true in
only one respect-they body does slow down. However,
accident rates for those over sixty-five are slightly less than
those for people under sixty-five. How can we explain this?
Simply, workers over sixty-five have far more experience in
their jobs than younger workers, and workers over sixty-five
are far more aware of their limitations.
EXAMPLE OF REFUTATION
 Proposal: Abortion should be legal.
 Main reason against and refutation:
………………………………………………………………………………………
“Pro-life” people argue that abortion is the killing of a
potential human being. This is undeniably true.
Nevertheless, as has been pointed out, if abortion is illegal,
there will be; 1) a dramatic increase in unwanted,
neglected, and abused children; 2) the number of women
who die getting illegal, unhygienic abortions will increase
greatly; and 3) women will lose what they have fought so
hard for- the basic right to control their own bodies. These
three points outweigh the argument of the pro-lifers.
EXAMPLE OF REFUTATION
 Proposal: Sex education is appropriate for sixth grade in the United
States.
 Main reasons against and refutation:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The opponents of this ideas claim that most eleven-year-olds have not
seen information about sex; therefore, teaching them sex education
would put the idea of sex into their minds. Nothing could be further
from the truth; most eleven-year-olds have been exposed to sex long
before the sixth grade. For example, the January 1998 Neilsen TV rating
showed that two of the show most heavily watched by eight-and thenyear-olds were ‘Seinfeld” and “friends – both of which contain a heavy
dose of sexual content. These and other TV shows, combined with
drugstore sex magazines, “R” –rated movie, and even “sexy” comic
books, expose children to sex long before they are in the sixth grade.
LANGUAGE PATTERNS FOR THE
ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH
I
propose
recommend
urge
insist
that
the killing of
whales be
stopped.
PATTERNS TO CITE A SOURCE OR
STATISTICS
According to
Based on
information from the
United States government
,……………………
PATTERNS TO INTRODUCE HT
EMAIN REASON AGAINST
The
opponents
of …
Those who
disagree
with
this
proposal
argue
assert
declare
claim
say
take the
position
that……………
…
POSSIBLE PATTERN TO SUMMARIZE
It is
essential
important
necessary
vital
urgent
that the killing of
the whales be
stopped
BRAINSTORM IN GROUPS
GIVE REASONS TO SUPPORT AND
TWO REASONS NOT TO SUPPORT
People should be allowed to carry guns.
2. Abortion should be legal.
3. The world would be better if all world leaders were women.
4. The government should not support any religion.
5. People under thirty should not be permitted to marry.
6. The government should not give money to help poor people.
7. Chinese should become the new international language.
8. The death penalty is a good punishment for murderers.
9. Human are basically good.
10. It is usually more difficult for a man to work at a job (outside
the house) than for a woman to work at jobs inside the house.
1.
JATI SURYANTO, S.Pd., Dipl. TESOL
Colorado snow conditions are much better than Japanese snow
conditions for downhill skiers like me. First, Colorado
mountain snow is drier than Japanese snow. For example, in
ski areas like Vail and Aspen, I can’t make a complete snowball
because the snow isn’t sticky enough, but in Japanese ski areas,
making snowballs is easy. The drier snow in Colorado has two
advantages: my clothes stay dry even when I fall, and my skis
move through the ‘powder’ snow quickly because they do not
stick. In addition to the quality of the Colorado snow, the
weather conditions make the ski season both more pleasant
and longer in the U.S. Most Japanese ski areas open in the
middle of December and close in mid-March, but Colorado
skiers can begin skiing in November, and sometimes the ski
areas are open until the end of April. Moreover, ski areas in
Japan are known for their cloudy, damp weather, but in
Colorado, the bright sun and dry weather make it possible to
ski comfortably, sometimes even in shorts and shirt! For these
reasons, many Japanese skiers dream of coming to the U.S. to
ski.
Colorado snow conditions are much better than Japanese
snow conditions for downhill skiers like me. Most Japanese
ski resorts have wet, sticky snow; I can easily make snowballs
with it, but it is not easy to ski on wet snow. Moreover, the ski
season in Japan is short and now always pleasant; most areas
are open in mid-December and close by mid-March, and the
weather at these resorts is generally cloudy, damp, and
consequently very cold. In Colorado, however, conditions are
far better. First, Colorado snow is dry; for example, in ski areas
like Vail and Aspen, I can’t make a complete snowball because
the snow isn’t sticky enough. This dry snow has two
advantages: my clothes stay dry even when I fall, and my skis
moves through the “powder” snow more quickly because they
do not stick. In addition to the quality of Colorado snow, the
ski resorts open early in November and sometimes stay open
until the end of April, giving skiers a long season. Finally, the
bright sun and dry weather in Colorado make it possible to sky
comfortably, sometimes even in shorts and a shirt! For these
reasons, many Japanese skiers dream of coming to the U.S. to
DISCUSSION FOR BRAINSTORMING
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
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
Dogs and cats
Your language and English
Your mother and your father
Your hometown and Yogyakarta
Newspapers and magazines
Your two favorite musicians
Your life now and your life in ten years ago
Your best friend and yourself.
Driving a car and riding a motorcycle.
Love and hate
QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS
 Answer the following questions:
 With a small group of classmates, decide which of the
two paragraphs is organized according to the basic
point outline. Which is organized according to the
alternative point outline?
 With your group, decide which is more effective. Use
specific detail to support your opinion.
 Write a point paragraph outline for one of the two
paragraphs.
COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
 COMPARISON: identifies and analyzes similarities
between two persons, places, things and ideas.
 CONTRAST: Identifies and analyses differences
between two persons, places, things or ideas.
BASIC COMPARISON/CONTRAST POINT PARAGRAPH OUTLINE
TOPIC SENTENCE (x is preferable to Y)
A. X and Y (criterion 1)
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
B. X and Y (criterion 2)
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
C. X and Y (criterion 3)
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Example
TOPIC SENTENCE: I prefer travelling by ship to traveling by
plane.
1. The longer time on the ship is more restful than an airplane
trip.
A. Ship: a change of pace form my daily life
B. Plane: hurried just like my daily life
2. Ship travel is a more interesting time than air travel.
A. Ship: swimming, playing games
B. Plane: sitting, reading
3. The variety of people on a ship is entertaining.
A. Ship: meet many different people
B. Plane: meet only one seatmate, perhaps.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE: For all these reasons, if I had a
choice, I would travel by ship.
THE ALTERNATIVE PATTERN OF COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
Topic Sentence
1. X
A. Criterion 1
a. Supporting detail
b. Supporting detail
B. Criterion 2
a. Supporting detail
b. Supporting detail
2. Y
A. Criterion 1
a. Supporting detail
b. Supporting detail
A. Criterion 2
a. Supporting detail
b. Supporting detail
Concluding sentence
EXAMPLE OF ALTERNATIVE
PATTERN
Topic: studying English with a private tutor is more helpful than
studying in an English class.
1.
Studying with a private tutor (X)
A. Student has opportunity to assimilate information at his/her
own pace (rate or learning)
B. Student participates orally during the last half of each class
(participation)
C. Student can make and achieve individual goals (meeting goals).
2. Studying in an English class (Y)
A. Student must progress at the rate of the class (rate of learning)
B. Student may be able to participate during only a small
percentage of the class (participation)
C. Student must accept class goals (meeting goals).
Concluding sentence: After investigating the advantage above, I have
decided to stop taking English classes and hire a private tutor.
LANGUAGE PATTERN TO SHOW
CONTRAST
in contrast,
Most
conversely,
mammals
on the other
don’t lay eggs;
all reptiles do
Kuwait is
Egypt in regard to oil
supply.
hand,
however,
on the contrary,
Different from
Unlike
Different from
Unlike
Egypt, Kuwait has large suppliers of oil.
LANGUAGE PATTERNS TO SHOW
CONCESSION
Even though
Although
Despite the fact that
In spite of the fact
that
(while)
(Whereas)
the TV is good, the
movie is better.
The TV show is good; nonetheless, the movie is better.
The TV show is good; nevertheless, the movie is good.
LANGUAGE PATTERN TO SHOW
SIMILARITIES
Korea’s
Green
Island is
beautiful;
similarly,
likewise,
in the same
way,
Brazil’s Island
of St.
Sebastian is
extremely
scenic.
TASK
 Based on your brainstorming from the discussion,
write a contrast paragraph individually.
 You can use either the basic pattern or the alternative
pattern.
 Use the language patterns of comparison and contrast
that you have learnt.
 Send your paragraph to Pak Jati’s and Pak Endro’s
facebook’s wall.
JATI SURYANTO, S.Pd, Dipl.TESOL
CAUSE AND EFFECT PARAGRAPH
MEANING AND CONCEPT
 Trace a condition or action from its causes to its
effects, or from effects back to causes.
 Example: medical topic—the symptoms and causes of
disease.
 Example: informative paragraph on such topics as
hurricanes, global warming and earthquake.
CAUSE AND EFFECT PARAGRAPH
PATTERN
The causes of low birthrate in
European countries:
Pattern:
Topic sentence: Effect: low birth
rate
Supporting 1: Cause 1
Supporting 2: Cause 2
Supporting 3: Cause 3
The effect of smoking
Pattern:
Topic sentence: Cause: smoking
habits
Supporting 1: Effect 1
Supporting 2: Effect 2
Supporting 3: Effect 3
SENTENCE PATTERN
 Certain prescription drugs are, in part, responsible for
violent behavior among those who use them.
 Televising executions would lead to a call for an end to
capital punishment.
 Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are increasing infections
once thought to be under control.
CAUSE
EFFECT
Drug use and
unemployment
Cause
Produce
Bring about
Is responsible for
Leads to
Increases
Crime.
Drug use and inflation
occur,
Producing
Bringing about
Causing
Crime
Crime
Is caused by
Id produced by
Results from
Is brought about by
Drug use
Crime occurs mainly
As a result of
Because of
Due to
Drug use
EFFECT
WHAT WOULD BE THE EFFECTS
0F…
Poverty?
2. High price of education?
3. Smoking ?
1.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF …..
1. Poverty?
2. Divorce?
3. Increasing world population?