IUE-SFL · Writing Skills and Strategies · Student’s Copy

Before Unit 1
How to write your paragraph

What the booklet does, how every unit is built, and the three parts of every paragraph you will write.

Start here

About this booklet

What is in it, and how it works

This booklet takes you from understanding the basics of short writing tasks to producing well-structured, confident texts. Each week builds on the last. By the end, you will have practised all three text types.

Contents

  1. Introduction and Unit Pattern
  2. How to Write Your Paragraph
  3. Unit 1. Lifestyles
  4. Unit 2. Competitions
  5. Vocabulary Review — Units 1 & 2
  6. Unit 3. Transport
  7. Unit 4. Challenges
  8. Vocabulary Review — Units 3 & 4
  9. Unit 5. The Environment
  10. Unit 6. Stages in Life
  11. Vocabulary Review — Units 5 & 6
  12. Unit 7. Work
  13. Unit 8. Technology
  14. Vocabulary Review — Units 7 & 8
  15. Part 1. Extra Writing Tasks — Descriptive
  16. Part 2. Extra Writing Tasks — Opinion
  17. Part 3. Extra Writing Tasks — Reason (integrated)
  18. Part 4. Extra Writing Tasks — Descriptive (integrated)
  19. Part 5. Extra Writing Tasks — Opinion (integrated)
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Unit pattern

Every unit follows this structure
A  UnderstandLearn about the text type and its key features.
B  StudyGrammar and vocabulary focus. Linking words with example sentences and extra practice.
C  AnalyseRead and discuss an annotated sample paragraph. (Units 5–8: read the text, listen and take notes first.)
D  PractiseControlled language and structure exercises.
E  WriteYour own paragraph — minimum 130 words.
3

How to write your paragraph

At this level you write ONE paragraph

Step 1Topic sentence

Write one sentence that introduces your main idea.

✗ Do not copy the question.   ✓ Use your own words and go straight to your main point.

Example. I think cycling is one of the best activities for staying healthy and happy.

Step 2Body sentences

Write 3–5 sentences with details, reasons or examples.

Use linking words to connect your sentences smoothly.

Example. First of all, it keeps you fit. For example, I cycle 15 km every weekend…

Step 3Concluding sentence

Write one sentence that summarises your main idea.

Use In conclusion… / To sum up… / Overall,…

Example. In conclusion, cycling is much more than a hobby — it is a way of life.

Sample text Each part is in a different colour so you can see exactly how the paragraph is organised.

The three parts in one paragraph

I think cycling is one of the best activities for staying healthy and happy. First of all, it keeps you fit and active — for example, I cycle fifteen kilometres every weekend along the coast near my city. In addition, cycling is very good for my mental health because it helps me reduce stress and worry after a busy week at university. Furthermore, it gives me the chance to discover new places and spend quality time with my friends outdoors. In conclusion, cycling is much more than just a hobby — it is a way of staying healthy, happy, and connected to the world around me.

Topic sentenceBody sentencesConcluding sentence
✓

Check you have it

Two diagnostics before Unit 1

Exercise 1 These five sentences make one complete paragraph, but they are in the wrong order. Use the arrows to put them in order (1–5).

  • ?AFor example, last month I read an interesting book about life in Japan and I learned many new things about Japanese culture.
  • ?BTo sum up, reading is a simple but wonderful habit that improves my mind and helps me unwind after a long and busy day.
  • ?COne activity I find very enjoyable and relaxing in my free time is reading books.
  • ?DIn addition, reading before bed helps me relax and fall asleep much more easily at night.
  • ?EFirst of all, reading helps me improve my vocabulary and learn new things about the world around me.

Exercise 1 · Identify the parts Which sentence does each job? Choose a letter.

1The topic sentence is sentence .
2The concluding sentence is sentence .

Exercise 2 Each paragraph below has ONE organisational problem. Choose the problem number (1–4).

The four problems

  1. The topic sentence copies the question directly — it does not introduce the main idea in the writer’s own words.
  2. The concluding sentence introduces a completely new idea instead of summarising the paragraph.
  3. There are no linking words — the sentences are not connected and the paragraph does not flow naturally.
  4. There is no concluding sentence — the paragraph stops suddenly without a summary or final comment.
A“What activity do you enjoy in your free time? I enjoy swimming in my free time. I go to the local pool every Saturday morning. It is good exercise and I feel very relaxed afterwards.”
B“Cooking is my favourite hobby. I cook for my family every weekend. I try new recipes. I enjoy Italian food the most. Cooking makes me feel happy and calm.”
C“I think reading is one of the best hobbies for young people. First of all, it helps you improve your vocabulary and learn new things. In addition, reading in the evenings reduces stress and helps you relax. In conclusion, I also enjoy watching films and going to the cinema with friends.”
D“One hobby I really enjoy is gardening. First of all, it is very relaxing — I spend time outside and forget about my problems. In addition, I love watching flowers and vegetables grow because of my hard work. For example, last summer I grew tomatoes and peppers in my garden.”