How to write your paragraph

Teacher’s notes — Paragraph organisation exercises

These exercises establish the three-part paragraph structure students will use throughout the course. Ensure students can name the parts (Topic / Body / Concluding) before moving to Unit 1.

Exercise 2 diagnoses common paragraph problems. Consider returning to it after Unit 4 as a revision checkpoint.

Note on Exercise 1. The sample paragraph above uses Furthermore, which does not appear in Unit 1’s linking-words table. Either gloss it here as a synonym of In addition, or expect questions about it.

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

Introduction and Unit Pattern
How to Write Your Paragraph
Unit 1. Lifestyles
Unit 2. Competitions
Vocabulary Review — Units 1 & 2
Unit 3. Transport
Unit 4. Challenges
Vocabulary Review — Units 3 & 4
Unit 5. The Environment
Unit 6. Stages in Life
Vocabulary Review — Units 5 & 6
Unit 7. Work
Unit 8. Technology
Vocabulary Review — Units 7 & 8
Part 1. Extra Writing Tasks — Descriptive
Part 2. Extra Writing Tasks — Opinion
Part 3. Extra Writing Tasks — Reason (integrated)
Part 4. Extra Writing Tasks — Descriptive (integrated)
Part 5. Extra Writing Tasks — Opinion (integrated)

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Unit pattern

Every unit follows this structure

A Understand	Learn about the text type and its key features.
B Study	Grammar and vocabulary focus. Linking words with example sentences and extra practice.
C Analyse	Read and discuss an annotated sample paragraph. (Units 5–8: read the text, listen and take notes first.)
D Practise	Controlled language and structure exercises.
E Write	Your own paragraph — minimum 130 words.

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.

C → E → A → D → B
Topic sentence: C · Concluding sentence: B

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

1The topic sentence is sentence .

C — It introduces the activity and uses no linking word at all.

2The concluding sentence is sentence .

B — It adds no new information — it closes the paragraph with a summary.

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

The four problems

The topic sentence copies the question directly — it does not introduce the main idea in the writer’s own words.
The concluding sentence introduces a completely new idea instead of summarising the paragraph.
There are no linking words — the sentences are not connected and the paragraph does not flow naturally.
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.”

1 — Read the very first words. Where have you seen that sentence before?

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.”

3 — The ideas are fine and it has an ending. But look at how each sentence begins — what is missing between them?

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.”

2 — The last sentence starts correctly with In conclusion. But is it about reading?

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.”

4 — The topic sentence and the linking words are all good. Read the last sentence — does the paragraph feel finished?

✓

Answer key at a glance

Prints with the page

Exercise 1 — order
Correct order	C → E → A → D → B
Topic sentence	C
Concluding sentence	B
Exercise 2 — the problem in each paragraph
A	Problem 1 — the topic sentence copies the question directly.
B	Problem 3 — no linking words, so the paragraph does not flow naturally.
C	Problem 2 — the concluding sentence introduces a new idea (films and cinema) instead of summarising.
D	Problem 4 — there is no concluding sentence; the paragraph stops suddenly.