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The Topic Sentence: The Process Paragraph - Lesson 1

The document provides information about writing process paragraphs. It defines a process paragraph as one that explains how to do something or how something happens. It states that the topic sentence should introduce the topic and tell the audience how the information will be organized. It then provides examples of topic sentences that do this.

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Jasmin Medjedovic
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56 views

The Topic Sentence: The Process Paragraph - Lesson 1

The document provides information about writing process paragraphs. It defines a process paragraph as one that explains how to do something or how something happens. It states that the topic sentence should introduce the topic and tell the audience how the information will be organized. It then provides examples of topic sentences that do this.

Uploaded by

Jasmin Medjedovic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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  THE PROCESS PARAGRAPH — Lesson 1

The Topic Sentence


  A process paragraph explains how to do something or how something happens.

The topic sentence in a process paragraph:

 introduces the topic.

 tells the audience how the information will be organized.


 

  ______________________

The phrase "cook a perfectly boiled egg" tells the reader what the topic is.
The phrase "six easy steps" tells the reader how the information is organized.

 The Topic Sentence


 Check your understanding of topic sentences and process paragraphs by completing this exercise.
 1 Which sentence is the best topic sentence for a process paragraph
. about using an
 automatic teller machine (ATM bank machine)?
  This is how you get cash.
  Using an ATM is simple once you have learned these few steps.
  If you follow these instructions you will be able to get your cash.
   
2
. Choose the best ending for this topic sentence.
Saving a document on your computer __________.
  is an easy, four-step process
  is the first step before printing the document
  is one of the first things you must learn to do on a computer
   
3 Choose the best ending for this topic sentence. 
. Many card games are difficult to learn __________.
  and it is hard to know which games are easier to learn
  but lots of other games are easy to learn
  but you can learn one game, Crazy Eights, in ten minutes by following these
simple rules
   
4 Which sentences are topic sentences? (More than one answer is
. correct.)
  Now you know all the steps needed for building a bookshelf.
  In order to give a great party you must plan ahead, be organized, and
prepare well.
  It is simple to repair a flat tire if you follow these instructions.
  Put your bank card into the automatic teller machine.
 
 The Supporting Sentence
  The supporting sentences in a process paragraph provide all the information and instructions needed to

complete a task. There are three steps for writing these instructions:

1. Determining and ordering information


2. Using different verb forms

3. Using time transitions to show time order


  Using Different Verb Forms
  Read the following reference sections before beginning the lesson.

Grammar & Structure — Imperatives 


Grammar & Structure — Passives 
Grammar & Structure — Modals

There are different ways of writing the instructions in a process paragraph. Look at the examples

how each verb form is used. When you write, you should choose the verb form that works the b

paragraph.

Imperative

You can use the imperative verb form to give instructions. The imperative helps you avoid using

"you" too much. Also use imperatives to give warnings.

Example

    Get a pot big enough to hold one egg. Fill the pot 4/5 full with water. Put in the egg.

 Put the pot on the stove. Turn the heat to high andwait until the water boils. 

Boil the egg in the water for three minutes. Take the egg out of the pot and put it in an e
 Eat the egg.

Passive

You can use the passive voice to show that an action is done. The passive avoids saying who or w

Example

First, a small pot is filled 4/5 full with water. The egg is placed in the water.

The pot of water is put on the stove and the heat is turned to high.
   
When the water is boiling, the egg is boiled for three minutes.

Finally, the egg is taken out of the pot, put into an egg cup, and eaten.

Active

You can use the active voice to show when an object does, or is doing, an action.

Example

First, a small pot is filled 4/5 full with water. The egg is placed in the water. The pot of wa

    the stove and the heat is turned to high. When the water is boiling, the egg is boiled for t

Finally, the egg is taken out of the pot, put into an egg cup, and eaten.

Modal

You can use modals to give suggestions, emphasize certain steps, and give instructions.

Example

If you like hard-boiled eggs better than soft-boiled eggs, you should boil the egg for five

    You can let the egg stand in hot water for two more minutes to be sure it is hard enough.

You must cook the egg more than four minutes.


 

 The Supporting Sentence


  Check your understanding of supporting sentences in a process paragraph by completing this exercise. Identi
  Fire Emergency Preparation

You have to buy    a smoke detector. Once the smoke detector is


bought                                                                                         
 , make s      there is one smoke detector on
each level of your home.

Next, you mak    a plan for how to escape if there is a fire.


Don't forget                                                                            
 to practise your escape route at least three times a year.
  Check your understanding of supporting sentences in a process paragraph by completing this exercise.

Fill in the blanks with the correct time signals. Use each word only once. The first one is done for you.

  How to Use an ATM Machine

Insert your ATM card into the machine.    punch in


your personal identification number.                                                              
 push the button for "withdraw".                                                 
 you have entered the amount of cash you want, push the button
for the account you

want to use    you collect the cash, take your card and your
receipt.                                                                                                         
 count the money to make sure the amount is correct.
 

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