ELT365 · Day 199 — Paragraph structure — topic sentence and support

Idea — A paragraph in academic or formal writing typically opens with a topic sentence (the main idea), followed by supporting sentences (evidence, example, detail). Teaching this pattern explicitly reduces disorganised writing.

Example — ‘Urban cycling reduces congestion.’ (topic) ‘A 2024 study of 12 European cities found a 15% drop in rush-hour traffic after cycle lanes were added.’ (support).

Try — Give learners three topic sentences. Ask them to write two supporting sentences for each. Mark only coherence, not grammar. Discuss: does each sentence genuinely support the claim?

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