PARAGRAPH WRITING AND SUMMARY WRITING
1. PARAGRAPH WRITING
Meaning of a Paragraph
→ A paragraph is a group of related sentences that develop one main idea.
→ A good paragraph usually contains:
One main idea
Supporting details
Examples or explanations
A concluding sentence
Example:
Education is very important in our life. It gives us knowledge and helps us understand the world. It develops our thinking and improves our skills. Education also helps us get better opportunities in life. Therefore, every person should have access to good education.
Here, the main idea is the importance of education.
2. Main Parts of a Paragraph
A well-written paragraph generally has three main parts:
A. Topic Sentence
→ The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
→ It is usually the first sentence.
Example:
Reading books is a useful habit.
This tells the reader what the paragraph will discuss.
B. Supporting Sentences
→ Supporting sentences explain, develop, or prove the main idea.
They may include:
Reasons
Facts
Examples
Descriptions
Explanations
Details
Example:
Reading improves our vocabulary. It increases our knowledge and develops our imagination. It also improves our writing and communication skills.
C. Concluding Sentence
→ The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a proper ending.
Example:
Therefore, reading books is a habit that everyone should develop.
3. Qualities of a Good Paragraph
A good paragraph should have the following qualities:
1. Unity
→ All sentences should discuss one central idea.
❌ A paragraph about education should not suddenly discuss cricket.
2. Coherence
→ Ideas should be connected logically and clearly.
→ Sentences should follow a proper order.
3. Cohesion
→ Sentences should be grammatically and logically connected through suitable words and expressions.
Common linking words:
Firstly
Secondly
Moreover
However
Therefore
Thus
Besides
In addition
Finally
As a result
4. Clarity
→ The meaning should be clear and easy to understand.
5. Conciseness
→ Avoid unnecessary words and repetition.
6. Correctness
→ Grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure should be correct.
7. Completeness
→ The paragraph should properly explain the main idea.
4. Steps in Paragraph Writing
Step 1: Understand the Topic
→ Read the topic carefully.
Example:
“Importance of Trees”
The paragraph should focus on trees and their importance.
Step 2: Collect Ideas
Think about:
What are trees?
Why are they important?
What benefits do they provide?
What happens when trees are destroyed?
Step 3: Arrange the Ideas
→ Arrange ideas in a logical order.
A simple pattern is:
Introduction → Explanation → Examples/Benefits → Conclusion
Step 4: Write the Topic Sentence
→ Begin with the main idea.
Step 5: Add Supporting Sentences
→ Explain the topic using facts, reasons and examples.
Step 6: End Properly
→ Write a concluding sentence.
Step 7: Revise
Check:
Grammar
Spelling
Punctuation
Sentence structure
Repetition
Logical connection
5. Common Types of Paragraphs
A. Descriptive Paragraph
→ Describes a person, place, object, event or experience.
Example topics:
My School
A Beautiful Garden
A Rainy Day
My Favourite Teacher
B. Narrative Paragraph
→ Tells a story or describes an event in chronological order.
Example topics:
A Journey by Train
An Unforgettable Day
A Visit to a Historical Place
C. Expository Paragraph
→ Explains or informs the reader about a topic.
Example topics:
Importance of Education
Benefits of Exercise
Uses of the Internet
D. Persuasive Paragraph
→ Attempts to convince the reader about a particular viewpoint.
Example topics:
Importance of Saving Water
Why Students Should Read Books
Need for Environmental Protection
6. Useful Linking Words for Paragraph Writing
To add ideas
→ Moreover
→ Furthermore
→ Besides
→ In addition
→ Also
To show contrast
→ However
→ But
→ Although
→ On the other hand
→ Nevertheless
To show cause
→ Because
→ Since
→ As
→ Due to
To show result
→ Therefore
→ Thus
→ Hence
→ As a result
→ Consequently
To give examples
→ For example
→ For instance
→ Such as
To conclude
→ Finally
→ In conclusion
→ To sum up
→ Therefore
→ Thus
7. Sample Paragraph
Topic: Importance of Education
Education is one of the most important things in human life. It gives us knowledge, develops our thinking and helps us understand the world. Education teaches us good manners, discipline and responsibility. It also helps us develop useful skills and find better opportunities in life. An educated person can contribute positively to society. Therefore, education is essential for both individual development and the progress of society.
8. Important Rules for Paragraph Writing
→ Stay focused on the topic.
→ Write one central idea.
→ Use simple and clear language.
→ Avoid unnecessary repetition.
→ Use proper linking words.
→ Maintain logical order.
→ Use correct grammar and spelling.
→ Keep sentences connected.
→ Use examples where necessary.
→ End with a meaningful conclusion.
SUMMARY WRITING
9. Meaning of Summary Writing
→ A summary is a short and clear version of a longer passage.
→ It presents the main ideas of the original passage in fewer words.
→ A summary should contain the essential information without unnecessary details.
Simple Definition
Summary = Main ideas of a passage expressed briefly in your own words.
10. Purpose of Summary Writing
Summary writing helps us to:
→ Understand the main ideas of a passage.
→ Identify important information.
→ Remove unnecessary details.
→ Express ideas briefly.
→ Develop reading and writing skills.
→ Improve comprehension.
→ Present information clearly and efficiently.
11. Characteristics of a Good Summary
A good summary should be:
1. Short
→ It should be much shorter than the original passage.
2. Clear
→ The ideas should be easy to understand.
3. Complete
→ All important points should be included.
4. Accurate
→ The original meaning should not be changed.
5. Objective
→ Personal opinions should not normally be added.
6. Well-organized
→ Ideas should follow a logical order.
7. Written in Your Own Words
→ Avoid copying the original passage word for word.
12. Steps in Summary Writing
Step 1: Read the Passage Carefully
→ Read the passage once to understand the general meaning.
→ Read it again to identify important points.
Step 2: Identify the Main Idea
Ask:
“What is the passage mainly about?”
Step 3: Find the Important Points
Underline or note:
Main arguments
Important facts
Major events
Important reasons
Important results
Step 4: Remove Unnecessary Information
Usually omit:
Repeated ideas
Examples that are not essential
Extra descriptions
Personal comments
Minor details
Quotations unless essential
Statistics/details that do not affect the main idea
Step 5: Use Your Own Words
Change the wording while keeping the original meaning.
Step 6: Arrange the Points
→ Present the important ideas in a logical order.
Step 7: Write the Summary
→ Combine the important points into a short, connected passage.
Step 8: Revise
Check:
Accuracy
Grammar
Spelling
Length
Clarity
Logical order
13. What Should Be Included in a Summary?
Include:
→ Main idea
→ Important arguments
→ Major facts
→ Important causes
→ Important effects
→ Essential conclusions
14. What Should Be Avoided?
Avoid:
→ Personal opinions
→ Unnecessary examples
→ Repetition
→ Minor details
→ Long descriptions
→ Direct quotations
→ Unimportant statistics
→ Information not present in the original passage
15. Summary vs. Original Passage
The original passage may contain:
Main idea + explanations + examples + descriptions + details
A summary generally contains:
Main idea + essential supporting points
16. Summary Writing Techniques
A. Use General Words
Instead of listing many individual items, use a general term.
Original:
Apples, mangoes, oranges and bananas are commonly available fruits.
Summary:
Many fruits are commonly available.
B. Remove Repetition
Original:
Exercise keeps us fit. Exercise makes our body strong. Regular exercise improves our health.
Summary:
Regular exercise improves physical health and fitness.
C. Combine Sentences
Original:
Trees provide oxygen. Trees give us shade. Trees prevent soil erosion.
Summary:
Trees provide oxygen, shade and protection against soil erosion.
D. Replace Long Expressions with Short Expressions
Original:
At this point in time
Better:
Now
Original:
Due to the fact that
Better:
Because
17. Example of Summary Writing
Original Passage
Trees are extremely important for human beings and the environment. They provide oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. They give us fruits, wood, medicines and shade. Trees also help prevent soil erosion and provide shelter to birds and animals. Unfortunately, large numbers of trees are being cut down for construction and other purposes. Therefore, people should protect forests and plant more trees.
Main Points
→ Trees are important for humans and the environment.
→ They provide oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.
→ They provide useful products and shelter.
→ They prevent soil erosion.
→ Deforestation is harmful.
→ People should protect forests and plant trees.
Summary
Trees are essential for human life and the environment. They provide oxygen, useful products and shelter for living beings while preventing soil erosion. Since deforestation threatens these benefits, people should protect forests and plant more trees.
18. Summary Writing and Title
→ A suitable title may be given to a summary.
→ The title should be:
Short
Relevant
Clear
Related to the main idea
For the passage above:
Title: Importance of Trees
19. Difference Between Paragraph Writing and Summary Writing
Paragraph Writing
→ Develops a topic.
→ The writer may generate ideas, explanations and examples.
→ It can be based on personal knowledge or imagination.
→ It normally has a topic sentence, supporting sentences and conclusion.
Summary Writing
→ Shortens an existing passage.
→ Uses the main ideas of the original passage.
→ Does not normally add personal opinions.
→ Removes unnecessary details.
→ Preserves the original meaning.
20. Important Exam Points
→ Paragraph: A group of related sentences dealing with one main idea.
→ Topic sentence: The sentence that expresses the main idea.
→ Supporting sentences: Sentences that explain or develop the main idea.
→ Concluding sentence: The sentence that brings the paragraph to an end.
→ Unity: All sentences focus on one main idea.
→ Coherence: Logical connection between ideas.
→ Cohesion: Grammatical and lexical connection between sentences.
→ Summary: A brief statement of the main points of a longer passage.
→ Paraphrasing: Expressing the same idea in different words, usually without necessarily shortening it.
→ Summary writing: Selecting and presenting only the essential ideas of a passage.
21. One-Line Exam Questions
Q1. What is a paragraph?
→ A paragraph is a group of related sentences developing one main idea.
Q2. What is a topic sentence?
→ It is the sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph.
Q3. What is unity in paragraph writing?
→ Unity means that all sentences deal with one central idea.
Q4. What is coherence?
→ Coherence is the logical and meaningful connection between ideas.
Q5. What is a supporting sentence?
→ It is a sentence that explains or develops the main idea.
Q6. What is a summary?
→ A summary is a brief statement of the main ideas of a longer passage.
Q7. Should a summary include personal opinions?
→ Normally, no.
Q8. Should a summary copy the original passage?
→ No, it should generally be written in your own words.
Q9. What should be removed from a summary?
→ Unnecessary details, repetition, minor examples and irrelevant information.
Q10. What is the main purpose of summary writing?
→ To present the essential ideas of a passage briefly and clearly.
22. Quick Revision Formula
Paragraph Writing
Topic → Main Idea → Supporting Ideas → Examples/Explanation → Conclusion
Summary Writing
Read → Understand → Identify Main Idea → Select Key Points → Remove Details → Use Own Words → Organize → Revise
Remember
Good Paragraph = Unity + Coherence + Clarity + Correctness + Completeness
Good Summary = Brevity + Accuracy + Main Ideas + Own Words + Logical Order
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