MUET Paper 4

A Paragraph structure

The following model contains all the elements of a good paragraph.

Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is suitable for jewellery, coins, and ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was minted twenty-three centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science. For many years, it has been used in hundreds of industrial applications. The most recent use of gold is in astronauts’ suits. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields for protection outside spaceships. In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.

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A paragraph has 3 major structural parts:

1. A topic sentence mentions the idea written in this paragraph and the ‘points’ used to discuss that idea.

2. Supporting sentences explanations given about the idea example(s) given to support the explanation.

3. Concluding sentence Summarizes the points in this paragraph. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read the model paragraph.

Identify the topic sentence.

a) What does it tell you about the paragraph?

The characteristic of gold

b) How many points will be used to discuss about gold?Two points

Supporting sentences.

c) Identify the first supporting sentence for point 1. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion.

d) Identify the second sentence that explains the point mentioned in your answer to question (c).Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science.

e) What is the example given for the above mentioned explanations?1. a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was minted

twenty-three centuries ago2. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields for protection outside

spaceships

f) Identify the supporting sentence for point 2..For many years, it has been used in hundreds of industrial applications

g) Which sentences explain point 2 and is the example given to support the explanation?

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The concluding sentence.

Summarizes the 2 main points in this paragraph

. Beauty and usefulness

The Introductory Paragraph

Read the introductory paragraph (introduction) in the following model.

Any person who has lived in the twentieth century has seen a lot of changes take place in almost all areas of human existence. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer; others want to return to the simpler life-style of the past. The twentieth century has certain advantages such as a higher standard of living for many, but it also has some disadvantages such as a polluted environment, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values.

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The two parts of the introductory paragraph:

1. The general statement It introduces the topic of the essay(ie. The general comment about the subject / in the ‘question’ given).

And it gives the background information on the topic.

(You can write any number of sentences for the general statement).

All these lead to the Thesis Statement

2. The Thesis statement. . It states the main idea for the whole essay. Lists the subdivisions of the idea; Ie. The points that will be used to discuss/ write out in paragraphs 2,3,4 of the essay.. shows the organisation of the essay;

Ie. The sequence of the points that will be discussed/written out in the essay.

.Is the LAST SENTENCE in this paragraph.

.Is ONE SENTENCE only.

The Thesis statement is the MOST IMPORTANT sentence in the introduction.

Examples of Thesis statements:

1. With the subdivisions/ subtopics listed in the sentence.

a) The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on a city’s ability to provide housing, employment, and adequate sanitation services.

b) Prejudice arises from three basic causes: childhood conditioning, ignorance and fear.

2. Without the subdivisions/ subtopics listed or mentioned.

a) Being the oldest son has more disadvantages than advantages.b) The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects

on cities.

Each subdivision/subtopic will become the topic of a separate paragraph in the essay. It will be used in the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Study the examples of Thesis statements given in 1 a),b) and 2 a), b).

1. How many paragraphs will be the body of the essay?2. What will be the main idea of each paragraph?3. What will be the explanations and/or example given for the main ideas in the

paragraphs.

The Concluding Paragraph.

Read the concluding paragraph below.

In short, although the twentieth century has indeed given some of us a lot of advantages by making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives, it has, in my opinion, not made us wiser. The twentieth century has also made our earth dirtier, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives poorer. We wish to continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancement because they free us to pursue our other interests and goals. However, we most make a concerted effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take the time now to make our lives more meaningful in our increasingly impersonal, mechanised world.

............................................................................In the conclusion for the essay

. summarize the main points Ie. Paraphrase the Thesis statement.

. add your comments/ opinion (in 2 or more sentences )

1. Compare the model introductory paragraph and this concluding paragraph.

2. Which sentence in the conclusion ‘reflects’ the Thesis statement given in the Introductory paragraph?

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3. What’s the writer’s opinion as written in the conclusion?.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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