Question 1
In an essay, the sentence that states the main idea of a body paragraph is called the
Strand 4 · Writing
English Language Year 3 Learner Material, Section 2: Using Phrases and Clauses, the Structure of an Essay
Figure 2.1: Image showing the structure of an essay Three Main Parts of an Essay When writing an essay, it's important to follow a clear structure so your ideas make sense to your reader. Most essays have three main parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion.
Let’s break each part down:
1. Introduction – Starting Your Essay This is the first paragraph of your essay. It helps your reader understand what you are going to talk about.
What your introduction should do:
a. Tell the reader what the topic is about.
b. Explain why the topic is important or give a bit of background.
c. Clearly state your main idea or opinion (this is called the thesis statement).
Think of the introduction like opening a door for the reader to enter your essay.
Sample Introductory Paragraph
Teenage pregnancy is a growing concern in many parts of Ghana, especially in rural communities. Many young girls are forced to drop out of school because of early pregnancies, which affect their immediate goals and future dreams. This essay will explore the causes of teenage pregnancy in Ghana, including poverty, peer pressure, and lack of sex education.
The reasons why the Introduction above is a good one.
a. First sentence: Gives a general idea of the topic.
b. Second sentence: Provides some background or context.
c. Third sentence: Clearly states the thesis statement and outlines the main points to be discussed.
2. Body – The Main Part of Your Essay This is the biggest part of your essay. It usually has three or more paragraphs.
Each paragraph should focus on one main idea.
Each paragraph should have the following;
a. A topic sentence – This states the main idea of the paragraph.
b. Supporting details – These are facts, examples or reasons to back up your idea.
c. A concluding sentence – This wraps up the paragraph or links to the next one.
d. Each body paragraph is like a building block that supports your main idea.
Sample Body Paragraph
One major cause of teenage pregnancy in Ghana is poverty.
Many young girls from poor homes are forced to exchange sex for money, food, or basic items like sanitary pads. Because their parents cannot afford to take care of all their needs, some girls depend on older men, often called "sugar daddies," who offer support in exchange for sex. This puts the girls at risk of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and dropping out of school.
Poverty, therefore, plays a big role in pushing young girls into unsafe relationships that lead to teenage pregnancy.
Reasons why the Body Paragraph above is a good one.
a. Topic sentence: Clearly states the main idea (poverty as a cause).
b. Supporting details: Gives reasons and real-life examples that show how poverty connects to teenage pregnancy.
c. Concluding sentence: Wraps up the idea in a clear way.
3. Conclusion – Ending Your Essay This is the final paragraph of your essay. It brings everything together.
It should have the following features
a. State your main idea again (in a different way).
b. Sum up the key points you made.
c. Leave the reader with something to think about – like a final message or suggestion.
Think of the conclusion as saying, That is what I had to say – and here’s why it matters.
Sample Concluding Paragraph
In conclusion, teenage pregnancy is a seemingly intractable problem affecting many young girls in Ghana.
As discussed, poverty, peer pressure, and lack of proper sex education are some of the major causes.
To reduce teenage pregnancy, parents, teachers, and community leaders must work together to support and educate young people.
When girls are given the right information and opportunities, they can make better choices and stay in school to achieve their goals.
Reasons why the concluding paragraph above is a good one.
a. It Restates the topic (teenage pregnancy is a seemingly intractable problem)
b. It summarises the main points (causes like poverty, peer pressure, and so on.)
c. It gives a final thought or calls to action (the role of adults and the importance of education) https://youtu.be/6PnsKg7hkIo Scan the QR code or click on the link to watch a video on the structure of an essay Understanding Paragraph Development _(A) paragraph is a group of sentences that focus on one main idea. In essay writing, paragraphs help you organise your thoughts clearly, making your writing easier to understand.
Key Features Of A Good Paragraph
The diagram on page serves as a reminder, and further clarification is provided.
Figure 2.2: Image showing the features of a good paragraph
1. Unity: One Idea
One Paragraph: All the sentences in a paragraph should be about the same topic.
Example: If your paragraph is about the causes of flooding in Accra, don’t start talking about the effects or solutions. Stick to one idea only.
2. Coherence – Smooth and Logical Flow: Your ideas should flow in a clear and logical order. To help your sentences connect, use linking words or cohesive devices and expressions learned in year two, like however, therefore, for instance, in addition, and furthermore.
Example
a. One major cause of flooding in Accra is poor drainage systems.
b. Also, improper disposal of waste worsens the problem.
Activity 2.4 Identifying the Structure of an Essay
1. In groups of three, choose a newspaper article.
2. Read and identify the structure of the article you have chosen.
a. Introduction
b. main body
c. conclusion.
3. Share your work with a different group and take feedback.
Activity 2.5 Writing an Introduction
1. In your groups, compose an introductory paragraph on the topic: The Importance of Agriculture to the Ghanaian Economy
2. Call members of a different group and read your paragraph to them. Listen to theirs and share feedback respectfully. Comment on what's good and what could be improved based on the unity and logical flow of ideas.
Activity 2.6 Composing Essays Using Cohesive Devices
1. Compose an essay on the topic: The need to improve sanitation in your community (Article Writing)
2. Use story maps as guides to compose your body paragraphs and concluding paragraph.
3. Share your essay with a classmate and review each other's work. In your review, check for unity, logical flow of ideas, use of cohesive devices, and any grammatical or expression errors.
4. Rewrite to improve any part of your essay based on the feedback.
In an essay, the sentence that states the main idea of a body paragraph is called the
Read the paragraph: 'One major cause of flooding in Accra is poor drainage systems. For instance, when gutters are blocked, rainwater cannot flow away. Also, improper disposal of waste worsens the problem. Therefore, the city must improve sanitation.' Which sentence is the topic sentence?
Choose the best cohesive device to complete the sentence: 'Poor drainage is a major cause of flooding in Accra. ______, improper disposal of waste worsens the problem.'
In the conclusion of an essay, which sentence best gives the reader a final thought or call to action?
Kofi is writing a body paragraph with the topic sentence: 'Poor drainage is a major cause of flooding in Accra.' Which sentence would break the unity of his paragraph?