Lesson 2 of 4 · 12 min

Build a paragraph that develops an idea

Support one main point with a reason, an example, and an explanation.

Give the paragraph a job

A paragraph should help the reader follow one main point. For a recommendation, a useful opening states a benefit. Each following sentence should develop that benefit rather than start an unrelated topic.

Move from a claim to support

Try this scaffold: point, reason, example, explanation. Explain why the example supports your point. This is a drafting aid, not a required sentence count. A short message may need less support than an essay.

Use honest examples

An observation from your experience can make an idea concrete. Label imagined situations as possibilities. Avoid making up statistics or claiming that a personal example proves something is true for everyone.

See it in practice

Starting point

The waiting area needs benches. Benches are good. There are buses outside. It would be better.

Using this skill

Adding benches would make the waiting area more comfortable. People sometimes wait through several bus arrivals before their route appears. A parent carrying a child, for example, could sit while watching for the bus. A few seats would make that wait easier.

Every sentence develops the benefit of seating. The example helps explain the benefit instead of simply repeating that benches are good.

01 / Check your understanding

Try the skill

Choose an answer for each question. You can try again after reading the feedback.

1. Your paragraph argues for a quiet study area. Which detail best supports it? The building was painted blue last year. The cafeteria sells several kinds of fruit. Students currently share a table beside a noisy reception desk.

2. After giving an example, what should you check? Whether you have explained how the example supports your point. Whether you can add a statistic even without a source. Whether every sentence uses a different topic.

02 / Put it into words

Make it your own

Develop the recommendation from lesson 1 into one paragraph. State a benefit, explain why it matters, and give a specific example. You can copy your saved response from the previous lesson.

Write at least 50 words. Use the checklist and example to review your writing; this exercise does not give an automatic writing score.

Your writing:

0 / 50 words minimum Save your response with the button below.

Before you finish

The paragraph has one main point.
My example is relevant and honestly described.
I explain how the example supports my recommendation.

I have checked my writing against the checklist.

Read one possible response

Compare the choices this writer made with your own. Many different responses can work.

A later library closing time would help students who stay for clubs. Our activities finish at five thirty, just before the library closes. After a long rehearsal, for example, a student may have only a few minutes to choose a book. Keeping the library open until seven on Wednesdays would give these students time to browse and ask for advice.

Complete the lesson by answering both questions correctly, reaching the writing minimum, and reviewing your draft.