Basic Paragraph Format :

Argumentative Paragraph Writing

Worksheet 1

A-Study the following paragraph writing examples

The advantages of smartphones.

Despite their negative effects, smartphones offer many benefits. First, this device has made communication much easier than ever before. Now, with a touch of a button people can communicate with anybody from anywhere at any time. In addition, a smartphone has become a source of unlimited entertainment. For example, a smartphone allows you to play games, listen to music, watch movies, and do a lot of other things. What’s more, it offers thousands of educational apps which are very useful for students and teachers. All in all, I think a smartphone is a very useful tool in our life; however, we should be careful not to overuse it.  

The advantages of Technology

Technology has become an essential part of our daily life thanks to its numerous advantages. To begin with, it is making our lives easier. In other words, people save more time and effort with the use of technology. For example, machines and robots can perform a lot of hard tasks perfectly and in no time. Also, technology offers great inventions such as computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and the internet.  Besides, it has made communication much easier than ever before. Now, with a touch of a button people can communicate with anybody from anywhere at any time. What’s more, Technology has a positive impact on our economic growth. Nowadays, 70% of world businesses rely on technology to improve the quality of their products and services. Finally, it has improved our education. Thanks to technology, now students can learn anywhere at any time. To conclude, Technology offers a lot of benefits; however, we can’t deny its negative effects.

Important Synonyms:

• Negative effects:  consequences; drawbacks; harmful effects; negative aspects
• Advantages :  benefits; positive aspects;
• Offers : has
• Useful : beneficial
• Device : tool
• Many : numerous; several, a lot of;
• Daily life  : nowadays;
• First : To begin with;
• Also : In addition; Besides; What’s more;
• For example : For instance
• Such as : like
• In no time : In seconds; quickly; rapidly;
• In other words : That is to say;
• Finally : At last;
• To conclude : All in all, To sum up; In conclusion; In brief; …

B-Following the examples above and using the given synonyms, develop the following topic sentences to write complete paragraphs:

1-Although it can be sometimes harmful, Social Media offers numerous advantages. First, ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
To sum up, social media has become a useful tool in our life; however, we should be careful not to overuse it. 

Suggested ideas:

• It has made learning much easier for students.
• It allows learners to practice and improve English or any foreign language by speaking online with the native speakers
• It has made communication easier ever than before, thanks to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, etc

2- Nobody denies that distance learning offers numerous benefits for students. First, ……..…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………

Suggested ideas:

• Students can learn anywhere and at any time.
• distance learning helps them feel more comfortable asking questions, learning more, and to stay more focused
• It saves a lot of money. For example, students don’t have to spend money on transportation to study far away from their homes

Worksheet 2

A-Study the following paragraph writing example:

The benefits of learning a foreign language

I believe that every student should study a foreign language for these reasons. First, If you speak more than one language, you have better chances to get a good job. In fact, companies need employees who can speak international languages like English. Second, speaking another language allows you to know people from all over the world, read their books, listen to their music and discover their culture. Finally, it’s important to learn a foreign language if you want to study abroad.  Given all these reasons, studying a foreign language makes your life happier and more successful.

Important Synonyms:

• First : To begin with;
• Second: In addition; Besides; Also;…
• Study : learn
• More than one language : foreign language; another language; international language;
• In fact : Actually; No doubt;
• Need employees: look for employees; hire employees
• Allows you to know : helps you in knowing;
• All over the word : different countries; around the world;
• Discover : learn about
• It important to learn : you should learn;
• Given all these reasons: All in all, to sum up; …

B-Rewrite the same paragraph above using the given synonyms and the following topic sentence (try to use your own words where possible)

Learning a foreign language offers a lot of benefits. To begin with, ……………………………………………….

C-Study the following paragraph writing example:

The advantages of Voluntary work

Nobody denies that voluntary work has many advantages. The very first advantage is that it helps people in need. In addition, volunteering contributes to the improvement of the community. What’s more, this value helps you reduce stress and boosts your happiness. All in all, voluntary work has countless benefits for people and communities. For me, I can’t imagine a world without voluntary work.

Important Synonyms:

• countless: many; numerous; a lot of;
• contributes to : helps in;  …

D-Following the examples above and using the given synonyms, develop the following topic sentences to write complete paragraphs :

1-Achieving Sustainable development offers many advantages to a country  First, ………………….…

Suggested ideas:

• It encourages using the natural resources wisely
• It  ensures a better life for present and future generation
• It helps in lowering the effects on the environment by reducing pollution.
• we can achieve long-term economic growth.

Worksheet 3

A-Study the following paragraph writing examples

The drawbacks of smartphones

Despite their benefits, smartphones can have many negative effects. First, too much use of the smartphone can lead to serious health problems such as insomnia, headache, sight troubles, etc. Second, many young people feel depressed when they don’t receive reactions to their posts on social media. Finally, smartphones cause a decrease in real-life communication. All in all, using the smartphone can lead to harmful consequences; however, we can use it for many positive purposes.

The disadvantages of Social Media

Although it’s sometimes useful, social media has many drawbacks. To begin with, it can cause serious health problems if we spend a long time on screens. Also, many young people suffer from depression because they become addicted to social media. Finally, social media leads to social isolation and decreases real-life communication. To conclude, social media can be used for positive purposes; however, we should be careful not to overuse it.

Important Synonyms:

• Negative effects:  consequences; drawbacks; harmful effects; negative aspects
• Advantages :  benefits; positive aspects;
• Useful : beneficial
• Too much use : overuse; addiction;
• Serious health problems : dangerous health issues
• Although  : Even though
• Despite : In spite of
• However : Still; yet;
• Also : In addition; Besides; What’s more;
• For example : For instance
• Such as : like
• In other words : That is to say;
• Finally : At last;
• To conclude : All in all, To sum up; In conclusion; In brief; …

B-Following the examples above and using the given synonyms, develop the following topic sentences to write complete paragraphs:

In spite of its advantages, there are some drawbacks to Technology . First, ……………………….………… …………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. All in all, technology can be a harmful and destructive tool sometimes.

Suggested ideas:

• Machines are replacing humans in factories. Consequently, more people are losing their jobs. 
• People have become less active: they exercise less and spend oo much time sitting before their smart TV sets, others on their smartphones
• It can be the source of many modern dangerous diseases, like cancer, HIV, and COVID19

Cause & Effect Paragraph Writing:

Worksheet 1

A-Study the following paragraph writing examples

Causes of Smartphone Overuse

There are many reasons why youths overuse smartphones. First, this device offers unlimited entertainment; that’s why young people spend most of their time in front of its screens. Another reason is that they prefer to stay online on social media all time waiting for new likes or other reactions to their posts. Some people use smartphones to escape life difficulties and problems; whereas, others use it to complete their tasks or homework quickly without effort. In conclusion, these are the main causes of smartphone addiction.

Important Synonyms:

• Overuse a smartphone:  use it too much; to be addicted to a smartphone.
• Unlimited  :  endless; 
• In front of screens : on their smartphones.
• Another reason is that : In addition, besides; …
• Withouth effort : effortlessly;

Causes of School Dropping out

Many causes are behind dropping out of school. Many students leave school because their parents don’t have enough money. Also, students drop out due to the absence of school transport; so they find it difficult to walk for a long distance to arrive at school. In addition, because of some parents’ divorce, children no longer feel at ease and they decide to stop schooling. Finally, since life is hard in the countryside, parents prefer to keep their children at home so as to help them with their work. All in all, the absence of school transport, family problems, and poverty are the main causes why many students drop out.

Important Synonyms:

• Many causes are behind dropping out of school: There are many reasons why students drop out from schools.
• Parents don’t have enough money : they are poor.
• Absence : lack   –    
• Difficult  :  hard
• Feel at ease :  feel comfortable
• Stop school : quit school.
• Effects : consequences; drawbacks;

Effects of Smoking

Smoking causes numerous horrible effects. First, it is the source of serious diseases, such as cancer and heart problems. In addition, smokers waste a lot of money because of this habit. Finally, when you smoke, you are not only hurting yourself but others around you. All in all, smoking is the most destructive decision a person can make in their life; that’s why smokers should seriously consider stopping this habit before it’s too late.

B-Following the examples above and using the given synonyms, develop the following topic sentences to write complete paragraphs

1-There are many reasons why students choose smoking. First,  .…………………………………

Suggested ideas:

• Many students start smoking due to peer pressure
• They think that smoking gives them a sense of integration.
• They think that a cigarette is a sign of courage
• They think smoking relaxes them and reduces their stress when they have personal problems.

2- There are many causes why developing countries face the issue of Brain Drain. To begin with, …………………………………………………………….

Suggested ideas:

• Unemployment
• Unsatisfactory working conditions
• Lack of research facilities
• Low living standards
• Absence of freedom of speech

3- COVID-19 has caused many effects on our life. First ….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… All in all, the pandemic of coronavirus has led to many negative effects on people’s lives; that’s why all have to take action in order to help them.

Suggested ideas:

• More than three million people have lost their lives due to the virus
• The pandemic had a serious effect on the Moroccan economy
• Many people have lost their jobs, and are unable to feed their families.

Narrative Paragraph Writing (Telling a story)

Worksheet 1

A-Study the following paragraph writing examples:

The Funniest incident in my life

The most hilarious (funniest) thing that has ever happened to me is when I and my family decided to prank my father and convince him that I caught the coronavirus. In the beginning, we waited for my father to get back home. As soon as he arrived, I started to cough and pretend that I had breathing difficulties, and my mother told him that I am not feeling well. My father was really confused, and he called my brother. A few moments later, my father tried to call the local health authorities. Suddenly, my mother stopped him. My father did not know what to do, and he told everyone not to get near me. In the end, he decided to lock me in my own room. Finally, we told him the truth and everyone started to laugh. All in all, it was a very nice moment that made us forget about the global issue for a while.

An Unforgettable Experience in my life

Last weekend, I had the best experience of my life. On Friday night, my best friend visited me and we made a delicious pizza. After we ate, we had a friendly video game competition. After a while, my other best friend, Ali, joined us. On Saturday, my dad took us out on the boat. The weather was perfect and the water was warm. It was a great day to go for a swim. Later in the evening, we went to the movies. We saw an action film and ate a lot of popcorn. Then that night, we spent some time playing chess. Finally, on Sunday, we went bike-riding around town. All in all, we had great moments. Now, with this experience, I’ve changed my opinion about weekends. Now I have to say that weekends can only be as exciting and fun as we’d make them to be.

Important Synonyms:

• In the beginning:  First, at first; initially;
• Later  :  after; next; then; afterwards; after a while; after that; soon; later on; soon after; just then; right after;
• As soon as : just when; once; when;
• Suddenly : immediately;
  • Finally : lastly; at last; in the end;

B-Following the examples above and using the given synonyms, develop the following topic sentences to write complete paragraphs:

1-I often experience funny situations in my life, but the last Sunday was when the funniest incident has ever happened to me. At first, ……………………………………………………………………………..

2-I often have good moments in my life, but yesterday was when the most memorable experience has ever happened to me in my life. In the beginning, ………….…………..

Descriptive  Paragraph Writing

Worksheet 1

A-Vocabulary:  Adjectives of Appearance and Personality

Physical appearance:

 Age: (young, elderly, teenager …) Height (tall, short, medium…) Body (thin=slim, slender, fat,…) Skin: (black, white, pale..) Face (round, square, oval, long, wrinkled)  Hair ( Blonde, black, curly, straight, short, long ) Eyes (big≠small, brilliant,…) Clothes: (elegant=well-dressed, fashionable, tidy≠messy, casual, conservative, stylish, Funky, …)

Personality/character:

Optimistic≠pessimistic, relaxed≠tense or nervous, sensible, sensitive, (un) sociable, open-minded≠close-minded, honest, sincere=trust-worthy, reliable, shy/reserved, funny, self-confident, rude≠polite, friendly=nice, selfish≠caring, moody, talkative….. 

B-Study the following descriptive paragraph example:

Model 1:  Describing a person (my friend)

Najib has been my intimate friend since we were in primary school. He’s a tall and slim young man with pale skin and curly dark hair. He has brown small eyes and an oval shiny face. He always wears casual clothes. Najib is very funny, and he always makes me laugh. Also, he is a very generous and sensitive person. However, sometimes he can be a little tense. Najib is very keen on playing football. During the weekends, he spends hours either training his football team or watching matches on TV. In addition to that, he enjoys singing and dancing, as well, and he is fond of listening to pop music. Everybody likes him for his sense of humor and modesty. All in all, I’m happy to have such a good person as a friend; and I’m sure we’ll always be intimate friends.

Model 2:  Describing a person

My best friend Lara is a quite special person. She is a twenty-year-old girl who studies Biology at the University of Fes. She is a slim and tall girl who has got black curly hair and brown eyes. She also has a round face on which the charming smile is usually drawn.  Lara wears casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts. Lara loves playing all kinds of sports, such as basketball and tennis, and she is very good at them.  Besides, Lara is a friendly, optimistic, and reliable person. All these positive characteristics made people love Lara from the first time they meet her.

Exercise: Fill in the gaps to complete the following paragraph

• Stylish clothes
• Good at
• The childhood
• Medium
• Curious
• Light
• Good-looking
• Straight blonde

Chamss has been my close friend since ______________  . She’s of a _________ height with _________ skin and _______ _________ hair. She has brown big eyes and a ___________  face. She often wears _____________ . Chamss is friendly and open-minded. However, sometimes she is very __________ . Chamss is very ________ drawing. During the weekends, she spends her time drawing beautiful pictures. Everybody likes her for her kindness All in all, I’m happy to have such a good person as a friend.

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