Grade 7 English HYGIENE – WRITING:PARAGRAPHS Notes
WRITING: PARAGRAPHS — HYGIENE (English)
Target: age 12 (Kenya). Focus: grammar and paragraph writing. Examples use hygiene topics (handwashing, clean water, toilets).
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. It usually has:
- Topic sentence — tells the main idea.
- Supporting sentences — give facts, reasons or examples.
- Concluding sentence — wraps up the idea.
Paragraph structure (PEEL)
Use PEEL to plan:
- Point — write your topic sentence (main idea).
- Explain — give more detail using correct grammar (tense, agreement).
- Example — add a fact or example about hygiene (e.g., handwashing).
- Link — finish with a sentence that concludes or links to the next idea.
Grammar points to check
- Tense: Use present simple for facts and habits. (e.g., "Children wash their hands.") Use imperative for instructions. (e.g., "Wash your hands.")
- Subject–verb agreement: Match verbs to subjects. (He washes, they wash.)
- Sentence types: Use a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences for variety.
- Simple: "Wash your hands."
- Compound (and, but, or, so): "Wash your hands, and use soap."
- Complex (because, when, if): "Wash your hands when you return from the latrine."
- Pronouns: Use clear pronouns. Make sure each pronoun refers to the correct noun. (Bad: "They are dirty." — Who? Good: "The hands are dirty, so wash them.")
- Linking words: Use words like first, then, because, therefore, however to join ideas and make your paragraph flow.
- Punctuation & Capital letters: Start with a capital letter and end with a full stop. Use commas in lists. Avoid run-on sentences and sentence fragments.
Cohesion: linking words and repetition
Make your paragraph clear by:
- Repeating the main noun or using a pronoun so the reader knows what you mean (e.g., "handwashing" → "it").
- Using linking words:
Sequence: first, next, then, finally Cause: because, since, therefore Contrast: but, however, yet
Example paragraph (about hygiene)
Topic sentence: Handwashing with soap is important for staying healthy.
Supporting: First, washing hands removes germs that cause diseases. Then, using soap cleans dirt and germs better than water alone. At school, children should wash their hands after using the latrine and before eating.
Concluding: If we all wash our hands regularly, we can reduce sickness and stay strong for learning.
Notes: This paragraph uses present simple for facts, sequencing words (first, then), clear subject–verb agreement, and a concluding sentence that links to the result.
Icons: 🧼 (soap) 🚰 (water) 🚻 (latrine)
Common mistakes and fixes
- Run-on sentence: Break long sentences into two or add a conjunction with a comma. (Wrong: "Wash your hands use soap." Right: "Wash your hands, and use soap.")
- Sentence fragment: Make sure each sentence has a subject and a verb. (Wrong: "After using the latrine." Right: "Wash your hands after using the latrine.")
- Wrong tense: Keep the same tense when writing about one idea. Use present simple for general facts.
- Pronoun confusion: Replace unclear pronouns with the noun if needed.
Quick checklist before you finish
- Have a clear topic sentence?
- Three or more supporting sentences with correct grammar?
- Concluding sentence present?
- Good use of linking words for flow?
- Correct tense and subject-verb agreement?
- Proper punctuation and capitalization?
Practice activities
- Write a paragraph (5–7 sentences) about why clean water is important. Use present simple and PEEL.
- Write instructions (use imperatives) in one paragraph on how to wash hands properly. Use sequence words: first, then, finally.
When done, check with the checklist above and look for subject-verb agreement and correct linking words.
Good luck! Remember: clear grammar makes your paragraphs stronger.