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PRACTICE WITH TOPIC SENTENCES
The topic sentence states the topic and a controlling idea concerning that topic. Look at the following example.
People give many reasons for owning a car.
The topic of the sentence is “owning a car.” The controlling idea is “reasons.” All the supporting ideas in the paragraph should be “reasons for owning a car.”
The following phrases or ones similar to these can be used in your topic sentence to express the controlling idea:
the reasons for
the causes of (the effects of)
the steps for (the procedure for)
the advantages of (the disadvantages of)
the ways to (the methods of)
the different sections (parts, kinds, types) of
the characteristics (traits, qualities) of
the problems of
the precautions for
the changes to

Exercise W1
Looking at topic sentences
Write a topic sentence for each of the following topics. Use one of the phrases above or one of your own for your controlling idea.
Example catching colds
People can avoid catching a cold by taking certain precautions.
This topic sentence includes the topic “catching colds” and the controlling idea “taking precautions.”

1. owning a car
 

2. living in a remote area
 

3. studying abroad
 

4. accidents
 

5. airports
 

6. absenteeism
 

7. taking exams
 

8. computersª¤
 

9. riceª¤
 

10. campingª¤
 

Exercise W2
Checking topic sentences
Your topic sentence should tell the person who is reading your paragraph what the paragraph is about. Read the following paragraph and decide whether the topic sentence is strong or weak. (The topic sentence is underlined.)

Baseball is a popular sport in the United States. There are two teams of nine players each. Players on one team take turns batting, and the other team tries to put the batters out. The batter hits the ball and then tries to run around the bases and get “home” safely. The other team tries to put the batter out by catching the ball before it hits the ground, throwing the ball to the base before the batter gets there or by tagging the batter with the ball. The batter can stop at any one of the three bases if it is impossible to make it “home.”

The topic sentence in the paragraph is weak because it tells us that “baseball is a popular sport”, but the rest of the paragraph tells us how baseball is played. A stronger topic sentence would tell us, the readers that the paragraph is going to describe how baseball is played. Here is a stronger topic sentence.
Baseball, a popular game in the United States, is played in the following way. Now the reader knows that the paragraph will describe how baseball is played instead of where it is played or who plays it, or why it is popular.
Read the following paragraphs. The topic sentences are underlined. If the topic sentence is weak, rewrite it in the space provided.

1. Even though the procedures followed to enroll in an American university vary according to each university, some steps are the same. First, you should contact the registration office of the university you want to attend to get the necessary forms and information concerning that particular university's entrance requirements. Then you must follow the steps outlined in their response. You will probably have to send copies of your high school diploma, get letters of recommendation, and write an essay on why you want to study there. You may have to achieve a certain score on the TOEFL test and have your scores forwarded to the university. Finally, you will have to contact the American embassy to start the procedures to obtain a student visa.
 

2. I like to go to the beach whenever I have the opportunity. I start the day by enjoying a refreshing swim. Then I walk along the beach and collect shells. Later you'll find me relaxing in the warm sunshine and making sand castles. Then I sleep for a while before I open the basket of food and drinks that I always pack to take.
 

3. Many students cannot afford a car. The city bus service usually passes the university, so those students can get to class on the bus. Many universities have a special shuttle bus that is provided for student transportation. Some students like to ride to class on bicycles. This is good exercise. Also, it is easier to find a space to leave a bicycle than to find a parking space for a car on a crowded university campus. Those students who live close to campus or on campus can enjoy a leisurely walk to their classes.
 

Exercise W3
Writing topic sentences
The following paragraphs consist of supporting ideas. Read each paragraph and ask yourself what is being discussed or described (the topic) and how the topic is approached (the controlling idea). Then write a topic sentence for each paragraph.

1.

Pictures or posters on the wall make a dormitory room feel more like home. A rug on the floor beside the bed is a nice addition to an otherwise cold and hard floor. Besides textbooks, favorite books from home on the bookshelf and a photograph or two of the family on the desk also add a comforting touch to the impersonal dormitory room.

2.

The white pages of an American telephone book give the phone numbers of residences. The blue pages contain the numbers of government offices, and the yellow pages have advertisements and business numbers. There are maps as well as indexes at the back of the book. The telephone books of larger cities may provide separate books for different sections of the city, while those of small towns may have room to include the numbers from several towns all in one book.

3.

First, the fast-food restaurant is good for people who must have a quick bite because of a busy schedule. Second, the food is inexpensive yet tasty. A person can eat an enjoyable meal out and stay within a limited budget. Finally, the food is usually consistent. For example, a cheeseburger from a well-known fast-food restaurant looks and tastes about the same no matter where in the world it is purchased. Consequently, buyers know exactly what they are getting.

PRACTICE WITH SUPPORTING IDEAS
Your topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph will be about. The ideas stated in the rest of the paragraph should all refer to the given topic and the controlling idea. Look at the following example.

There are many ways to eat peanut butter. You can spread it on a slice of bread like butter, or you can make it into a sandwich with jam. Peanut butter can be a major ingredient of very tasty cookies as well as cakes and candies. It is delicious in ice cream. Peanut butter was invented by George Washington Carver. My favorite way to eat peanut butter is to lick it off a spoon.

Our topic sentence tells the reader that we are discussing peanut butter. The controlling idea is “ways of eating it.” All of the sentences should be about ways of eating peanut butter. Are they? No. The sentence “Peanut butter was invented by George Washington Carver” does not refer to ways of eating peanut butter.

Exercise W4
Checking supporting ideas
Look at the following outlines. Circle the letter of the idea that does not support the topic.
1.¢ñ. Ways to get rid of hiccups
A. breathe into a paper bag
B. hold your breath to the count of 10
C. have someone frighten you
D. make an appointment with your doctor
2.¢ñ. Steps for planning a trip
A. purchasing a map
B. working late
C. making an itinerary
D. reserving a ticket
3.¢ñ. Reasons for car accidents
A. fast driving
B. drinking and driving
C. not following traffic regulations
D. giving signals
4.¢ñ. Advantages off small apartments
A. good school facilities
B. easy to clean
C. cheaper to furnish
D. relatively inexpensive
5.¢ñ. Characteristics of a good restaurant
A. efficient waiters
B. tasty food
C. jacket and tie required
D. pleasant atmosphere

Exercise W5
Checking paragraphs for supporting ideas
Read these paragraphs and cross out the one idea that doesn't support the topic sentence.
1. Working at a part-time job while studying at a university has many advantages. If students can get a job in their area of study, they are gaining valuable experience and putting their knowledge to use immediately. The extra money they can earn will be useful for meeting tuition fees and enjoying university activities. Also, they will have the personal satisfaction of having contributed to their own education. Students who need extra money can hold down a full-time temporary job during their summer vacation.
2. Hobbies are important for many reasons. First, a hobby can be educational. For example, if the hobby is stamp collecting, the person can learn about the countries of the world and even some of their history. Second, engaging in the hobby can lead to meeting other people with the same interests. A person can also meet other people by going to parties. Third, a person's free time is being used in a positive way. The person has no time to be bored or get into mischief while engaged in the hobby. Finally, some hobbies can lead to a future job. A person who enjoys a hobby-related job is more satisfied with life.
3. There are several features of spoken English that make it difficult for me to understand. First, many words are not pronounced as they are spelled, so when I learn new words through reading, I sometimes don't understand them when they are spoken. Second, native speakers contract words and phrases. “What are you doing?” becomes “Whacha doin'?” In my opinion, people should write clearly. Third, native speakers have a wide range of accents. A British accent is very different from a Texas one. Fourth, there are lots of idioms and slang expressions. These expressions also differ depending on the area a speaker is from. Finally, there are sounds that don't exist in my language but do exist in English and vice versa. These sounds are difficult for me to distinguish.

Exercise W6
Writing supporting ideas
Use the topic sentences that you wrote for Exercise W1. Outline four supporting ideas.
Example catching colds
¢ñ. People can avoid catching a cold by taking certain precautions.
A. avoid people with colds
B. get plenty of sleep
C. eat nutritious food
D. take vitamin C

1. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

2. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

3. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

5. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

6. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

7. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

8. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

9. ¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

10.¢ñ.
A.
B.
C.
D.

Exercise W7
Writing supporting ideas in a paragraph
On your own paper, write out the paragraphs you outlined in Exercise W6 by expanding your supporting ideas into complete sentences.
Example
Catching Colds
People can avoid catching a cold by taking certain precautions. Perhaps the most important precaution is to avoid people who already have colds so that you are not exposed to cold germs. You should also get plenty of sleep so that your resistance is strong. Eating nutritious food will ensure that you have the vitamins that can help fight cold germs. Finally, you could try taking vitamin C supplements, which may help prevent your catching a cold.

Extended practice: Use the sample outlines in the Answer Key for Exercise W6 to practice writing more paragraphs.

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Connective words or phrases can be used point out the thought relationship between sentences. Here is a list of some commonly used connectives:
1) ±íʾÁоٻò´ÎÐò£ºfirst, firstly, first of all, above all, to begin with, in the first place, for one thing; second, secondly, in the second place, for another; finally, last but not least
2) ±íʾµÝ½ø£ºbesides, plus, moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally, more important, most important
3) ±íʾ¾ÙÀý£ºfor example, for instance, as an example, as an illustration, to illustrate, such as(½é)…
4) ±íʾ¶Ô±È£ºsimilarly, likewise, in the same way, equally important; on the contrary, conversely, in contrast, by contrast, on the other hand, otherwise, whereas£¨Á¬£©
5) ±íʾÈò½£ºthough/although£¨Á¬£©, even though£¨Á¬£©, in spite of£¨½é£©, despite£¨½é£©, it is true that£¨Á¬£©, admittedly,
6) ±íʾתÕÛ£ºbut, yet, however, nevertheless, instead
7) ±íʾԭÒò£ºbecause£¨Á¬£©, as£¨Á¬£©, since£¨Á¬£©, for£¨Á¬£©, because of£¨½é£©, owing to£¨½é£©, due to£¨½é£©, on account of£¨½é£©, as a result of£¨½é£©
8) ±íʾ½á¹û£ºso£¨Á¬£©, thus, consequently, hence, therefore, accordingly, as a result, as a consequence, on that account
9) ±íʾǿµ÷£ºin fact, actually, indeed, certainly, chiefly, especially, particularly,
10) ±íʾ×ܽ᣺in conclusion, in short, in brief, in summary, on the whole, to sum up, to conclude

Exercises
1. Choose proper connective expressions from the list given below to fill in the blanks in the following paragraphs:
although but instead then first (of all)
second third fourth finally furthermore
consequently once sometimes at other times in contrast
for example in addition

1) European universities and universities in the United States are different in many ways. , European students enroll in fewer courses each term than United States students do. , European students seldom live at a university. , they live at home and travel to classes. , most European courses are given by professors who lecture to their classes. , United States professors often ask their students questions or allow their students to form discussion groups. , European professors ask students to write fewer papers than United States professors do. , European students’ final examinations are usually oral, whereas American students take written final examinations. , a European university is mainly a place to study. At most United States universities, social activities take up a large part of the students’ time.

2) Perhaps the most unforgettable person I have ever met is 2Prof. Smith who taught us philosophy at university. I last met him eight years ago, I still remember his special qualities most distinctively. , I was impressed by his devotion to teaching. Because his lectures were always well-prepared and clearly delivered, students swarmed into his classroom. His followers appreciate the fact that he believed in what he taught and that he was intellectually stimulating. , he could be counted on to explain his ideas in an imaginative way, introducing such aids to understanding as paintings, recordings, pieces of sculpture and guest lecturers. He even sang a song in class to illustrate a point. , I admired the fact that he would meet with students outside of the classroom or talk to them on the telephone. He would challenge a student to a game of chess. , he would join groups to discuss subjects ranging from astronomy to pop music. , I was attracted by his lively wit. He believed that no class hour is a success unless the students and the professor share several chuckles and at least one loud laugh. Through his sense of humor, he made learning more enjoyable and more lasting. If it is true that life makes a wise man smile and a foolish man cry, Prof. Smith is truly a wise man.

2. Now fill in the blanks with coordinating conjunctions or conjunctive adverbs:
My friend Jones is not a practical person. One evening, when he was driving along a main road, he suddenly had a flat tyre. He was very worried, he did not have a spare wheel in the back of his car. He had to ask for help, he waved to passing cars and lorries. Dozens of cars and lorries passed, not one of them stopped. He had covered only a hundred miles or so, he still had more than three hundred miles to go. It was getting darker and darker, he was almost in despair. He waved for an hour. At last, he waved to a car just like his own. To his surprise, the car actually stopped a well-dressed young woman got out. Jones was disappointed. How could a person like this possibly help him? The lady, , offered him her own spare wheel, Jones had to explain that he had never changed a car in his life. She set to work at once fitted the wheel in a few minutes while Jones looked on in admiration.

3. Rewrite the following passage by adding connective words where necessary. Many structures will have to be changed and you will probably not keep the same number of sentences. Here are some of the connective words you may find useful:
then however the only result
and but although
when yet so
That’s how instead
Television was invented by John Logie Baird. When he was young he built an aeroplane. He tried to fly in it. It crashed down below. Baird was fortunate not to be killed. It did not discourage him. When he was older he tried to make diamonds from coal. There was an enormous explosion. He was not injured. He became a businessman. His business failed. He thought of working at television. His family advised him not to. He did not listen to them. He rented an attic. He bought the apparatus he needed. He started working. He worked for a long time. He was not successful. One day he saw a picture on his screen. He rushed out to get someone he could “televise”. He found an office boy. He took him back to his room. No image of the boy appeared on his screen. The boy, terrified, had put his head down. He put it up again. His picture appeared on the screen. Television had been discovered.

4. Combining sentences with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns
In the United Stated there is a belief. It goes that people are rewarded for working, producing, and achieving. Many people believe that there is equality of opportunity. It allows anyone to become successful. This belief is illustrated by stories written by a nineteenth-century American novelist, Horatio Alger. He wrote about the “American Dream”. In his stories he described poor people. They became rich because of their hard work, honesty, and luck. The stories reinforced the idea. The idea is that all individuals, no matter how poor, were capable of becoming wealthy as long as they were honest and hard-working. For many Americans, however, Horatio Alger’s “rags-to-riches” stories do not represent the reality of opportunity. Many poor immigrants were able to become rich. They came to the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Today, however, the poor generally do not rise to the middle and upper classes. That is why the “American Dream” is now described as a myth.

5. Rewrite the passage to make it book more natural. This will mean adding or removing words and putting some of the sentences together.
1. There were once a dog and a cat sitting by a kitchen door. The cook came out and threw several pieces of meat to them. They both sprang to get the meat. The dog was the stronger. He ate it all himself.
2. This was selfishness. By this I mean that the dog cared only for himself. Was this wrong? No, the dog knew no better.
3. Men are different from dogs. They follow a different rule of conduct. How miserable we should all be! Every person were to care only for himself. We ought to be thankful. We have a higher nature than that of beasts. We are able to see and feel the duty of being kind and affectionate to one another. We can see and feel this duty. We ought to be very careful always to observe it.