Stating Reasons and Using Examples

Stating Reasons and Using Examples When you write a topic sentence, it is important that you support it with good reasons and specific examples.

Living in Big Cities Unlike many people, I prefer to live in big cities for three reasons. First of all, social life in big cities is active. For example, I can communicate with different people from different cultures. Second, big cities have a lot of facilities which make life easier. For instance, it is easy to find hospitals, go to universities, schools and government offices. Third, living in big cities is very helpful and useful, especially in finding jobs. This is because there are a lot of companies that require employees. To conclude, living in big cities is beneficial in having perfect social life, enjoying good facilities and finding good jobs. Take 15 seconds to read this paragraph on Sharks

Using Specific Examples Effective examples help readers understand what you mean. They have the following features: They are specific. They relate clearly to the controlling idea. They do not simply restate the topic sentence.

My mother is a good neighbour. 1.1 She always invites people from our nieghborhood for dinner. 1.2 She always helps our neighbours by looking after their children when their parents are away. 1.3 She enjoys gardening. 1.4 She is a wonderful person to live around.

___ a. There are many clubs and organizations that students can join. Activity 1: Select the examples that specifically relate to the following topic sentence: 1. Our school gives many opportunities to students. ___ a. There are many clubs and organizations that students can join. ___ b. The school tries to help students. ___ c. The school has a career counselling centre that offer students advice and workshops.

Activity 1: Select the examples that specifically relate to the following topic sentence: 2. The world is becoming smaller. ___ a. For instance, it is easy to see that many things are changing the world. ___ b. For instance, new forms of communication such as Skype and smart forms make it easy for people from different countries to work together on projects. ___ c. For instance, different transport means allow people to travel anywhere in the world within a short time.

2. Cell phones are useful. 3. I am a busy person. Activity 2: Write one specific example for each of the following topic sentences 1. My high school years were the best years in my life. Example________________________________________________ 2. Cell phones are useful. 3. I am a busy person. Example__________________________________

See Textbook Page 126

Activity 2: Complete following paragraph providing reasons and examples: The best way to meet new friends is to take a class. First of all, people in the class always have something in common. For example, they all want to learn about the subject, so there is something to talk about._______________________________________________________________________________. By the end of the class, it is hard not to know your classmates.

The best way to meet new friends is to take a class The best way to meet new friends is to take a class. First of all, people in the class always have something in common. For example, they all want to learn about the subject, so there is something to talk about. Second, everyone sees each other every time the class meets. For instance, in my linguistics class, I see my classmates three times a week. Thus, there are many opportunities to get to know each other, such as during class, in the cafeteria or on our way home. Third, there are often class activities, for example, group discussions or group projects, which are often the best way to get to know people. By the end of the class, it is hard not to know your classmates.

A complete sentence must follow these transitions. Transitions Signals with Reasons   Pattern 1 First of all, ________ Second of all, _____ First, ___________ Second, _________ First of all, university study is very costly. Third, traffic laws are not enforced on offenders. Note Punctuation A complete sentence must follow these transitions.

Transitions Signals with Reasons Pattern 2 The first reason is ___________________ The second reason is _________________ The first reason is its excellent transportation system The second reason is London’s natural parks. The third reason is that London has many beautiful natural areas. The final reason is that tourists often find people friendly and cooperative. Note Punctuation Note: You can complete this pattern with either (1) noun phrase or (2) that clause

Note: A complete sentence must follow these signals. Transitions Signals with Examples Pattern 1 For example, _____________________ For instance, _____________________ For example, a tourist can spend less than $100 per day on food and accommodation. For instance, getting a tourist visa is not very difficult. For example, a tourist visa. For instance, friendly people. Note Punctuation Note: A complete sentence must follow these signals.

Note: You can complete this pattern with (+ nouns) Transitions Signals with Examples Pattern 2 __________, for example, _______________ __________, for instance, _______________ __________, such as ___________________ Visitors can see ancient places, for example, the pyramids and Saladin Citadel. Visitors often visit its beautiful islands, for instance, Phillip island. We often stayed at nice but inexpensive hotels, such as the Old Jamison Hotel. Note Punctuation Note: You can complete this pattern with (+ nouns)

See textbook Page 132-133

Topic Sentences:  Each day the doctors and nurses in the emergency room see patients with many different problems. Each organ in the body is necessary.  Examples They see broken arms, sprained ankles, and twisted thumbs. People come into the emergency room with slight headaches or with serious illnesses. The lungs help a person to breathe. The heart pumps the blood and the kidneys clean the blood. Once in a while, parents bring their children in because they have eaten crayons, pennies or buttons. The muscles help a person to move.  Concluding Sentence  Each part of the body has an important job to do. A doctor never knows what will happen in the emergency room.